Match play against a senior

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By Chad W

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  • 12 Replies
  1. Chad W

    Chad W

    I'm playing a senior golfer in an upcoming match play. We have 4 tees(black thru green), green being the senior tees. I typically hit silver(2nd tee) or combo(combo of silver and white tees. My opponent is an 8.3 handicap and I'm and 8.1. If I Play combo, I get 2 strokes but if I play from his tees(green), then there are no strokes. My question is about strategy. If I play green tees I feel I will hit more fairways and be hitting Pw to 8I in to most greens. He is a good golfer and from green tees will probably be out driving me if I choose to hit from either the combo or white tees. Should I give up the 2 strokes or not? I'll out drive him by 30+ yards if I hit from green and will hit most, if not all, fairways. I will also have opportunities to hit par 5's in 2 strokes. I'm 52 and he's 65 and hits his driver probably 250. My only concern is lack of experience from green tees and being faced with distance shots from areas of course I'm not accustomed to.

    thanks for any advice or comments.

  2. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    Play the combo and take the 2 strokes. Those are the tees you're used to playing from...and watch out for the 65+ crowd; we're a scrappy lot!!
  3. Tyler_S

    Tyler_S
    Cypress, TX

    2 thoughts on this I feel.

    Do you want to be hitting first into greens where you can put pressure on your opponent

    Or

    Do you want to be second hitting onto greens but with more scoring chances from out driving your opponent?

    Also, who is the better putter as that is what match play is more about? Who can drain the 25 footer to halve and hole and hole a 40 footer for a birdie to sneak a win?

    At the end of your day you have to play your game and not get too deep into everything else. Go with what you are comfortable with.
  4. Erich F

    Erich F
    NY

    A lot to think about. A lot depends on your 8I-wedge game. If it is strong, then I would tend to try and play the up tees and have these clubs for most of your second shots. How many par 5's could you reach in two? If you can be putting or chipping for eagle this puts a lot of pressure on your opponent. Be mindful though, getting to hit the first shot into the green is how those of us of a certain age, 62, put a little heat on the FBBs, flat bellied bombers.
  5. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Don't hit the driver on every hole. Plan your strategy. I am going on 76 and when I play in the super senior events I face the same issues. Fairways and greens are the name of the game. And yes tee off first when you can. I love match play, have never lost, even when having to give up 19 strokes.
  6. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military
    If you're not comfortable moving up to the Senior tees, then don't. Stay in your comfort zone. Hitting approach shots from distances/areas of the course you are comfortable with is what you want to stick with. Being comfortable is a huge confidence boost.
  7. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    If you are a more skilled golfer it may not be as much fun playing the "up" tees however it will make you a better golfer with your 100 yard and in shors... IMHO!

    P.S. watch out for those seniors, many have been playing match play a long time and know most of the tricks!

    Chris
  8. JJohnson

    JJohnson
    Jersey Village, TX

    Play your game, don't overthink this. If you change tees you will have to rethink too much, play with the ones that brung ya.
  9. Diego D

    Diego D
    Melbourne, VIC

    How did it go? Keep us updated :)
  10. John D

    John D

    I recommend playing the tee you are most accustom to playing. I have found that when I move up and play from different tees I get in more trouble hitting through fairways or into hazards that I typically do not have to worry about from my normal tees.
  11. Les M

    Les M
    CT

    Military
    52 years old?
    Play the Men's Club tees.

  12. CMurray

    CMurray

    Military
    Nothing better than beating someone straight up
  13. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Handicaps are for equalizing abilities. I am 76 and play the senior tees and not ashamed of it. I earned it. Do not think most a low handicapper would get a lot of pleasure in beating a high handicapper straight up. Hakuna matata.

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