Matchplay tips - Club Champs

[bergsey]

After 2 rounds of stroke i've qualified for the matchplay section of our club champs. Quarter and semi finals are this sunday (18 holes each) and final the Sunday after (36 holes).

I've never really seriously played matchplay... any tips?

Funnily enough i've drawn one of the guys that i play with every Saturday (i'll be giving up 5 shots). I'd say we are both inconsistent although my short game is probably a bit better.

Cheers

[PeteyD]

There was a lot of interesting stuff in a thread about playing pennants if you search for that.

[AndyP]

I like Speirsy's tips in the following thread:
http://www.ozgolf.net/showthread.php...Matchplay-tips

[Yossarian]

Pretend your playing me to get angry and focused. But actually win.

[bergsey]

Pretend your playing me to get angry and focused. But actually win.

i was too distracted by your good looks

[markTHEblake]

ve never really seriously played matchplay... any tips?

yes, hit more good shots than the other guy. usually works.

[Pieface]

Just play your game Bergsey. If you have to give him 5 strokes you have got the edge in consistency. If he hits a good shot don't worry about it. The #1 mistake I reckon I have seen from people giving me strokes is trying to do too much with their next shot after I hit a good one and finding trouble. You shouldn't have to be trying for any hero shots until well after the turn if you don't hand him holes with errant play.

Good luck mate. I really enjoy matchplay golf and I hope you have fun!

[sms316]

yes, hit more good shots than the other guy. usually works.

+1.

Don't make too much of it. Unless something really odd happens, try to score the lowest you can on each hole. You have no control over what the other guy does.

[LeftyHoges]

+1.

Don't make too much of it. Unless something really odd happens, try to score the lowest you can on each hole. You have no control over what the other guy does.

Yep, agreed. You can use his shot to guide yours (if he plays before you) but ultimately stick to your own game plan and hit shots that are in your comfort zone and repertoire. Play to your handicap and you'll win 75% (or more) of the time.

[bergsey]

Thanks guys good info. I play for the fun of it and probably should be more conservative off the tee etc.. probably too late to change now so will just play my normal game

[Johnny Canuck]

Kick ass Bergsey. Chances are, if you are giving up that many shots he is bound to gift you some holes. Keep it in play, play your own game and only try the high risk shot if you are already pretty much out of the hole.

Remember, you only need to win the hole by one stroke. No harm in lagging 10 footers.

[davepuppies]

when i play pennants i play for the safer option unless i 100% have to.... ie play to middle of greens, easy swing with driver, no hero shots

Unless your opponent has hit his second shot stiff (less than 3ft) i would always aim for GIR and 2 putt.

[bergsey]

Lost 3 down. Played below my handicap so not much more I could have done. At least holes were won with good scores! Bloody slow out there so in a way not that upset I'm not playing in the arvo

[BrisVegas]

bad luck bergsey.

[Pieface]

Hard luck Bergsey. Not much you can do if you play better than your 'cap and still go down. I hope you cursed him out as a dirty sandbagger after the loss