How would you go about designing a "matchplay" course

[Thomas Dai]

holes that offer the real possibility of hitting a clever, skillful or even lucky recovery shots.

This is kinda where I was coming from. The kinda course I'd like to watch a not-really-on-top-form Seve & Ollie play a match against a couple of on-form down-the-middle guys.


atb

[Matthew Mollica]

A course that allows distinctly different and multiple paths to the hole. Where greens are curvy, and local knowledge matters. A course full of temptation off the tee. A course that may implore one to try for more than is in him. Holes that Tom Paul has an affinity for, with a high score spread. Width, lots of short grass, and hazards which implore nearing for considerable advantage, yet potentially extract a significant price if found. Holes where eagles and doubles and everything in between are possible. That's what I think of when people talk about a match play course.

[Garland Bayley]

Ledbetter has a school in Badenton (sp?), FL. The students are training to be medal play competitors. He can't get them off the range and to the course at the school. The only time they want to play a course is when they travel to competitions.


Therefore, the further a course is in characteristics from a driving range, the more likely it is better for match play, and the more likely it is a better design IMO.