This kind of discussion about match vs stroke play and the various "strategic" nuances between, as well as the fact that there always appears to be so little consensus of opinion or agreement in these discussions only goes to prove the fascination that they (the two distinctly different formats) create in golf.

Discussing strategic considerations in stroke play golf is probably a bit more straight-forward since in the minds of most good players what they tend to do or think about most in stroke play golf is to basically avoid making some catosrophic mistake that can take out their entire day or tournament. Clearly, in stroke play generally good players tend to play slightly more conservatively than they might under some circumstances in match play.

But even comparing the way good players approach match play is interesting because they can and do approach it very differently.

We all know about Bob Jones theory of "old man" par even probably in match play. And a number of years ago during dinner I asked two of America's best lady amateur players how they approach match play.

One said she only played the golf course and rarely if ever watched her opponent (Robin Weiss) while the other said she reacts to and makes decisions depending entirely on whatever her match play opponent is doing at any particular time (Carole Semple Thompson).

Re: #10 at Riviera, wouldn't you stand on that tee every time assesing your best chance for a 3?

Jes,

That is an amazing thought process that I have never considered using.  On par threes do you try to make your tee shot or just set yourself up for a 2...

Quote from: JES II on April 20, 2006, 11:39:58 AM

Re: #10 at Riviera, wouldn't you stand on that tee every time assesing your best chance for a 3?

Jes,

That is an amazing thought process that I have never considered using.  On par threes do you try to make your tee shot or just set yourself up for a 2...

John,

That statement was geared specifically for #10 at Riviera because length and catastrophic hazards are not an issue. Very few holes can say that for as large a percentage of golfers, especially par 3's.

JES

Too seriously answer your question, if I'm playing JakaB in a stroke play competition, I am just going to try to figure out realistically where I can hit my tee shot so I can have a good chance at getting my second shot close. I am never going to tmake a play for that green if I don't think my chances of hitting it are pretty good. (I assume a slight miss makes for a tough up and down)

Or how about in Stroke Play if you've just made a few birdies in a row or shanked a couple of wedges?