Would you give up home "advantage"

[Smiffy]

to play a match on a course that's in better condition???

I've been drawn at "home" to a guy from Lamberhurst GC (Kent) in the 1st round of the Volvo knockouts. My home club is Boars Head. As some of you know, I've only joined this 9 holer as a cheap way to keep my handicap active.
But to be honest, it's a bit of a dump, not the sort of course that you would invite somebody down for a decent round of golf.
My opponent has never set foot on my course, he hadn't even heard of it. But I've played Lamberhurst many times in the past, I know it well. In fact, I've played it more times than my "home" club and it's always in good condition.
So do I give up the slight advantage that I "might" have for the guarantee of a course in good shape?
Has any "advantage" he might have had diminished due to the fact that I know his course quite well?

 

[HRC99]

I wouldn't give up home advantage for better condition. I'd only give it up for the chance to play a really good track.

 

[Smiffy]

I wouldn't give up home advantage for better condition. I'd only give it up for the chance to play a really good track.

Appreciate what you are saying. Lamberhurst is no "Wentworth" but it's always in good shape.
I'm just wondering if his home "advantage" has been diminished slightly by token of the fact that I have played there a good number of times in the past.
Sure, if I'd never clapped eyes on his course I can see that his advantage is clear. But I know the course well enough to know where all the trouble is, the best way to play each of the 18 holes etc.
So his advantage isn't quite so clear cut is it?

 

[CrapHacker]

Personally I'd prefer to play on a golf course if at all possible.

 

[CrapHacker]

My home club is Boars Head ... it's a bit of a dump.

This week, children, we will be learning about 'understatement'....

 

[bobmac]

Does he know your course better than you know his?
As the answer is no, play at home.
It doesn't really matter if he likes your course. Winning is the issue here and a chance to go on to play some better courses in later rounds.

 

[Smiffy]

Does he know your course better than you know his?

The thing is Bob, I know his course better than I know my own!!

 

[bobmac]

Does he know your course better than you know his?

The thing is Bob, I know his course better than I know my own!!

noooooooooooooo

The thing is he doesn't know your course at all

 

[chrisd]

I would switch as you know the course well and clearly you feel that the switch won't harm your chances

I was playing Lamberhurst on 9/11 and came off the course to see the twin towers burning, that round/day will be one I will always remember!


Chris

 

[Losttheplot]

Play at home smiffy.

Your course:
You know it well. He hasn't a clue where it is never mind how to play it.

His course:
You both know it well.


Advantage will be to play at home.
No brainer, even if your course is a sh**hole.

 

[Tiger]

I'm with Bob. He may know his course better than you whereas he won't have a clue about yours and may be deterred even more if your place is awful.

 

[Mongoose]

Depends what your motivations are Smiffy. If its winning is everythingg then play at home. If its about playing a nicer course and enjoying the round more, then play away.

 

[richart]

Depends what your motivations are Smiffy. If its winning is everythingg then play at home. If its about playing a nicer course and enjoying the round more, then play away.

I agree, so assume you will be playing at home.

 

[robbest3offthetee]

Smiffy,Sounds like your a little emmbarressed about inviting this guy to your place,If he does nt like it tough,get through to the next round,that what its all about,play well my friend.....

 

[HomerJSimpson]

See if he fancies a neutral venue like Lydd. I'd play at home no question. You've played enough times at Boars head to know your way round and he won't have much idea. Get through the first round, see how the draw pans out and then decide whether you want to try and go as far as you can (stick to home draws) or have a nice day out somewhere and take your chances

 

[goldenbare]

I know other local courses that I have played quite a few times suit my game better than ours with 6 tight par 3s. and being a muni is not always the best kept. If your confident Smiffy I would go for it.

 

[USER1999]

Confident, and smiffy in the same sentence.

Does not compute.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Confident, and smiffy in the same sentence.

Does not compute.

That's not strictly fair. Confident and Smiffy go together until he's hit the first shot

 

[viscount17]

stay at home. no matter how well you think you know his course when was the last time you played it? it may always be in good condition but it's been a bit dry lately, have you played it in these conditions?

matchplay Friday at my opponent's course, took me a while to 'dial in' his greens by which time I was a few down. OK won in the end but it was harder work.

 

[Smiffy]

Well, despite most the advice against it, I've decided to play at Lamberhurst.
I wanted to switch my home matches to Lindfield GC in Sussex as I've been playing a lot there recently and am seriously thinking of joining. I contacted HowdidIdo and they have allowed me to call Lindfield my "home" club, as long as I play all of my home games there, but Volvo wouldn't allow it. I have to play my home matches at my designated club and they wouldn't waiver from their decision.
Thanks for all your input.
Will let you know how I get on