Best time to play monthly medal?

[Ferrins]

Firstly I have only played about 20 of them. Initially started at the end of the field so had I could hit some range balls and have a few chips and putts, got a bit tedious out on the course though with a few 5 hour + rounds. Then read about 9am being the optimum time but could never get that spot or near it because of all the regular groups or a two tee start. This Saturday will have another crack at dawn patrol with a 6.36am at Bribie. Played a few early rounds at Tasmania GC WhenI was a member there. The rounds are quicker and it's handy to get a read off the dew on the green but my round tends to suffer from early wayward shots that get me in the long wet grass and I struggle.
What works for you? Do you have a preference? I guess for some of you your decision is family or worked biased.

[BrisWesty]

As early as possible. While it can get slow after the first 9 (groups go off 1 & 10 at Caboolture), I'd rather finish in 4.5 hours and spend the rest of the day with family than spend 5.5 hours during the hotter part of the day.

PS, that opinion would change if the grass is crunching underfoot due to frost.

[WBennett]

1115 ish. Start of the afternoon field. Front nine may be slow but you can fly through the back

[Hatchman]

mid to late morning groups (let the others kick the dew/frost off) or early afternoon slots are the best times for your game.

[mike]

I like to play ours on the first Saturday of the month.

[Ferrins]

That's why I have kept missing them over the years gets me every time.

[markTHEblake]

Early morning Dew, late afternoon wind, probably counts for the same

[WBennett]

Give me an afternoon breeze over teeing off in -4 every day.

[Dotty]

Usually play at 7am, but treat myself to 8-8.30 start, if I want to play a solid round. The extra 30mins at home and extra 30 mins short game practice helps, esp. in the cooler months.

Preferably start on 10th, for variety, get a good score for the countback and play 1-5 warmed up for a change.

[jimandr]

I like to play ours on the first Saturday of the month.

You should play the Midweek Medal instead.

Actually, when the first weekend of the month is a long weekend, many courses play their medal the next week.

Personally, I don't understand the attraction of the medal, and of stroke play in general, but if I'm playing one, I'm with WB. If there is a two tee start, first group of the afternoon field is the way to go.

[WBennett]

You should play the Midweek Medal instead.

Actually, when the first weekend of the month is a long weekend, many courses play their medal the next week.

Personally, I don't understand the attraction of the medal, and of stroke play in general, but if I'm playing one, I'm with WB. If there is a two tee start, first group of the afternoon field is the way to go.

I didn't used to like Medal, but now its my favourite round of the month. I'm now at a mark where I have to play well for 18 holes to get near my handicap. One bad hole early makes it nigh on impossible to win.

Medal also means free food and a members draw post round, so I get home late. And semi-intoxicated

[davepuppies]

Mid morning for me regardless of type of event.

Too early too cold in winter, would rather be a bit more loose and contend with afternoon slow field and wind than penguins ice skating next to me on the first green.

[virge666]

As early as possible. While it can get slow after the first 9 (groups go off 1 & 10 at Caboolture), I'd rather finish in 4.5 hours and spend the rest of the day with family than spend 5.5 hours during the hotter part of the day.

PS, that opinion would change if the grass is crunching underfoot due to frost.

^^^^^^^^^

This !

Plus the greens will be mint !

[BenM]

Yeah I prefer morning ish (8:30 or so) but in winter that's too early especially in the frost.

Have been playing late morning/early arvo and the greens are rooted by the time we finish from all the traffic.

[3oneday]

After about 3 schooners.

[KristianJ]

I'd prefer early as well, although this time of year it's more of a case of when free spots come up on the time sheet because of the last tee time being just after midday.

That said, with Richmond not being an overly long course, it's not a tremendously arduous slog.

And there's the minimum temp factor. Friday comp would have been fun this morning with -3!

[billp]

I'm off at 6.33 in the morning for mine. I take the dogs for a run before hand which warms me up.

[AndyP]

Family based time for me, but if I had a choice it would be as early as possible, although losing shots to the dew is annoying. I usually aim for about 7am, but play almost last in the afternoons a lot because of other commitments.

[WBennett]

After about 3 schooners.

This. And accompanied by a few cans on the way around.

[Monsta]

1115 ish. Start of the afternoon field. Front nine may be slow but you can fly through the back

We are normally 1st group off in the afternoon, we can finish in 4 hours or under...... and Spud cant keep up with us

[WBennett]

We are normally 1st group off in the afternoon, we can finish in 4 hours or under...... and Spud cant keep up with us

I blame my playing partners. We finish a hole or so behind you, but two in front of the group behind!

[Waggle]

Early and January. I've won the last 3 January medals. Love the extra run!

[Waggle]

and smaller fields

[Matt1979]

Usually aim for the first group - get away early & then have the rest of the day with family. Although this time of year it gets a bit tough with typical Melbourne weather & not always that light when we hit off. Can't wait until summer though!!

[Matt1979]

Usually aim for the first group - get away early & then have the rest of the day with family. Although this time of year it gets a bit tough with typical Melbourne weather & not always that light when we hit off. Can't wait until summer though!!