Sitting on a big lead- Strategy

[albatross]

I played the first half of my quarterfinal club championship round last night. Because of our schedules we had to play the front 9 last night and the back tonight.

It's match play and I played the best 9 holes of my life last night and I'm
4 up with 9 to play. So I need to go out and keep playing well tonight.

I'm kind of nervous with this big of a lead. It's a weird feeling because I feel like if I blew this lead, it would be ridiculous.

The guy I'm playing is really good but didn't play very well and like I said, I had a really great night.

I think I just have to go out and be really aggressive but I don't want to over do it.

What kind of mind set would you put yourself in if you were in my shoes for tonight??

[Slim 11]

I would suggest not being overly aggressive. Since it is match play, I think you can take more chances than if it were stroke play, but if you have the opportunity to see your competitor's play first, I would kind of play to ensure the half (when in doubt).

[clubchamp]

If I'm up 4 after 9 I'd go for the throat. By this I mean don't give the opportunity to let him back in and attack when you can. You'd be surprised how much a par will rattle a good player if he can't make birdies. Fairways and greens my friend. Remember to not make any mistake worse and just take your medicine.

[rebby]

Fairways and greens. Make boring par after boring par. You'll win a lot of matches this way, including the one you're playing tonight.

[billm408]

  rebby said:

Fairways and greens. Make boring par after boring par. You'll win a lot of matches this way, including the one you're playing tonight.

+1. Heroics are not necessary. You're already up 4, let the other guy make mistakes.

[Titleistgolf16]

Sit on the lead and if you have an opportunity extend your lead. Wait for a mistake by him that lets you take a little risk but won't let him back in it. Play aggressive but not too aggressive.

[Dominic]

Edit-misread the post.
I agree with what Rebby said.

[jmurdock]

Play for par on every hole except when the hole lets you be aggressive. By that I mean, if you are in the fairway with an iron shot that you are confident you can hit to inside 15 ft. to an easy pin, be aggressive. Don't shoot at sucker pins and play your game. Your opponent is going to have be overly aggressive, which means he could be making bogey if his game is not on. If you make pars, he is going to have to make 4 birdies just to get even.....

[Fourputt]

Don't take any risks, but don't hide in a shell either. The worst mistake you can make when you get a lead is trying to "protect" it. That leads to indecisive strokes and that can cause weak putts and short chips. I speak from bitter experience. You still have to play golf, just don't play those risky shots that you might be tempted into unless it's apparent that you will lose the hole if you don't try it.

Thinking about protecting a lead lends to overly conservative play, and that can lead right into trouble. Play your game, and base your strategy on what your opponent is doing.

[TN94z]

I agree with everything said. Play for par. It will be tough for him to make 4 birdies in 9 holes and that will just be to get even, assuming he doesn't make any mistakes. Play smart and don't be aggressive when you don't have to. Course management will be your friend tonight. Good luck and congrats on the lead!!

[Fat Slice]

I assume he has to give you strokes on some holes (you said he was really good). Make sure to take advantage of those holes. A bogey with a bump gets you a net par and he has to par to halve the hole. Par it and he has to birdie just for a tie. 4 up and a tie on a hole is almost as good as a win and the noose tightens. So, really good advice here - play for par if you can but no heroics: take your medicine when it's smart to do so. He'll make mistakes too, as he's sure to be pressing. GOOD LUCK!

[denver_nuggs_15]

  albatross said:

I'm kind of nervous with this big of a lead. It's a weird feeling because I feel like if I blew this lead, it would be ridiculous.

Don't think about your lead. Play golf. Play your game. Once you think "I'm up 4, how can he come back?" or "I'm winning and I want to end this quick" you're bound to let it affect you...possibly (or probably) in a negative way.

I played in a match yesterday where it was me vs. 3 others (game of wolf and I was last to hit). One went OB, another went right and was blocked out from hitting the green, and the last was in the rough with a shot to the green. I originally took out driver and once I saw where my opponents were, I took out 3W. Just play safe if your opponent might be out of a hole. Stay calm and smile. Obviously, staying calm helps in golf especially after a bad shot or hole. (In match play, if you make a bad hole, let it go. It doesn't affect the next hole unless you let it.) Smiling releases endorphins in your body and makes you happier. I'd bet that playing happy will improve your game. Good luck.

[TakeDeadAim]

Hello,

I am the guy you are playing against. Thanks for sharing this. Now I know you are nervous and I will devour your lead and take you out before the 16th...


Ha, ha... just kidding. Sorry, couldn´t help it. But what are the odds your opponent is really reading you in this forum ? Maybe more than you think...

[case31]

  denver_nuggs_15 said:

Don't think about your lead. Play golf. Play your game. Once you think "I'm up 4, how can he come back?" or "I'm winning and I want to end this quick" you're bound to let it affect you...possibly (or probably) in a negative way.

Absolutely agree. Just go out and play. Your opponent is the one that needs to alter his game and take more risks, not you.

[pxc]

I have no advice, but please return once it's over and let us know how it went.

[cougar978]

  albatross said:

I played the first half of my quarterfinal club championship round last night. Because of our schedules we had to play the front 9 last night and the back tonight.

Your mind set should be simple. 7 and 6. Put his a** away.

[Mr. M]

  TN94z said:

I agree with everything said. Play for par. It will be tough for him to make 4 birdies in 9 holes and that will just be to get even, assuming he doesn't make any mistakes. Play smart and don't be aggressive when you don't have to. Course management will be your friend tonight. Good luck and congrats on the lead!!

Exactly. If you par every hole, he'll need to birdie 5 holes to beat you in the regulation 18. I like your chances. Fairways and greens. Nothing unnecessary.

The bigger your lead becomes, the more desperate he will become...and he'll take the unnecessary shots you've been avoiding.

[wannabe]

Great advice on this thread. Energetic pars.

Above all, stay in the present moment. One shot at a time. Be positive, confident, businesslike, focused, and cool as a cucumber.

And do not worry about the outcome. It's a game. Be stress-free, and enjoy!

Let us know how much you win by.