Conference 7.286::golf

    As the PGA in the states used to be matchplay i would like to see it
    return to that format.
    There is too much stroke play also the pressure is on from the first
    shot unlike stroke play where the competition proper does not start
    till the final day or final 9 holes.
    One Major decided on Matchplay would be good for the punters but not
    for the sponsers cos their man might not be on the TV for 4 days, 
    
    As golfers yourselves does matchplay get the adrenalin flowing more
    than stroke play it does for me.
    
    
    Joe

    I think that without handicaps and match play, weekend competitive golf
    would almost cease to exist. It gives everyone a chance. However, what
    a lot of us do at Crumpin-Fox in our little informal matches is use the
    "no candy" (no strokes) rule. We just figure out (using handicaps only
    as a guideline) who should play with whom and have a team match,
    counting the low ball for each team.
    
    I've run into some situations where realistically I had "no chance,"
    but we don't play for much, it makes you work harder, and sometimes you
    get lucky. Plus, normally the winner puts his modest winnings on the
    bar and contributes it toward the tab. I still remember a match where a
    pal of mine who was a 5 and I (9) played 9 holes against our
    professional, who is a great pal. We each won $5 from him, because we
    were -2 gross. I had him sign the $5, and it's hanging in my library.
    We bought the drinks, and I know it'll never happen again, but it was
    fun. I should mention that the 5 hcp could really play - his hcp went
    up due to inactivity and infrequent rounds - higher scores. I've played
    with him when he shot 71, and he had the original course record (when
    we had 9 just our back 9 holes, and you played 'em twice) from the Blue
    tees with 67. Many of you have played Crumpin-Fox, so you'll know just
    how good 67 on that 9 is. I'm kinda old fashioned, and to me, 67
    ANYWHERE is hard to comprehend. Best I've done on that 9 in several
    years is 36 - and that's real (!!!) unusual.
    
    --Jack 

I'm in favor of using match play to decide the PGA champion. As Mr 
Varley pointed out, it makes for problematic TV, but it give the 
"Grand Slam" a much-needed dimension.

As it stands, each of the four majors offers a unique test of golfing 
skill--except the PGA. The British Open tests their linksland skills 
(playing in harsh winds and weather, on hard greens, and with blind 
hazards). The US Open tests their accuracy off the tee, length, and 
general ability to grind is out through inevitable bogeys. The Masters 
tests their putting nerves on extremely difficult greens and under 
extreme pressure (not to mention the pressure on their approach shots 
in anticipation of those putts) on the same course year after year. 
But the PGA? It strikes me as a US Open wannabe. Nothing distinguishes 
it except that it's not open to amateurs and the field is diluted with 
club pros who don't stand a chance (but wait til they hit the senior 
tour!)--both of which are detractions.

It's fine if they keep it open to qualifying club pros, but they 
should change it to a matchplay event. That would give the fourth leg 
of the Grand Slam a meaningful purpose. It would test the champion in 
matchplay skills --an altogether different dimension of golfing 
accomplishment. Anyone who wins this slam--over a year, or more 
likely over a career, would've proved something about themselves.

TV be damned.

    I prefer to play and watch match play.  Target golf makes me ill, it's
    boring.  In addition to the sponsor issue I think that the reason that
    match isn't played by US pros is that iit is a much harder way to play.
    Medal feels more mechanical, match is more mental.
    Mike

    I do love to watch both medal and match play.  I also prefer to play
    match play.  I prefer to play it because I don't like blowing the whole
    match on a one bad hole.  And, that's the pressure that stroke play
    adds to the game.  You can't just pop back and take the next hole. 
    You're out. Gone. Finished.  Granted, match play can offer some
    sensational scenarios, and that's why I love that format, too.
    
    Target golf is a lousy term.  If a course is set right, there is
    nothing more fantastic to watch (IMO) than someone to plays a perfect
    fade/draw/etc. over ponds,bunkers, etc. to stick in near the pin.  IMO
    Bump and run to a pancake green would be terribly boring to watch all
    the time.  Love watching the Bristish Open, wouldn't love watching
    matches on that type of course each week.  Thankfully, there is quite a
    variety of golf courses...

  I recently attended the golf show at Stow Acres CC. I
 ended up buying a set of Dunlop 357 irons and mid-size
 woods. I would be interested in opinions and comments on
 the Dunlop Maxfli clubs. 

    Match play is great, to prevent losing a round due to a bad hole.  Most
    players like it for that reason, but medal requires so much more of a
    player than match - total concentration at ALL TIMES, much more
    psychological pressure, because you cannot just "flush" the bad hole
    and go on, the score stays with the player.
    
    Frankly, the term target golf is appropriate - it is that much more
    demanding phase of golf, where you are required to hit your target or
    suffer dire consequences.  This is unlike the bump and run scenario,
    where luck outweighs skill...
    
    Big Mac

    I like to play Match play as well, but it does have the double edged
    sword.  You can stay in a match because a bad hole doesn't eliminate
    you, but your opponent has the same advantage!  In medal play, the
    pressure does let up some when your opponent hits OB.........
    
    steve

    I guess the term 'target golf' depends upon your individual
    interpretation.   I tend to think of it applying more to 'some' LPGA or
    Seniors tournaments where the pin settings tend to be a lot more
    forgiving than the PGA Tour.  Sometimes, it's just plain in the middle
    of the green.  Now, that's boring target golf, IMO.
    
    Bob