Match game format against different HCP

[PiustheDrGolf]

I have been asked to play a match game against 15 hcp golfer.
To be fair, is there any format to play this?
(i.e., Giving a stroke for each of the course's hcp 1-12 holes? That seems a lot.. A LOT..)

[Zeph]

Depending on the slope value, yes. 12 shots a lot? Maybe so, but not when you compare a 3.4 handicap to a 15 handicap. It's the only way to play against eachother. Doesn't differ from net golf either, where the shots are added up in the end, as opposed to on each hole.

[PiustheDrGolf]

Well... in the Tour condition, my hcp would be 9-10. If I can get 10 strokes against Tiger (current Tiger), I think I have good chance to beat him. It's not strokes that counts. Strategy are totally different to play a match game. If boggy or better has a chance to win or tie those hard 10 holes, they are not hard at all.

[Zeph]

Tell that to the 15 handicapper spraying the ball left, right and short. As a low handicapper, you should have more confidence in your game than a 15 capper on a game like that. In the end, you can't do anything but play your own game. I don't see the difference in strategy, except if you are chipping or putting for a tie, and make sure you don't leave it short. You hit the ball in the fairway, then on the green, then in the cup. No different than stroke golf.

[Shorty]

(i.e., Giving a stroke for each of the course's hcp 1-12 holes?

Why? You are supposed to be 12 shots better than him. Of course you have to give him 12 shots. What do you think handicaps are for?

Only a person with a vanity handicap would complain about giving a player the shots that they are entitled to in a match.

[PiustheDrGolf]

All right.
Since I haven't played a match game with HCP consideration before, I didn't know any better.
I play match format game with my playmate, scratch player, without getting any stroke for any hole and result is 2-1-4 so far. I know certain holes are made for his game and some are no t (not much though). So there goes my strategy. I find his weaker holes and try to do better than him. We do keep stroke play score also. He scores 2-5 strokes better than me but our match always goes till 17th or 18th. That's why had the doubt. But let me try it for first time and get back to ya how it went. :)

[max power]

If the handicaps are legit, I'd still put my money on you to beat the 15 'capper. I'd also put my money on Tiger even if he gave you 10.

[Leftygolfer]

I'd have to know him and trust that his ability is that. I'd say an average good score for a 15 is 88 to 90 depending on course, a 3.4 I'd say on a good course right around 76-78 is pretty average. I think 6 a side is fair.

[PiustheDrGolf]

Result.

The match game ended at 14th hole by 5 UP (Me ).

As suggested, I gave him a stroke for hcp 1-12 holes each. All of Par 5 were among those hole and all of par 3 were not. Then, my plan were focusing on Par 3s since he had no problem to make 3 shots to green and 2 putts to hole on par 5s.

I guess high handicappers (or just my opponent) do not plan for holes or don't have skill to execute the plan than low handicappers do. But I still think if I get 3 strokes for hardest 3 holes from my regular playmate (scratch player), our game will not be competitive as now (no stroke).

[Fourputt]

I have been asked to play a match game against 15 hcp golfer.

In a typical one on one match, the handicap system works quite well as long as both players are sporting honest handicaps. If they aren't, then no game will be fair and equitable. Match play is really what the system works best for.

I've played 2 matches this year where I had to give 11 strokes. I lost one on the 17th hole (2 and 1), and I won the other on the 12th (8 and 6). I also won a match 8 and 6 where I was receiving 1 stroke, then lost the next round on the 18th 1 down, giving 3 strokes. As long as the handicaps are properly applied (that is, wheeling off the low handicap), the USGA system works very well.