Tournament Strategies??

[Boerdoc]

At 56 years old and golfing for about 10 years you would think that I would be adept at golf tournaments. I have never played in anything but charity tournaments with cheats, helpers and such. Today we will begin a 2 month, premier member summer league. Today's format is 2 man best ball tournament. I think the format changes week to week. What strategies do you use for various tournament formats. For example , when on a 2 man team scramble, do you have the big hitter hit first or second? Do you always play the safe move first? How generous with "you're good". Sportsmanship vs Gamesmanship. Waiting until they have lined up the putt, taken practice putts etc. and then give them the putt? It might depend on the team you are playing against.

This is supposed to be a fun league but I still like to play the best I can.

I am looking for any insight into what is proper strategically and what is proper decorum. Looking forward to how everyone approaches league play and tournaments.

[goatbarn]

Playing games like waiting until they're about to hit the putt before you give them a gimme is a real dick move, lol. Don't do that, ever.

Tournament play is completely different than league play. League play is like a fun, drinking fest with some competition. Tournaments are pure competition, no drinking, no gimmies....etc.

Most charity scrambles I've played the usual winners cheat to get there, so no strategy needed. But if it's a non-cheating scramble, I'd say you always let the more accurate golfer hit the tee shot first. Doesn't matter if he's also the longest. Having a playable ball in the fairway or at least not in trouble first makes everyone else's tee ball a lot more stress free, which usually equals them putting a better swing on it.

Putting is different I feel. Get the first guy to send one at the hole, with good speed to give the rest of the guys a look at the break. Best putter last usually. This has worked sometimes for me and sometimes not. Some people put a little cut/draw on their putts that'll throw off what you observe to be their starting line.

Usually let whomever is most confident hit the shot, as they don't need to see someone shank it and lose their focus.