MYGOLFSPY FORUM MEMBER MATCH PLAY EVENT

[Javs]

1 hour ago, Golf2Much said:

As we wrapped up the round robin divisional play, I thought it might be interesting to share some information on two questions:  Who played in the tournament and did individual handicap make a difference?

Let's look at the course handicaps for those who played.  As courses changed, so did course handicaps, so I had to pick one week.  Here's the data from Week 1:

In general, it looks fairly "normal" in that there appears to be somewhat of a normal distribution of handicaps.  The average course handicap was 9.8.  With the average male handicap index being 14.0 and female at 28.0, in general the people who participated in the Match Play were a little better than the average GHIN golfer. 

Breaking it down further by team, you can see the handicaps for each team member (from week 1 as a sample), what their average, minimum, maximum and difference between the high and low handicaps.  

Again, the average course handicap was just under 10.  Only two teams had all four single digit handicap players and only two teams had all double digit handicap players.  The lowest individual course handicap was a +2 and highest was 30 (again only looking at one week as a representative sample).   Ten of the sixteen teams had an average course handicap less than 10.  Even though two of the champions had the lowest average handicaps in their divisions (Sharky Mac'n Swans and The Muscle Backs), low handicaps didn't guarantee winning.  Duckboat Vol 2 and The Distinguished Gentlemen had the third and forth lowest average handicaps in their respective divisions.

Comparing total number of points scored by each team over the three weeks against their team's average handicaps yielded this chart.

With the trend line almost flat at 3 points, it shows very little if any correlation between team handicaps and results.

Taking it one step further, I looked at each complete match over those three weeks.  I added the total two-man team handicaps for each match and asked did the higher or lower handicap team have an advantage.  Here's what I found:

• 22 (48%) matches were won by the higher total handicap team, 18 (40%) matches were won by the lower handicap team, there were 4 (9%) halved matches and 2 (4%) matches where both teams had the exact same handicap. 
• When team handicaps with more than 10 strokes apart, 11 (42%) were won by the higher handicap, 13 (50%) were won by the lower handicap and 2 (8%) were halved.
• When team handicaps with more than 15 strokes apart, 9 (50%) were won by the higher handicap, 8 (44%) were won by the lower handicap and 1 (6%) were halved.

Since this is such a relatively small sample, it's pretty safe to say that handicaps, low or high, had little overall impact on the match play results.   Also, in general, one can say that golf's handicap system does help to create a more even playing field.  

Again, thank you for all who participated (as regular players and substitutes) and helped make this a success so far. 

On the the playoffs!

Really appreciate all the time and hard work you have poured into this event. You have added so many items that have really made it fun and exciting. Not to mention better metrics than the people on ESPN!!

Edited September 27, 2023 by Javs

[Preeway]

@Golf2Much, you really put in a lot of work to make this event amazing. Thank you for that. These stats are just icing on the cake. Can’t wait to be a part of another event like this soon. 

[JohnSmalls]

On 9/26/2023 at 2:48 PM, fredsharky said:

Well my three wins are def not all on me for sure - my teammates have been great for me - even though I have shot some good golf - my team has def picked me up 
So this singles match is going to be interesting between an 18 and 8 hdcp 
Good luch @JohnSmalls

Same to you!  

[Subdiver1]

17 hours ago, fozcycle said:

I shot an 87 which makes me even par!

oh well, it was fun trying.

Hopefully you skirted the tropical storm weather.  Though it was "fun"

[Subdiver1]

On 9/26/2023 at 11:48 AM, fredsharky said:

Well my three wins are def not all on me for sure - my teammates have been great for me - even though I have shot some good golf - my team has def picked me up 

I will second those sentiments aimed at my team mates.  well said sir.

[Mr. Mushball]

19 hours ago, Golf2Much said:

As we wrapped up the round robin divisional play, I thought it might be interesting to share some information on two questions:  Who played in the tournament and did individual handicap make a difference?

