NvS - duration

Hi all,

My first event was the recent NvS and the win was sweet (although I did lose us our game!).

Although I enjoyed the day, I was amazed at how long the round took - nearly 6 hours!!!!

Do people think this was because people played individual stableford as well as matchplay? If it was just matchplay, people could have picked up after the hole is over.....

It was obviously the reason, Dennis, the two should never be mixed. Also the final individual score is usually way over what it would have been normally because of the going for putts in the match play then leaving missable putts for the individual. This happened to me a few times.

The individual should be done away with on this occasion in my opinion.

I completely agree John.

Like I said, I did enjoy the day but would think twice about the next one if it is the same format!

I agree, I played today & it was individual overall but we had a matchplay in our 4 ball & I found myself not playing my normal game. Going for greens in 2 where I would normally lay up, rolling putts 3 feet past etc.

I ended up with 30 points & losing the match on the 18th

It didn't help that my partner was having a decent round & was protecting his stableford whereas the other pair weren't bothered with their stableford & went for everything.

Just like to say that we, the first group, were done in 4 1/2 hours, and we messed about for the last few holes and had a ladies 4 ball in front of us!

On Sunday we got held up, some old duffer kept getting out of his buggy in front of us and making up a 5 ball! 

Weren't you done after 12 holes though Tim?!?! 

Tim,

it does help when you don't have to play the back 9 I suppose?

Monday I only played half the course, that's true.  But we were still over a hole ahead of the next lot even before we'd let them win.  Sunday was sloooow.

There is also something strange about the way the course is laid out, the time before we were there it was 5 hours plus as well

To be fair, the course is quite nice. I really feel that the length was mainly due to people playing on when the hole was lost / won!

Correct Paul, the two should never be mixed as they have different strategies.

I disagree, David, as you knew I would, I had to play a different game for the match than I would normally do if it were a medal and because of this there were a few holes that I made a complete mess of because I was forcing it from the tee, resulting in three triple bogies, and three double bogies. I played very well for the remaining holes and combined with my partner very well.

Putts to win the hole cannot be left short, as you well know, so a few three putts surfaced because of this. The two matches do not mix and next year I will ask not to participate in the individual event, it will also speed up play.

That is a good idea, Paul as the Sunday turnout is usually pretty large.

Of course the true test for a team match would be foursomes. 4 ball better ball is such a lottery and is not  the ideal solution to finding the best team.

Past instances of this happening does not make it right in my opinion.

Sunday league champions though.

I don't think the 2 formats should be mixed either as matchplay rules can't really be stuck too. For instance because Darren was asking people to hurry up there were instances where the opponents left there putts 2 or 3 feet short & in normal matchplay SHOULD have marked them & let us putt out but went up & putted out, which was great for speeding up but then placed the pressure on us having to hole out or at least leave them close.

Dave, I have to say that if the event is held over 2 days I for one won't be able to take part & I think that it is a bit unfair. Most of us that play this game have either busy jobs or family's which I don't think you have taken into consideration?

John

It is if it's the same date as my daughters birthday!! There is also the money issue as well, not just for the room but for the beer also!!

I think it's harder for people whose children are younger.

Yep, If the dates change then I would consider the stop over & see Dave L sink a few guiness!!

Paul,

I've only ever missed one of my kids birthdays in 11 years & that was due to being made redudant & was away re-training.

Good idea Kevin, as this would also show which pairs played well and lost and those who played poorly yet won.