Match Play Strategy Advice

[GoStars]

Have my club championship this weekend, and I wanted to hear your match play strategy thoughts. I'm not totally new to the format, having played in this the last two years, last year winning my flight. Last year I played in the last flight off a 22 hdcp, mostly avaunt older opponents against whom I had a tremendous length advantage ( on a short par 70 course).

 

This year I'm playing off a 17.8 hdcp and expect the competition to be younger and much tougher. Now recently I have been playing pretty well, twice shooting my personal best in the last month ( but I've also shot over 100 as well). My typical card these days includes four or five pars, but also five or so doubles, maybe a triple bogey or two.

 

I'm reasonably long (generally hit one drive of 300 yd, but my distance is pretty variable) but probably hit about 45% of fairways. My basic decision is do I try to use my length to gain an advantage and risk being out of holes, or play back (more hybrids/5W... I'm not a great 3W player. I have a decent short game for my handicap, am a pretty good chipper and putter, and lately I haven't made a lot of long puts, but have been lagging very effectively.

 

How do you approach match play... In play at all costs or more aggressively?

 

Appreciate your thoughts.

[poppyhillsguy]

I find myself lagging putts a lot more in match play to put pressure on opponents to make or to secure a win of a hole.

[bignose]

I think that it can't be simply 'be conservative' or 'be aggressive'. There are times when you need to do both.

If you are second to tee off, and your opponent just put one in the water or deep in the woods, you use that hybrid, get in the fairway, and play for par or even bogey. Because you know he'll struggle to even bogey the hole. If you are 2 holes back, you need to start playing for pars and birdies, as much as they may increase the chances of doubles or triples, because you need to be making up ground.

Maybe most importantly is to know your course, your abilities, and be realistic about your game that day. I.e. if you are hitting 'em wild, then check the ego and hit that hybrid to get the ball in the fairway. If you are striking it pure, go driver all the way and put pressure on the opponent. If there is a hole that gets you in trouble, play conservatively to avoid the trouble at all cost. If there is a hole that you do really well at, be aggressive.

On short holes, don't feel a need to hit driver, if you can hit hybrid then mid-iron. Etc. Etc.

I suspect you know all this, just need to think it through. And try not to get caught up in the emotion on the course, as much as possible.

[djgustafson]

[quote name='poppyhillsguy' timestamp='1314067121' post='3511452']
I find myself lagging putts a lot more in match play to put pressure on opponents to make or to secure a win of a hole.
[/quote]

I absolutely agree with this. If you get off to a good start and put the pressure solely on your opponents, you should have a good chance. Good luck

[jewofgolf]

Really, you just need to play your game, to your strengths, and do the appropriate thing at the right time. If your opponent hits it OB and you are uncomfortable on the tee shot, play conservatively. Otherwise, use your length to your advantage. Do what you normally do and try to make putts. Stick to your plan and stay focused. Win holes. Simple!