Doubles Matchplay Tips

Senna

I'm playing in the semis of our club matchplay, but neither of us have played much double matchplay and got to this stage with a little luck.
Anyone any tips on how to play doubles matchplay, I'm not looking of things like mind games etc, more-so how should I (we) use a playing partner to our advantage?

I know the long hitter should hit first and the more accurate driver hit second, but anything else like that?
Can I watch the line of my playing partners putt if I will have the same line next?

First Up

Senna wrote: »

I'm playing in the semis of our club matchplay, but neither of us have played much double matchplay and got to this stage with a little luck.
Anyone any tips on how to play doubles matchplay, I'm not looking of things like mind games etc, more-so how should I (we) use a playing partner to our advantage?

I know the long hitter should hit first and the more accurate driver hit second, but anything else like that?
Can I watch the line of my playing partners putt if I will have the same line next?

I assume you are playing better ball (fourball). I would disagree that the long hitter goes first. I think it best to get a ball in play first. You can play shots in any sequence you like, once it is your team's turn to play. For example you can take the shorter put first of you want, even if it is the longer put that has you "away". And yes you can watch lines.

Senna

Thanks yeah it is fourball. In our case my playing partner is a long hitter but can be erratic and I'm not the longest hitter, but If need be I can play a safe fade and pretty much guarantee to hit the fairway.

First Up

Senna wrote: »

Thanks yeah it is fourball. In our case my playing partner is a long hitter but can be erratic and I'm not the longest hitter, but If need be I can play a safe fade and pretty much guarantee to hit the fairway.

That's usually the best strategy. Unless you are super low handicaps, in match play most holes are lost by mistakes, rather than won by brilliance. Keep yours to a minimum and put pressure on the opposition.

kelbal

One thing that nearly caught me out in matchplay once was this: I was at my ball ready to play while our opponents were approaching theirs, which was marginally further out (on the other side of the green). For the sake of pace of play I said I'd go ahead, I was getting ready and my partner hissed at me to hold on - if I had hit, our opponents could have claimed the hole or asked me to play again (I can't remember which) because I played out of turn. Just as well, I holed out the pitch to win the hole:D So always make sure you're playing in correct order! Best of luck

eoghan104

What are your handicaps? I am in the final of our club fourball Matchplay on Saturday. I play off nine and my partner is a fairly new to golf 16.

The best tip I can give you is to take your time and work as a team over EVERY shot. Even a 30 yard chip onto the green, talk about it, visualise the shot, talk about it again and hit it. Read every putt together and be confident.

Momentum is everything in Matchplay try and put maximum pressure on and as said above try keep mistakes to a minimum, don't throw holes at the opposition.

What club is it? Best of luck and come back and let us know!

mag

make sure you take the pin out if youre holding it for your partner

GreeBo

First Up wrote: »

I assume you are playing better ball (fourball). I would disagree that the long hitter goes first. I think it best to get a ball in play first. You can play shots in any sequence you like, once it is your team's turn to play. For example you can take the shorter put first of you want, even if it is the longer put that has you "away". And yes you can watch lines.

Per 14-2/b Standing on an extension of your partners line while they play results in you both losing the hole in a match or you both getting a 2 stroke penalty in strokes.

30-3f/13 Partner Stands on Extension of Player’s Line of Play Behind Ball

kelbal

GreeBo wrote: »

Per 14-2/b Standing on an extension of your partners line while they play results in you both losing the hole in a match or you both getting a 2 stroke penalty in strokes.

30-3f/13 Partner Stands on Extension of Player’s Line of Play Behind Ball

But just to be clear - it is ok to read the putt together & help line it up, as long as the partner moves away to the side before the putt is hit

First Up

GreeBo wrote: »

Per 14-2/b Standing on an extension of your partners line while they play results in you both losing the hole in a match or you both getting a 2 stroke penalty in strokes.

30-3f/13 Partner Stands on Extension of Player’s Line of Play Behind Ball

Correct.

Webbs

eoghan104 wrote: »

The best tip I can give you is to take your time and work as a team over EVERY shot. Even a 30 yard chip onto the green, talk about it, visualise the shot, talk about it again and hit it. Read every putt together and be confident.

!

This is a personal thing. I am a fairly quick player in usually have mind made up approaching ball how I want to play it. Having discussions over everything would only put doubt in my mind which aint good.

I have played matchplay with people who want to be given the line etc and other times with guys who are happy to do it themselves.
I always think you should try to play as near to your own game as you can, and only ask for advice when unsure over something. But every pairing will be different.

First Up

Webbs wrote: »

This is a personal thing. I am a fairly quick player in usually have mind made up approaching ball how I want to play it. Having discussions over everything would only put doubt in my mind which aint good.

I have played matchplay with people who want to be given the line etc and other times with guys who are happy to do it themselves.
I always think you should try to play as near to your own game as you can, and only ask for advice when unsure over something. But every pairing will be different.

Agree too much chat is distracting but that doesn't mean potential benefits of a team approach should be passed up. Key thing is to "stay in the hole" and not try to outdo each other.

Possibly worst example of match play strategy was the time Hal Sutton paired Woods and Mickelson in the 2004 Ryder Cup. They effectively ignored each other and played as if it was a singles match. They lost to Harrington and Monty and set the tone for a European rout.

DuckSlice

kelbal wrote: »

But just to be clear - it is ok to read the putt together & help line it up, as long as the partner moves away to the side before the putt is hit

And you can literally just stand off his line of putt by one step as long as you are not directly behind it.

eoghan104

I agree it's a personal thing but think it is the wrong approach to take.

If you have a big difference in handicaps between the pair its criminal not to use the advice of the low man that is available in a fourball format.

stockdam

Usually the best strategy is for both players to always hit the fairway from the tee. If one is erractic then maybe club down to a 3 or 5 wood or even a rescue wood.

Keep the ball out of danger or hazards. Aim for the side of the green that is least protected and the side that if you miss makes the next shot easier. Sometimes laying up short is good if it minimises the risk. If there's little risk then fire for the flag.

So keep the ball in play and try not to eliminate yourself from the hole.