My club is having a 'match play' tournament later this week. Any suggestions on strategy. Thanks.?

Question

I'll be matched with 31 other golfers with a similiar handicap--12 to 18. The tourament will last 3 to 4 weeks. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

There is no reason to ever play overly aggressive in match play. Golfers in the 12-18 range tend to blow up. Don't be that guy. Forget the birdies - you don't need them in match play with handicaps of 12-18. Pars will win.

If you have a big drive, use it. Don't hit 3 woods when you would normally hit driver. It's better to be hitting first off the tee and second from the fairways. Keep your drive in play - don't make it easier for your opponent.

Always follow the correct order of play. Don't ever finish your putts until it's your turn - wait to see what you need. Make your opponent putt a few short ones at some point - don't give him all the 1-2 footers. At some point, he may miss one and that will likely get in his head.

And finally, I've always done better when I'm a little more serious. I'd rather get the other guy talking to himself rather than to me. I don't want him relaxed.

Answer 2

Not sure about all tournaments doing that, however, in The Masters Series, when gets down to Final 8, quarters, perhaps do a round robin format, as in season ending championships, to determine the best of the final 8 left. Sometimes a player would benefit from playing a different opponent, and when losing for the match, possibly could have won playing another player. When one loses, doesnt mean they actually played badly, but instead was out played by their opponent. Would be an interesting scenario.

Answer 3

I think you need to be both aggressive and conservative. Be aggressive if you're tied or playing from behind. Be conservative with the lead. For example, if your opponent hits his drive into trouble, pull out your 3 wood and play it safe (that goes for any situation, ahead or behind).

Play your game based on what your opponent does. When your opponent lays up on a par 5, you do the same. You want to match your opponent shot for shot, and let him make the mistake. Of course, you could be aggressive and hit Driver on every par 4 and go for birdies, but that is not always the best strategy. Especially if you're struggling with driving the ball. Play to your strengths and don't be too aggressive, unless you are playing from behind. Then you will need to pull all the stops and go for it.

You want to minimize the possibility of losing any given hole. At the same time you want to be aggressive and make birdies. That is how you win against more skilled and accurate players. So a balance of both aggressive and conservative, based on the situation, is the best strategy IMO.

Answer 4

Yes have your answer right here, play the course to the best of your ability, par or better.

Do not worry about the others in your group or who you may be paired with depending on tourney format.

Be calm, remain focused, play the shots you know how to play, don't try to impress anyone, play your game.

And if all this doesn't work out for you, you can try and go to your happy place when you begin to get fustrated.

High energy snacks, keep your mind sharp so you'll need energy to do this, and stay hydrated.

Good luck dude

Answer 5

Just dont 3-putt. In that handicap range, when the format is match play, the person who 3-putts the least should win any given individual match. Simple as that.

Answer 6

I would say to be aggressive if you are even or losing to your opponent and conservative if you are in the lead. You just need as many birdies as you can get so play smart. Hit the ball in the fairway and don't just try to get more power. Work on lots of short game.

Answer 7

acctually I don't have any suggestions on strategy because i'm not a golfer.. but i want to give you some advise.. first you must be confident with your own talent.. don't judge a book by it's cover.. maybe you feel the other golfers are better than you, but you must try your best and think positive about your club. then you must be full of high spirits and take one of the best golf player to be your idol.. and try to follow their attitude when they was playing.. lastly, please pray to God.. k

Answer 8

Surely there is an older more experienced golfer at your club who can tutor you. Maybe give you an good plan of attack?

Answer 9

Play each hole independently of the others. Don't worry if you have a bad hole. Match play is not like stroke play, it is more competitive and I generally play more aggressive. I play each hole to birdie it and forget about the bogies.

Answer 10

4get u r playing match play!!!! just go out and play your game. Cos when we play golf...we r always playing ourselves 100./. of the time. Good Luck!