[Valdoyes]

I think mid to high handicappers should engage in match play almost exclusively. It is how the Scottish originally played. It takes a lot of pressure off of your disaster holes, since you only lose the one hole even if you never get the ball in the cup.

I rarely play a straight up match against my golfing buddies, though. We are always playing some type of skins game or pseudo-match format where we switch partners around...anything to keep it interesting and let the higher handicappers have a chance to win big. I love just going head-to-head with one opponent in match play, though.

[awagsFare]

I don't know how most match play points work, but our league is 2 pts. a hole, if you tie its 1 pt. each. 4 pts. for lowest score with handicap. And you get an extra point if you shoot par or better with your handicap. 23 possible points. I am currently in second place out of 16

[Jifyicyfuhpop]

I effing love match play. My favorite golfing buddy is pretty much evenly matched with me. He is a better ball striker and can outdrive me by like 50 yards, but my short game is superior. We've played a 9 hole matchplay twice in the past week or so, and we've gone to the 9th hole both times. He beat me 1 up the first time and I won 2 up today. I love playing with him.

[crazuMovies]

Yesterday a friend and I played a version of match play where every stroke you lose by on a hole the winner of the hole can take a club from your bag or take one of theirs back. We did this for only four holes. He beat me claiming my 7-iron at the end because of a bladed shot out of a bunker by me. He knocked his approach to 3 feet on the 2nd to last hole and missed the EASY birdie putt. I couldn't deliver on the very tough 9th hole. Note: The putter was exempt from being stolen. Yes, i got my 7-iron back after the round.

We plan to play this for a full round in the near future. I also want to play sometime where we play until someone has only their putter left regardless of how many holes it takes.

[Jifyicyfuhpop]

That's called battle golf Jack. At least that's what I've always called it. That's a ton of fun.

[sasaderesada]

Battle golf does sound fun. What about this variation: you start with only two clubs each (putter plus club of choice), and you can add another club every time you win a hole?

But re: match play, YES. I love playing matches. It forces so much more focus and creates pressure that is different than the kind you put on yourself to make a putt or keep a drive out of trouble. And, it promotes shot-making. I'll take chances in match play that I wouldn't otherwise, and pulling off those hero shots is why we all fell in love with golf in the first place, right?

[HonjUopu]

Great write up Esox. I play match play in the southern California golf association (scga) team play from January thru March and it is so much fun!

We play 4 ball ( 2 people on a team playing individual matches against 2 opponents and each teams best ball is also a match). There are 8 foursomes matches going on at once.

This year our team made it to the round of 16. To advance to that round my partner and I had to half the match on the last hole. We were all square thru 17. In the rain and the wind, we both ended up tying our opponents on the 18th to go on and win. I've never felt so much pressure on the course with 16 people are counting on you and it's just you vs one guy.

Anyway, for those of you that haven't played match play get out there and try it. And for those of you in Southern California ask your club if they participate in the team play(about 200 courses do).

[UJRonald]

That sounds like a hell of a match! I've been playing a few matches lately and it definitely brings out a different game. Much different strategy involved in the chances you take, and when you need to make a move. Always nice to win a few bucks too.

[Qualarrizab]

I allways try to set up match play at all times when playing.. Normally 5 quid on the front back and overall I think it makes you concentrate more.. I also enjoy skins nothing major maybe a euro a hole, I find once there's money on a game you allways concentrate more.

[grinaJanoDant]

Good match Esox, nothing like playing and being a part of a good golf match, congrats.
When I play with my buddy butch we play match and stroke. We find that it keeps you in the game for every shot. I think most of my matches are match play. I like it because each hole is like a separate game within itself