Let's look at the course handicaps for those who played.  As courses changed, so did course handicaps, so I had to pick one week.  Here's the data from Week 1:

In general, it looks fairly "normal" in that there appears to be somewhat of a normal distribution of handicaps.  The average course handicap was 9.8.  With the average male handicap index being 14.0 and female at 28.0, in general the people who participated in the Match Play were a little better than the average GHIN golfer. 

Breaking it down further by team, you can see the handicaps for each team member (from week 1 as a sample), what their average, minimum, maximum and difference between the high and low handicaps.  

Again, the average course handicap was just under 10.  Only two teams had all four single digit handicap players and only two teams had all double digit handicap players.  The lowest individual course handicap was a +2 and highest was 30 (again only looking at one week as a representative sample).   Ten of the sixteen teams had an average course handicap less than 10.  Even though two of the champions had the lowest average handicaps in their divisions (Sharky Mac'n Swans and The Muscle Backs), low handicaps didn't guarantee winning.  Duckboat Vol 2 and The Distinguished Gentlemen had the third and forth lowest average handicaps in their respective divisions.

Comparing total number of points scored by each team over the three weeks against their team's average handicaps yielded this chart.

With the trend line almost flat at 3 points, it shows very little if any correlation between team handicaps and results.

Taking it one step further, I looked at each complete match over those three weeks.  I added the total two-man team handicaps for each match and asked did the higher or lower handicap team have an advantage.  Here's what I found:

• 22 (48%) matches were won by the higher total handicap team, 18 (40%) matches were won by the lower handicap team, there were 4 (9%) halved matches and 2 (4%) matches where both teams had the exact same handicap. 
• When team handicaps with more than 10 strokes apart, 11 (42%) were won by the higher handicap, 13 (50%) were won by the lower handicap and 2 (8%) were halved.
• When team handicaps with more than 15 strokes apart, 9 (50%) were won by the higher handicap, 8 (44%) were won by the lower handicap and 1 (6%) were halved.

Since this is such a relatively small sample, it's pretty safe to say that handicaps, low or high, had little overall impact on the match play results.   Also, in general, one can say that golf's handicap system does help to create a more even playing field.  

Again, thank you for all who participated (as regular players and substitutes) and helped make this a success so far. 

On the the playoffs!

Thanks for the breakdown on this, I think it's a great set of data to come out from these types of events.  Looks like a good write up for an article of the practical application of the WHS and how it makes things more fun!  Even crud players like myself have just as much chance of ending up on the winners bracket as the next playa.  I'm keeping this in mind for the tournament at The Reserve this weekend.  

 

[fozcycle]

11 hours ago, Subdiver1 said:

Hopefully you skirted the tropical storm weather.  Though it was "fun"

Yup, no bad weather this week at HHI

[Golf2Much]

@Placasse61, don't forget I still need to get your hole-by-hole scores.  I have the other course information from a previous week's submission.   It can be a photo of your scorecard, a GHIN electronic representation or simply a hole by hole list of your scores.  You can post it here or back on the Week 26 VCT thread. 

Thanks!

[Shank Aaron]

Very brisk, and windy most of the round, but thankfully (mercifully?) it was at my back on more holes than not. Still, I cant be anything other than happy with today. Slight improvement over the tournament round I played here in May. 

 

[Placasse61]

19 hours ago, Golf2Much said:

@Placasse61, don't forget I still need to get your hole-by-hole scores.  I have the other course information from a previous week's submission.   It can be a photo of your scorecard, a GHIN electronic representation or simply a hole by hole list of your scores.  You can post it here or back on the Week 26 VCT thread. 

Thanks!

Thanks Golf2Much. You are doing a great job keeping this match play rolling. 

[Golf2Much]

Just in time, the last semi-final pairings are set between The Distinguished Gentlemen and The Muscle Backs:

@GolfSpy_APH vs. @Shank Aaron

@BNewton51 vs. @Mikedb26

@Berg Ryman vs. @Bohnson

@CB Lobo 4 Life vs. @Pinetree

Good luck to all participants.  I'll be looking forward to capturing the scores and seeing how this all plays out.  As a reminder, there may be a slight delay in my posting of results.  I'll be out of town Sunday and first part of Monday.  So please bear with me.  

