Never Giving Up In A Golf Match
It is impossible to determine the outcome of two equally matched golfers. The slightest error or bad bounce could determine the end results. During a Match Play format, there are 18 mini matches rolled into one larger event that will determine the winner. Have a poor hole, well, forget it because it is only 5.5% of the total score. Therefore, it is important to never stop playing because you will neve know what will happen or what fortunes may be hiding around the corner. I found that out yesterday in my match against Scott. The result of the match was determined until the last hole!
I met Scott for the first time this year at the golf course. He is a very nice gentlemen who hits the ball a country mile! He easily out hits me with every club and most of the time by 20 or 30 yards. He has a strong command of accuracy and a soft touch around the green. Like my last match against Alex, our match was a punch / counterpunch type round. No one could establish a lead of more than one point.
The opening started tough for Scott and I was able to easily to secure a point on the par 5. Surprisingly, I was able to hold my own on most of the par 5s, but Scott definitely had the advantage with his length. Not surprisingly, Scott quickly responded and gained a point on the second hole, thus the match was all square. This back and forth went on for the entire round. At the end, we figure that we both shot around 2 to 3 over (76 or 77).
Of the 11 holes won by each of us (6 for me and 5 for Scott) 7 were with birdies. It was amazing how easy it seemed for one of us to make birdie. We tied one par 5 with a birdie each. Although we hit the ball well, we both made some questionable shots that cost a hole, but the is the nature of the golf. There were three stand out moments that I would like share.
First, on the par 3, 11th hole. It was playing about 170 yards and I mishit a 5 iron short of the green. With 20 yards to the green, I decided to play a PW and bump and run it up to the green. My ball landed about 5 yards from the green, bounced onto the flat surface and rolled into the cup for birdie. I tied the match with that chip.
Second, was a 45 yard shot on the par 5, 14th hole. This one was made by Scott. The fifth hole is an elevated hole, but what make sit challenging is the ground leading up to the green. It is not smooth and does have some patchy spots. Normally, I would hit a gap wedge into the front of the green, but Scott had a different idea. He used a Texas wedge (putter) and hit the ball to within 12 feet of the pin. Considering all the stuff he hit the ball through, that was an amazing shot. We tied the hole with birdies.
Third was on the par 5, 17th hole. Both Scott and I had trouble off the tee. Fortunately, I found my ball and had a shot to hit it up the fairway. Scott found his ball in the woods and had to chip out. I was one up in the match at this time and figure I might be able to close Scott out, but alas that was not to be so. Scott hit the ball out and left it in the rough about 190 yards from the green. Then he hit the shot of the match. Drawing a 7 iron, Scott hit the ball over the trees guarding the green and stayed on the back with a putt left for birdie. It was an amazing shot and one of the best I have witnessed in many years. We both pared the hole and I was one up heading home.
As stated before, I won the match on the 18th hole with a bogey. The finish was not our best and I think we both would have liked our tee shots back. However, that is the nature of golf. Interestingly, except for the first hole, I never lead in the match until the 16th hole. I could always even the match up, but I never took the lead until the very end. Not matter what I threw at Scott, he always responded. Fortunately, I did not get discouraged and fought through until the end of the match.
We both played very well throughout the match and it was great fun getting to know Scott. I look forward to the next round we play together. For now, I am off to the next round of the Open Match Play event.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
