Going for the repeat in my league: aka, "oy, what a year..."

[sonicblue]

My league plays nine holes, usually the front nine of this course, a pretty easy par 34. In the past, the greens actually are somewhat slippery, and there is a good mix of shape/length, but it's not long, few hazards, etc... Middle of last year, I was playing really well, carding consistent 36-39 or so. Finished poorly, low 40s, but enough to win. I started this year with a 5 index still.

I was horrible to start. Couldn't break 40, even shot a 48 one week, ugh. My index creeped up to an 8. Then it suddenly all came together with a 35, 38, 37 streak. A 44 popped up out of nowhere, then a 38 and 39 to end the year (and those were rounds I felt like I was struggling on).

In the final, I'm playing a guy I'll give 3 strokes to. His best round is a 38, his last six week-average is 44, including a 39, but he's coming off two straight 46's. He plays a nice game, has a pretty nice swing, seems like a laid-back type that may do ok under the pressure. If he busts out a good round, I have to go really low. Working for me, though, is being the lowest index in the league, I think I'm seen as 'the best player,' and maybe that will put a little intimidation on my side. Overall, though, my game feels good, I think if I can put down a 38-39, he has to shoot 42 to push, and I like my chances in that.

My partner is getting 2 strokes, but she has hit a hot streak and dropped her index three shots in six weeks, so she'll need to stay hot to play to it. She shot her lowest round ever the other week, a 42; generally, her benchmark is breaking 50, with a 47-48 being a solid round. The guy she's playing has averaged 45 over the last six weeks, but that includes a 42. His game is definitely erratic, swing is kinda jittery, but if he's got a little rhythm in it, he holds it together pretty well. I don't think he's a pressure guy, though, so I'm feeling another 46-ish from him. Their match shapes up to be a push.

As a team, we're only giving 1. My partner seems to have her game, so if we both stay fairly consistent, that one stroke won't matter, and we'll pull off the team match. Game is Tuesday evening, wish me luck!

[sbooker]

Good luck in your league match. It sounds like you and your partner should do alright. I tried to view your scorecards but I couldn't see them with your link. I just saw a list of files. I like to share my scorecards online with DivotDog . It makes it easy to share scorecards online and it helped me save money with my last tee time. I hope the developer adds some more stuff. But we'll see.

[sonicblue]

Sorry, I haven't bothered to put cards up in forever.

[Fairway_CY]

Sounds very similar to the club I belong to (except we play 18 holes on Sunday's at different courses). We also play singles and doubles each weekend. I'm currently eliminated from doubles (my partner was booted from the club) and I'm 2.5 back in singles. I play the leader in the final week of the regular season... and if I beat him, I'll be no more than 2 games back heading into the bumper rounds (playoffs).

It's a long shot, but I'm still alive. My best hope is to beat the leader and then get an opportunity to make a move in the 3 weeks of the bumper rounds. I'd still need some help, but at least i'd make it to the bumpers WITH a shot, which is a lot better than many thought I'd do at the beginning of the season.

Good luck with your match on Tuesday. Keep us posted.

CY

[PitaRamos]

I also play a 9 hole league, and our 4 man team needs 5 points (out of 12 ) next week to get a bye into the championship round. I play as the 4th (highest HC) on the team but my HC has dropped 6 or so strokes from the start of the year (to go with the 7 last year) and I find it increasingly difficult when I have to give 5,6,7,8 or even 9 strokes to the other 4th players. Anyone have any advice for dealing with that?

[sonicblue]

I also play a 9 hole league, and our 4 man team needs 5 points (out of 12 ) next week to get a bye into the championship round. I play as the 4th (highest HC) on the team but my HC has dropped 6 or so strokes from the start of the year (to go with the 7 last year) and I find it increasingly difficult when I have to give 5,6,7,8 or even 9 strokes to the other 4th players. Anyone have any advice for dealing with that?

I often give a bunch. Here's the thing: a high handicapper won't consistently bogey or double every hole. He'll probably par a couple, bogey a few, may even bust out a birdie, but will likley blow up one or two holes. A lower index WILL LOSE the holes he pars in all likelihood. You need to just play your game - which is consistency, compared to his - and ensure you win his worse holes. You will likely win net stroke play, it's the match play that's tough. Just have to take your medicine and play smart. If you can see he's playing that blow-up hole, throttle back and don't get aggressive, let him blow up, and take the hole.

[sonicblue]

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

My partner had a little bit of a rough stretch but held her total score together well (51). She lost both her match (needed to win #9 to push, but halved it) and stroke (by 2). I played solid and, I think, made my opponent push toward the end, and he fell apart a little. I shot 37 (par 34), net 33, won both my points and pushed our team scores down enough to win both of those points as well.

[Koth]

Congratulations!

I really want to join a league next year. Not so much for the competition but more so I have a game to play each week.