Singles matchplay.

tritriagain

I am playing my first singles match in 2 weeks and am looking for advice. What putts to give,do you use a scorecard, if I win/lose do you walk in at that home or do you finish 18. I'm quite nervous about it already. Any tips welcome.

ShriekingSheet

tritriagain wrote: »

I am playing my first singles match in 2 weeks and am looking for advice. What putts to give,do you use a scorecard, if I win/lose do you walk in at that home or do you finish 18. I'm quite nervous about it already. Any tips welcome.

Good question. A few simple things.

Give putts you think he's certain to hole. Generally speaking, most people give most putts inside 2 feet.

You don't need to keep a card, but it's good practice (especially if you're reasonably new to golf) to keep a card of the match for your own assurance, just so you are clear on the standing of the game. Another smart thing to do is to say to the guy every 3 or 4 holes "that's all square, yeah?" or whatever the score is. He may do it for you at times. Just don't leave it 9 holes before anyone comments on the score, and then there might be confusion.

It's acceptable to go in from wherever the match ends. Sometimes people play home, especially if it is sunny and/or the match has been good fun. If the opponent asks to play all the way in, it's usually good manners to do so.

Traditionally, you'd always have a drink / cup of tea with a guy after a match. This has become less mandatory with people being busy, clubhouses closing earlier etc, but I think it's a really good thing to do, especially in your home club with a fellow member.

Lastly, the best bit of advice I can give you, is not to listen to anyone who says you have to treat match play much differently to other games. Don't bother with gamesmanship, awkward silence as you play, changing your course strategy, not giving very short putts just to piss the guy off. Play it like you play with someone in a regular weekend comp. Just play better than him and win, and have a bit of craic doing it.

Handicap amateur guys who go in for aggressive/annoying gamesmanship type match play tend to just distract themselves as much as anyone else, and it's no fun.

Senna

Agree with all the above, just go out and enjoy the game. Every match I've played has been in good spirits and actually enjoyable, no mater win or lose, some people build it up to be a lot more important than it actually is.

Jawgap

tritriagain wrote: »

I am playing my first singles match in 2 weeks and am looking for advice. What putts to give,do you use a scorecard, if I win/lose do you walk in at that home or do you finish 18. I'm quite nervous about it already. Any tips welcome.

Don't be nervous! Matchplay is great!

My advice would be to have a quick read up on the rules of the comp - how is the handicap differential to be calculated and used? Generally, the lower handicap plays of scratch and gives shots on the holes equivalent to the difference - so if you're getting 3 shots you get them on index 1,2 & 3.

Have a think about the holes you are getting shots on and how you might play them - even go out and practice on them a bit.

Where to play from? The markers on the day or the 'stones' (medal markers). Also remember that order of play is important in matchplay.

Give the putts you think are fair - as above, anything inside 2 feet or a putter grip you might give - but sometimes people agree that nothing will be given - but I wouldn't suggest this unless the other player brings it up.

Keep a score card if you want, but you don't have to.

If the match is done before the 18th then head in or don't head in - there's no hard and fast rule.

I'd also avoid any gamesmanship (long silences, speeding up/slowing down, standing in the 'wrong' spot, etc) - it's not sporting, and just identifies you as a tw@t . I also wouldn't go changing my game unless you have a really good mid-iron game, then there is an advantage to driving shorter than your opponent, if you can then stick it close to the flag - of course if you don't, or miss the green, then it's advantage to them!!

In matches I tend to just play my game, unless the opponent makes a mistake then I just take a slightly more conservative approach to the next shot, other than that I just bash away.

....finally remember, a hole is not over until it's over, and neither is the match so be fair but not generous with concessions.

blue note

Matchplay is probably my favourite format. As people say though, it's really not very different to any other format.

A full 2 feet seems a tad much for a concession to me (probably because I know what I've missed in the past) but that's up to you. I'd probably say anything inside 18 inches. But I'd probably on the day break my rule and give everything up to 2 feet to not seem like a dick.

It very much is a case of playing your normal game too. The only time really I'd sway from that is if your opponent makes a mistake and you just need a bogey to win a hole or something. If he takes a drop or has a lost ball for example.

