New experience.

[Chris1980]

Hi folks looking a few tips.

My 1st winter league match is this saturday and its a pairs matchplay format. Never played this way competitively
and never played with my new partner only in a saturday fourball. Looking any helpful tips and advice.

Thanks in advice.
Chris.

 

[chris661]

I would say don't worry about it too much it's only a game! Having said that talk to your partner and on the likes of long par 4's and par 5's if one is playing it safe and in good position then the other can have a bash and be a bit more aggressive. The key in these type of comps is to ALWAYS have one in the hole, never gift your opponents an easy hole.

 

[Chris1980]

Thanks chris. Much appreciated.

 

[Smiffy]

I always prefer the more experienced, steadier player to tee off 2nd. That way, if the less experienced guy happens to cock up off the tee, you have the better player in reserve to hopefully knock a decent drive down the middle and keep you in the hole.
Nothing worse than the better player going first and cocking up which in turn puts added pressure on the "not so gifted" one having to pull out a career best drive or shot when he's not really used to the pressure.

 

[chrisd]

I have played with my partner in this format for 12 years now. I am now the lower handicap (11) he has gone from 9 to 17 (he cant get on with the short game).

I always tee first and he reacts to my shot - no I dont mean throw a tantrum! A good shot from me and he plays aggresive and vice versa. I always try and get a putt even if its not going to count, to keep the rhythm going and one of you can try for the half before the other goes for the win, this tends to free up the putt as there is less pressure with the half already secured

Remember the scores, its so easy to forget the match score in the heat of battle. Your never out of the hole until its lost, always think that you and your oponents will hole the next shot, however unlikely, then you dont feel down if they do. I always find that a reasonable understanding of the rules is good too, its amazing what nonsense some opponents spout. I had one tw*t tell me that was out of the hole because I had played out of turn! That was in a semi final

Main thing - enjoy it and relax

Chris

 

[thecraw]

Just enjoy it!

 

[DavePhoenix]

I always prefer the more experienced, steadier player to tee off 2nd. That way, if the less experienced guy happens to cock up off the tee, you have the better player in reserve to hopefully knock a decent drive down the middle and keep you in the hole.
Nothing worse than the better player going first and cocking up which in turn puts added pressure on the "not so gifted" one having to pull out a career best drive or shot when he's not really used to the pressure.

Excellent point well made! I play with my dad and always let him tee off first as he is off more than me. Means if he puts one on the short stuff i can open my shoulders up a bit!