[Berg Ryman]

Of course I get paired with the absolute stick... play well @Bohnson!

[GolfSpy_APH]

Just now, Berg Ryman said:

Of course I get paired with the absolute stick... play well @Bohnson!

We believe in you @Berg Ryman!

[Berg Ryman]

5 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

We believe in you @Berg Ryman!

Oh, I do too... it's just that I almost could have predicted that matchup.

[Bohnson]

Play well @Berg Ryman! 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

On 9/29/2023 at 7:33 AM, Placasse61 said:

Thanks Golf2Much. You are doing a great job keeping this match play rolling. 

Just going through the thread. 
Congratulations on the net Albatross sir!

[Berg Ryman]

19 hours ago, Bohnson said:

Play well @Berg Ryman! 

Spoiler... kinda didnt

[Golf2Much]

USA lost another Ryder Cup on European soil and were on the last day to play the Match Play semi-finals round.  As a reminder, you still can post the score online on Monday, but the round must be played this week and before the end of the day today.

We have seven golfers who have yet to post a score.  Here's the list I have:

@GolfSpy BOS

@LinksgolfFever (you have a couple of rounds in the week 26 VCT that could count, just designate one if you wish)

@swansosa

@JohnSmalls

@Bohnson

@Pinetree (substitute)

@Mikedb26

From my records, the rest of you have submitted matches for this week.  As a reminder, I'm heading out in about 10 minutes and will be out of town until mid-Monday.   I'll be away from my PC and unable to input scores and update match results until I return.

Good luck all and I can't wait until I get home to see what happens!

 

[JohnSmalls]

7 hours ago, Golf2Much said:

USA lost another Ryder Cup on European soil and were on the last day to play the Match Play semi-finals round.  As a reminder, you still can post the score online on Monday, but the round must be played this week and before the end of the day today.

We have seven golfers who have yet to post a score.  Here's the list I have:

@GolfSpy BOS

@LinksgolfFever (you have a couple of rounds in the week 26 VCT that could count, just designate one if you wish)

@swansosa

@JohnSmalls

@Bohnson

@Pinetree (substitute)

@Mikedb26

From my records, the rest of you have submitted matches for this week.  As a reminder, I'm heading out in about 10 minutes and will be out of town until mid-Monday.   I'll be away from my PC and unable to input scores and update match results until I return.

Good luck all and I can't wait until I get home to see what happens!

 

Just got in from the course. I'll have mine posted this evening. 

[srooch2]

On 9/28/2023 at 2:21 PM, Shank Aaron said:

Very brisk, and windy most of the round, but thankfully (mercifully?) it was at my back on more holes than not. Still, I cant be anything other than happy with today. Slight improvement over the tournament round I played here in May. 

 

What tee’s did you play? How often have you played there? It’s my dream course above ANY course I would love to play

[Shank Aaron]

1 hour ago, srooch2 said:

What tee’s did you play? How often have you played there? It’s my dream course above ANY course I would love to play

This time I played from the Whites/Middle tee's, the tournament I played here back in May was from the yellow/forward tees. I've played here three times, but I've played the Red course too many times to count, mainly for tournaments. Would highly recommend it if you get even the slightest chance. And don't pass up the chance to play the Red course while you're here. It's just as much of a challenge, and equally worth it. 

[JohnSmalls]

Played white tees, front 9 twice. CH of 18 on the front. Shot a 95, boils down to a 77. Certainly not my best but had 6  net birds in the mix. Jekyll and Hyde makes an appearance. 

[srooch2]

6 hours ago, Shank Aaron said:

This time I played from the Whites/Middle tee's, the tournament I played here back in May was from the yellow/forward tees. I've played here three times, but I've played the Red course too many times to count, mainly for tournaments. Would highly recommend it if you get even the slightest chance. And don't pass up the chance to play the Red course while you're here. It's just as much of a challenge, and equally worth it. 

Heard nothing but good things about the red course

[Golf2Much]

Here's the results of the Hagen Division winners Duckboat Vol. 2 against the Nicklaus Division winners Sharky Mac'n Swans.