I'd advise you to play the percentages - don't take on particularly difficult drives cutting corners, clearing drains or anything, only go for par 5s in two if it's properly on (not if you can make it if you catch it just right). But that's general advice really, we should all be playing the percentages.

I've never faced gamesmanship and hope I never do. If I'm out on a course with someone for over 3 hours I'd like to enjoy the round. So just be normal!

Enjoy OP!

Ronney

I always like to give as many puts as possible early in the round and then on the back nine when the pressure is on make them putt 2ft'ers.

Alot depends on how things stand, eg 2 putts for the win from 5ft on the flat would be conceded in my book.

fred funk }{

Ronney wrote: »

I always like to give as many puts as possible early in the round and then on the back nine when the pressure is on make them putt 2ft'ers.

Alot depends on how things stand, eg 2 putts for the win from 5ft on the flat would be conceded in my book.

I agree. I'd never concede a tricky 2 footer to lose the hole. I'd probably concede it if I then had a put to win the hole.

Jawgap

fred funk }{ wrote: »

I agree. I'd never concede a tricky 2 footer to lose the hole. I'd probably concede it if I then had a put to win the hole.

I generally use the putter grip 'rule' - anything shorter than that, they can have.

TBH, I wouldn't agree with suddenly switching from being generous with the concessions to suddenly being abstemious!!

Also, I tend play like I don't expect to get a concession so you don't get your nose out of joint when a concession you might feel 'entitled' to isn't forthcoming

tritriagain

thanks for all the advice. thinking about it im not too nervous about the actual match winning/ losing. iits the giving of putts just dont want to do the wrong thing.

WHIP IT!

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

Good question. A few simple things.

Give putts you think he's certain to hole. Generally speaking, most people give most putts inside 2 feet.

I wouldn't give my Granny a 23-inch putt... anything outside 9 inches, I'm letting the guy putt it... I'm a solid enough putter and I missed two putts between 9-12 inches in an otherwise really good round a couple of weeks back. The Gimme culture of Matchplay is bullsh*t, IMO...

WHIP IT!

Ronney wrote: »

I always like to give as many puts as possible early in the round and then on the back nine when the pressure is on make them putt 2ft'ers.

Alot depends on how things stand, eg 2 putts for the win from 5ft on the flat would be conceded in my book.

This oft-mentioned Matchplay tactic makes absolutely no sense to me... if you didn't give the guy/gal so many early putts then maybe you'd have the match sewn up before the later holes!!

eoghan104

tritriagain wrote: »

thanks for all the advice. thinking about it im not too nervous about the actual match winning/ losing. iits the giving of putts just dont want to do the wrong thing.

Everything is relative so don't stick to a hard and fast rule of how long the putt is. For instance a 2 foot slider down the hill is a different prospect to a straight one uphill. Also is the putt for a win or a half. I generally let lads putt out a lot more for wins. If you are not sure just give nothing, no harm in that.

My biggest advice would be just never give up on a hole. Matter how bad it looks and how many shots behind on the hole you are just try your best with each stroke, you never know what the opposition will do, I have seen some crazy stuff.

Also, DO NOT just play like it's a normal weekend comp, that is the worst advice on this thread by a mile. You are playing the man not the course. You will need to be either more/less aggressive on holes depending on how the opponent is doing.

Enjoy it and good luck.

Hoboo

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I wouldn't give my Granny a 23-inch putt... anything outside 9 inches, I'm letting the guy putt it... I'm a solid enough putter and I missed two putts between 9-12 inches in an otherwise really good round a couple of weeks back. The Gimme culture of Matchplay is bullsh*t, IMO...

I agree. I give nothing. If it's that makeable then make it. Saves bs at the 16th when it's all square, and as I found out before some people go to jelly making the easy ones.

Jawgap

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I wouldn't give my Granny a 23-inch putt... anything outside 9 inches, I'm letting the guy putt it... I'm a solid enough putter and I missed two putts between 9-12 inches in an otherwise really good round a couple of weeks back. The Gimme culture of Matchplay is bullsh*t, IMO...

A fair concession is just good sportsmanship - the thing is to be fair, not overly generous and to not think you've any entitlement to one, and certainly don't assume a stroke has been conceded until you hear the words!

Nicklaus's concession to Jacklin at the final hole of the 1969 Ryder Cup regularly gets cited as one of the great acts of sportsmanship.......even if Team USA didn't agree at the time

WHIP IT!

