Tomorrow I have a blue tee match. I will post here what I learn from it.
Later…Here are a few things I learned: While I generally play from other (different) tees (gold and/or white), the strategy is still the same. It is all about hitting the best golf shots you’re capable of hitting. On some holes you have to pivot and play for bogey. Rory McIlroy famously said during the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, “This is the only tournament in the world where you fist pump a bogey.”
Playing from different tees, especially if it’s on a course you’re familiar with, changes the game. Even if you play tees that are closer to the green than you’re used to, it’s a different course. The bunkers aren’t where you expect them to be. They may or may not come into play. In addition, you’re hitting different clubs into the greens, so your ball will respond differently. The trajectory will not be what you’re used to, so the ball may (or may not) come in hotter than normal. The green may or may not hold it, which affects your next shot.
Also, expect to have some challenges. Forsee having some bad holes. Remember, it’s match play. Go on to the next hole. It’s easier to put it behind you in match play and start afresh on each hole.
Pros talk about being patient. I believe this is what they mean. John Wooden, one of the greatest coaches ever, used to maintain a philosophy of “Do your personal best. Don’t concern yourself with your competition.”
That’s not an authentic quote. The actual quote is “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.“
These are a few things I learned during my last match.
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