Match One:  GolfSpy BOS versus GolfSpy_BNG:  This was a back and forth battle.  Neither opponent was up by more than two holes.  After GolfSpy BOS tied it up winning the 14th and hole 15 (with a net eagle), the pair pushed the last three holes for 1/2 point halved match.

Match Two:  JohnSmalls verus Fredsharky:  Though the match showed a lot of blue for fredsharky, it was close.  Fredsharky was never up more than two and each time he did, JohnSmalls fought back tying it on hole 16.   Fredsharky responded winning 17 and 18 winning two up!

Match Three:  Placasse61 versus LinksgolfFever:  LinksgolfFever rushed out to a lead of up 4 after eight holes.  Placasse61 fought back, tying the match on the 15 hole and going up one on 16.  LinksgolfFever won the last two holes to take the match 1 UP.

Match Four:  Javs verus swansosa:  This was a very tight match.  Swansosa was up early, but not by more than one hole.  It was all tied going into the 18th hole where Javs prevailed 1 UP.  

Just look at the total holes won by each team and you can tell this was a very tight match!

 

As a result of the above matches the first semi-finals are complete:

 

Congratulations Sharky Mac'n Swans for advancing to the Match Play Finals!!

Edited October 3, 2023 by Golf2Much

[Preeway]

Congrats, Sharkbait!!! Hoo-ha-ha!!!

[Golf2Much]

Here are the results of the matches between the Vardon Division winners The Distinguished Gentlemen and the Palmer Division champions The Muscle Backs:

Match One:  GolfSpy_APH versus Shank Aaron:  Shank Aaron has been a substitute for the last few weeks and has served The Muscle Backs well.  After Shank Aaron won the first hole, GolfSpy_APH stormed back building up to a two-hole lead through the 13th hole.  After Shank tied it on the 14th, they traded hole wins until Shank Aaron net eagled the 18th hole to force a halve.

Match Two:  BNewton51 versus Mikedb26:  BNewton51 is another valuable substitute for multiple teams.  Unfortunately, mikedb26 has been fighting bronchitis and vertigo and was unable to post a round this week.  That lead to a disqualification and a win for The Distinguished Gentlemen.  

Match Three:  Berg Ryman versus Bohnson:  Bohnson got out to a quick lead with as many as two holes up through hole 12.  Berg Ryman fought back tying the match on the 13th hole.  The pair proceeded to tie the final five holes of the match which ended in a halve!

Match Four:  CB Lobo 4 Life versus Tom the Golf Nut:  After CB Lobo 4 Life won the first hole, Tom roared back and went up by as much as four holes by the 6th hole.  Tom the Golf Nut cruised to a 4 and 3 win. 

As a result of these matches, the standings are as follows:

Unfortunately given the tight matches, it was hard to over come not posting a score.  As a result, The Distinguished Gentlemen win the second semi-finals match and make it to this week's Championship Round! 

Congratulations The Distinguished Gentlemen!

THERE YOU HAVE IT....IT ALL COMES DOWN TO TWO TEAMS:  SHARKY MAC'N SWANS VERSUS THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN!  Captains, I expect your finals pairing as soon as they are available.  You have to play a round between today and Sunday, October 8th.  Those scores must be posted before 8 PM Eastern time.  Shortly after that, the final results will be made public.   

May the best team win!

 

[Javs]

1 hour ago, Golf2Much said:

Here's the results of the Hagen Division winners Duckboat Vol. 2 against the Nicklaus Division winners Sharky Mac'n Swans.

Match One:  GolfSpy BOS versus GolfSpy_BNG:  This was a back and forth battle.  Neither opponent was up by more than two holes.  After GolfSpy BOS tied it up winning the 14th and hole 15 (with a net eagle), the pair pushed the last three holes for 1/2 point halved match.

Match Two:  JohnSmalls verus Fredsharky:  Though the match showed a lot of blue for fredsharky, it was close.  Fredsharky was never up more than two and each time he did, JohnSmalls fought back tying it on hole 16.   Fredsharky responded winning 17 and 18 winning two up!