Jawgap wrote: »

A fair concession is just good sportsmanship - the thing is to be fair, not overly generous and to not think you've any entitlement to one, and certainly don't assume a stroke has been conceded until you hear the words!

Nicklaus's concession to Jacklin at the final hole of the 1969 Ryder Cup regularly gets cited as one of the great acts of sportsmanship.......even if Team USA didn't agree at the time

Don't get me started on that again!

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=102982011

Jawgap

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Don't get me started on that again!

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=102982011

A good enough gesture to have a course named after it.....

.....I'd see in the same vein as "the punch Ali never threw" after the straight right that sent Foreman reeling.....

.....it's nice to win, but you don't have to be graceless.

BraveDonut

Something else to consider.....

Don't lose the head if you absolutely throw a hole or two away. Chances are your opponent will do the same thing

tritriagain

im off 15 so presume im going to have a couple of blow up holes. fairly level headed when it comes to golf. obviously i dont like hitting bad shots but have got to the stage where i can put it behind me when i do. i could never understand fellas getting angry at themselves invariably it makes them worse. i play golf to have fun. if i win great , if i lose well maybe next time

mike12

Never conceded the putt before you putt.
Have often seen a 2 footer given only to see the next guy come up 2 foot short and be asked to putt.
Much easier to pick up the marker after u hole out and go there u go mate.
Would agree u are playing you opponent rather than the course, no point playing from a solid bogie when your opponent looks like making par.

Senna

A guy I played against once walked onto the first tee and handed me a bottle of Lucozade and said, "that's the only thing I'm giving you all day".
Hate giving putts in matchplay, the game is the number of strokes to get it in the hole, not to get it close.

redzerdrog

Some good advice here so thanks very much as I was gona start a thread asking the same thing.

Playing my first competitive matchplay in the club singles next and very much looking forward to it

mafc

As you get more experience playing matchplay you'll know when to give putts and when not to.
A simple rule is not to concede a winning putt unless it's stone dead.

Armchair Andy

Senna wrote:

A guy I played against once walked onto the first tee and handed me a bottle of Lucozade and said, "that's the only thing I'm giving you all day". Hate giving putts in matchplay, the game is the number of strokes to get it in the hole, not to get it close.

Did you beat him?

ChippingSodbury

mike12 wrote: »

Never conceded the putt before you putt.
Have often seen a 2 footer given only to see the next guy come up 2 foot short and be asked to putt.
Much easier to pick up the marker after u hole out and go there u go mate.
Would agree u are playing you opponent rather than the course, no point playing from a solid bogie when your opponent looks like making par.

Definitely good advice. And to add to that, a putt for a win is harder to hole than the same putt for a half. I never give a putt unless I am 100% certain it will be holed: if there's any doubt at all, make him putt it. For me, the length isn't the most important factor, it's the difficulty of the putt, the stage of the match and the standard of the opponent's putting that determines which putts are conceded and which ones I like to see put into the hole/ missed!

Most holes in matchplay are lost rather than won i.e. a player makes a bollix of a hole to lose it rather than the other player making birdie.

ChippingSodbury

Armchair Andy wrote: »

Did you beat him?

Cool the jets there Andy, he not playing him for another 2 weeks!!

diomed

If you have had a mare on a hole and he has two putts for the win let him hit the first one. Then concede if he gets it close.
It should be an enjoyable round, like playing with a friend. Smile and shake his hand and wish him well at the end if you lose.

I can still remember match play rounds I played forty years ago . My favourite was one where off 14 handicap I played a guy off 6 handicap. I had two (real) birdies in the first eight holes, won them, but lost the other six holes. On the 18th tee he was one up. He had won nine holes, I had won eight holes (unbelievably not one halved hole). I conceded a two footer on the last and lost. He deserved it.

Another time I won a match by starting with a three wood, seven iron to about ten feet, and holed the putt. Afterwards he said he was shocked, and thought he was about to be hammered. Not to worry. I played the usual rubbish from then on. :pac:

Senna

Armchair Andy wrote: »

Did you beat him?

