I played my first match in on the Open side of the match play events at Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. It was a head to head battle against one of, if not the, best player at my home course. Len is a great player who hits the ball very long, has a great touch around the green and is a strong putter. I had my work cut out for me if I was going to have any chance of winning this match. We decided to play the ball down and as a result, both of us found some very difficult lies as the round progressed. Regardless, it was the same for both of us and as such the fairest way to play our round. As it turned out, this match was a seesaw battle without a storybook ending.
Continue readingmatch play strategy
Another Successful Step Towards Being The Club Champion
Yesterday, I played my second match in the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort’s Club Championship. This is fourth year I organized and ran this event for my home course and I am happy to say I snuck through to the third round. My tough opponent, JC, was not going to make it easy for me and right from our first tee shots the match was a back and forth battle. The best part of our round is that it was just fun. JC is a great golfer and even better playing partner. It was the total package of fun and excitement.
Continue readingPlaying Your Best Game Of Golf
Every once in awhile, we hit the links and from the first tee shot our game is dialed in. That is what happened to me yesterday. I played my first match play game in the Club Championship tournament against the current club champion, Misha. Right from the beginning, I was on fire and I ended up playing the best game of the year. Unfortunately, Misha did not have his best game and the outcome reversed from last year. I always wonder why from one day to the next how my game can change. I think I know why yesterday I was successful, but there is definitely a larger picture on this topic.
Continue readingNever Giving Up In A Golf Match
It is impossible to determine the outcome of two equally matched golfers. The slightest error or bad bounce could determine the end results. During a Match Play format, there are 18 mini matches rolled into one larger event that will determine the winner. Have a poor hole, well, forget it because it is only 5.5% of the total score. Therefore, it is important to never stop playing because you will neve know what will happen or what fortunes may be hiding around the corner. I found that out yesterday in my match against Scott. The result of the match was determined until the last hole!
Continue readingNuance of Match Play Golf
Match Play format is a unique one on one or team on team competition that has far more strategy than amateur players can imagine. It is not focused on playing our own game like stroke play, match play offers the opportunity to apply greater pressure to your opponent using the ‘concession’ rule. Basically, a player can concede the hole at any time during that hole and move on to the next. There are many reasons for conceding a hole and strategy is definitely one of them.
Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 