Match Three:  Placasse61 versus LinksgolfFever:  LinksgolfFever rushed out to a lead of up 4 after eight holes.  Placasse61 fought back, tying the match on the 15 hole and going up one on 16.  LinksgolfFever won the last two holes to take the match 1 UP.

Match Four:  Javs verus swansosa:  This was a very tight match.  Swansosa was up early, but not by more than one hole.  It was all tied going into the 18th hole where Javs prevailed 1 UP.  

Just look at the total holes won by each team and you can tell this was a very tight match!

 

As a result of the above matches the first semi-finals are complete:

 

Congratulations Sharky Mac'n Swans for advancing to the Match Play Finals!!

Congratulations Sharky Mac'n Swans! Well played gents. Good luck in the finals! Really wanted to advance because today I just shot 63. Really wanted to be able to post that one! 

[Preeway]

1 hour ago, Golf2Much said:

Here are the results of the matches between the Vardon Division winners The Distinguished Gentlemen and the Palmer Division champions The Muscle Backs:

Match One:  GolfSpy_APH versus Shank Aaron:  Shank Aaron has been a substitute for the last few weeks and has served The Muscle Backs well.  After Shank Aaron won the first hole, GolfSpy_APH stormed back building up to a two-hole lead through the 13th hole.  After Shank tied it on the 14th, they traded hole wins until Shank Aaron net eagled the 18th hole to force a halve.

Match Two:  BNewton51 versus Mikedb26:  BNewton51 is another valuable substitute for multiple teams.  Unfortunately, mikedb26 has been fighting bronchitis and vertigo and was unable to post a round this week.  That lead to a disqualification and a win for The Distinguished Gentlemen.  

Match Three:  Berg Ryman versus Bohnson:  Bohnson got out to a quick lead with as many as two holes up through hole 12.  Berg Ryman fought back tying the match on the 13th hole.  The pair proceeded to tie the final five holes of the match which ended in a halve!

Match Four:  CB Lobo 4 Life versus Tom the Golf Nut:  After CB Lobo 4 Life won the first hole, Tom roared back and went up by as much as four holes by the 6th hole.  Tom the Golf Nut cruised to a 4 and 3 win. 

As a result of these matches, the standings are as follows:

Unfortunately given the tight matches, it was hard to over come not posting a score.  As a result, The Distinguished Gentlemen win the second semi-finals match and make it to this week's Championship Round! 

Congratulations The Distinguished Gentlemen!

THERE YOU HAVE IT....IT ALL COMES DOWN TO TWO TEAMS:  SHARKY MAC'N SWANS VERSUS THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN!  Captains, I expect your finals pairing as soon as they are available.  You have to play a round between today and Sunday, October 8th.  Those scores must be posted before 8 PM Eastern time.  Shortly after that, the final results will be made public.   

May the best team win!

 

After the thorough thrashing we received, I’m rooting for Team Sharkbait. Let’s go!!!

[GolfSpy BOS]

Congrats to Sharkey Mac’N Swans! 
 

I can’t ask for more than a tightly contested match like that! 
 

to my Duckboats 2.0 teammates, @Javs, @JohnSmalls, and @Placasse61 I can’t think of another group I’d like to be paired up with! 
 

as for the championship… I’m looking forward to a @GolfSpy_BNG vs @GolfSpy_APH showdown! 
 

 

shout out to @Golf2Much for all the effort in scoring and keeping tabs on everyone!
 

 

[Javs]

20 minutes ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

Congrats to Sharkey Mac’N Swans! 
 

I can’t ask for more than a tightly contested match like that! 
 

to my Duckboats 2.0 teammates, @Javs, @JohnSmalls, and @Placasse61 I can’t think of another group I’d like to be paired up with! 
 

as for the championship… I’m looking forward to a @GolfSpy_BNG vs @GolfSpy_APH showdown! 
 

 

shout out to @Golf2Much for all the effort in scoring and keeping tabs on everyone!
 

 

Perfectly stated Captain!