He actually beat me twice!! The first game was voided (long story) and we had to play again.
As for the comment he made on the first tee, in the pervious round I had hammered a fella of 2 who would have been expected to get far in this comp, so I actually think I had him worried. But it was a very friendly match and putts were given (but only after he went a couple up).

Macker1

Played in the first round of the Singles Matchplay at home club yesterday. Confident enough going into the match as I has played reasonably well the evening before in a practice session for the Pierce Purcell Qualifiers. Straight match with no shots as we both play off 13. Nip and tuck with both of us going up and down to each other over the front 9. The standard of play wasn't great to be fair but that's part and parcel of matchplay. Turning into the back 9 we both improved quite a lot and pars came thick and fast for both of us. It was all square as we teed off on the 18th hole which is a longish uphill par 5 at Co Meath GC. I hit a solid drive down the middle with my opponent hitting a wayward drive into the trees which meant his second shot was restricted. I followed up with a nicely hit 5-wood up the middle again to leave a clip in with a 9 iron to about 25 feet. Opponent had to hit his third from over 200 meters out which he overcooked and left an impossible up and down. So a 6 for him and I two putted for a solid par 5.

No silly mind games or refusals to give putts. If the player left it pretty dead it was given. Only asked for a putt to be made if it was considered missable and this was the same from both players.

Bottom line is that matchplay is a great format and both players have a responsibility to try their best to win but not at the expense of being unsporting.

A nice friendly match with a gentleman that either of us could have won. Went in for a coffee afterwards to chat as he had only recently joined the club.

Foursomes and Fourball Matches to look forward to this month as well. Can't wait.

Mantis Toboggan

End of the day it's about getting the ball into the hole. I'd only give putts less than 6 inches if it's such a gimme then just tip it in. I regular see lads missing from a foot. Don't get the idea of giving putts, is it an American thing like mulligans?

Jawgap

Tyson Fury wrote: »

End of the day it's about getting the ball into the hole. I'd only give putts less than 6 inches if it's such a gimme then just tip it in. I regular see lads missing from a foot. Don't get the idea of giving putts, is it an American thing like mulligans?

No, you're conceding the next stroke.

A mulligan is a "freebie" - you're letting some hard second or even third go at a stroke and there's no allowance for it in the rules.

Mantis Toboggan

Jawgap wrote: »

No, you're conceding the next stroke.

A mulligan is a "freebie" - you're letting some hard second or even third go at a stroke and there's no allowance for it in the rules.

Yeah I know just wondering where it comes from.

Jawgap

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Yeah I know just wondering where it comes from.

The rules allow for it, after that I'd say it comes down to what a player thinks is sporting in the circumstances.

It may old fashioned or outmoded, but I'd subscribe to Mickleson's view of the game......

Hoboo

Jawgap wrote: »

The rules allow for it, after that I'd say it comes down to what a player thinks is sporting in the circumstances.

It may old fashioned or outmoded, but I'd subscribe to Mickleson's view of the game......

I'm more from the Seve school of thought......

Jawgap

Hoboo wrote: »

I'm more from the Seve school of thought......

You can play like a gentleman and still bury them

callaway92

Jawgap wrote: »

The rules allow for it, after that I'd say it comes down to what a player thinks is sporting in the circumstances.

It may old fashioned or outmoded, but I'd subscribe to Mickleson's view of the game......

That quote could not make the game sound any more boring

Jawgap

callaway92 wrote: »

That quote could not make the game sound any more boring

You must find rugby pretty boring then

Senna

Hoboo wrote: »

I'm more from the Seve school of thought......

Wasn't it Seve who said "Trees are 90% air", what a load of crap that is:pac:

red ears

Senna wrote: »

Wasn't it Seve who said "Trees are 90% air", what a load of crap that is:pac:

Absolutely right, you have to consider any tree you go through in 2D and not 3D. The gaps between branches horizontally don't matter its the gaps available vertically that will allow the ball flying through. So any branch you see looking at the tree can catch your ball. What percentage are the gaps when looking side on at a tree, it will be much less than 90%.

Armchair Andy

If you're good enough to get it through a tree 90% full of air you're good enough not to be there in the first place.

Senna

red ears wrote: »

Absolutely right, you have to consider any tree you go through in 2D and not 3D. The gaps between branches horizontally don't matter its the gaps available vertically that will allow the ball flying through. So any branch you see looking at the tree can catch your ball. What percentage are the gaps when looking side on at a tree, it will be much less than 90%.

