Now that the dust has settled and I’ve had time to reflect – and catch up on my sleep – I’m happy to say the soft launch of National Match Play in Oakland, CA was a huge success and a fantastic time was had by all.
While the goal of National Match Play is to bring golfers of all skill levels together to compete in head-to-head, match play competition, we also want to make it fun. To do that, at our launch event, we tested a few rule tweaks designed to make things fair and fun for every participant. Specifically, we added tee box areas based on age plus handicap and had threesomes playing 1 v 2 compete in a two ball scramble. Though they did raise some concern among some participants, it was gratifying to see those rules positively received and to see them work as intended. And, while the scramble format won’t be available for upcoming 2 v 2 matches, it may be allowed in a 1 v 2 match where the two 2-man teams are unable to schedule their pool play match without a 1 v 1 or a 1 v 2 format.
Off the course, we took in an Oakland A’s game from an owner’s suite and had a fun karaoke party to sing along with some great music. A good time was had by all (even if I did need to take a quick power nap during the ball game!).
As we look beyond our launch event, we’re already looking forward to the 2022 National Match Play Finals, which will be held Dec. 6-11, at Barton Creek Country Club in Austin, TX. That event will feature a welcome reception on the night of the 6th and pool play matches on the 7th, 8th, and 10th, with a rest/sightseeing/shopping day scheduled for the 9th. The weekend will culminate with the Championships Finals Playoff on Sunday the 11th, to be followed by an awards buffet dinner that evening.
Area winners will be eligible to compete at the Finals in Austin, and their Area Directors and Local Directors will be able to compete in the Director’s Challenge, as well. Plus, NMP will cover the lodging (including lodging for one golfer and one non-golfer per player) and golf for each player. Players will only need to pay for their own transportation, tips for caddies and for any meals not provided as part of the event. The winning team in each event will both earn two playing spots in a proamevents.com event.
Finally, thanks to everyone who took part in our launch event. We’ve got more excitement, more prizes, and more golf planned for our upcoming events too. Want your chance to join the fun? Summer is here and sign-ups are open, so grab a partner and sign-up before your National Match Play Region fills up. And don’t forget that entry for 2022 is free. Hope to see you on the course soon!