See that thing flying over your head, that was the point.

tritriagain

Is it acceptable to bring a caddie in singles matchplay.

Hoboo

tritriagain wrote: »

Is it acceptable to bring a caddie in singles matchplay.

Absolutely. And it's ok to play the course beforehand, quick 5 holes is a big advantage. If there's a local rule forbidding it get your caddy to test a few greens for you. You're not responsible for your caddies actions.

Senna

tritriagain wrote: »

Is it acceptable to bring a caddie in singles matchplay.

Yes allowable under the rules, but no not acceptable for an early round match in a friendly club matchplay. Don't be 'that guy'.

tritriagain

its a match against another club

Armchair Andy

If it's allowed why is it frowned upon?

Only matchplay I ever played and lost he had a caddy.

Senna

tritriagain wrote: »

its a match against another club

It's still a bit of a d*ck move especially just in early rounds. Why do you need a caddie?

I always enjoy matchplay as it's playing/meeting someone new, you normally chat the whole way around and it's one of the reasons I love it. When there is a caddie, that changes the atmosphere completely.
If I knew my opponent was going to bring a caddie, I would bring one myself. But as caddies are not the normal in most comps, then I would never bring one and if my opponent did bring a caddie without me knowing first, I would think he's a d'bag and take enormous joy in hammering him in the match.

mafc

Senna wrote: »

It's still a bit of a d*ck move especially just in early rounds. Why do you need a caddie?

I always enjoy matchplay as it's playing/meeting someone new, you normally chat the whole way around and it's one of the reasons I love it. When there is a caddie, that changes the atmosphere completely.
If I knew my opponent was going to bring a caddie, I would bring one myself. But as caddies are not the normal in most comps, then I would never bring one and if my opponent did bring a caddie without me knowing first, I would think he's a d'bag and take enormous joy in hammering him in the match.

I'm the complete opposite.
I always have a caddie when I'm playing Interclub matches and in most cases my opponents have had one too.
If a caddie is allowed then why not have one ?

Having a caddie that knows your game, your strengths and weaknesses can be invaluable in a tight match.
Also having a second opinion re lines on the green is worthwhile.

Senna

Maybe I don't take it serious enough, but even in any interclub matches I wouldn't even consider a caddie this early.
As the team progress and getting into the last 8 etc, then yeah caddies become more common.
It's within the rules and I'm not questioning that, but not sure I would even want another person giving me advice.

Seve OB

Senna wrote: »

Yes allowable under the rules, but no not acceptable for an early round match in a friendly club matchplay. Don't be 'that guy'.

Senna wrote: »

It's still a bit of a d*ck move especially just in early rounds. Why do you need a caddie?

I always enjoy matchplay as it's playing/meeting someone new, you normally chat the whole way around and it's one of the reasons I love it. When there is a caddie, that changes the atmosphere completely.
If I knew my opponent was going to bring a caddie, I would bring one myself. But as caddies are not the normal in most comps, then I would never bring one and if my opponent did bring a caddie without me knowing first, I would think he's a d'bag and take enormous joy in hammering him in the match.

Sorry Senna but the only douche bag here is you and your narrow minded opinions of guys who have caddies.

Nothing wrong with it what so ever. I'll be having one if I get picked to play PP next weekend. It will be a fellow team member who is not playing. If I'm not playing, I'll be caddying. The

Senna

Seve OB wrote: »

Sorry Senna but the only douche bag here is you and your narrow minded opinions of guys who have caddies.

Nothing wrong with it what so ever. I'll be having one if I get picked to play PP next weekend. It will be a fellow team member who is not playing. If I'm not playing, I'll be caddying. The

Is PP not doubles? So there's 8 of yous on the hole in a first round match? Jesus, thankfully Ill never be on a PP team.

Maybe I just have a bit more confidence in my own game, I don't need another handicap golfer giving me advice. We'll agree to disagree.

eoghan104

It is absolutely mental saying no-one should ever have a caddy.

I will always have one for an interclub match. In the past I had a mate that doesn't even play golf caddy for me. Just someone to talk to. I'm not interested in being all palsy with lads in Interclub.