While it’s said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the No. 4 UCLA men’s golf team will use it to prepare for a rare situation.
Over the next two days, the Bruins will attempt to replicate the format seen in the second round of the NCAA Championship at the Del Walker Match Play Championship at Virginia Country Club in Long Beach.
In nearly all of its tournaments throughout the year, UCLA plays in a stroke-play format where players’ scores accumulate throughout the tournament, but Monday and Tuesday they will play in the match-play format.
“It’s great we’re playing this event because nationals are match play if you make it to the final phase,” said junior Pedro Figueiredo. “We really have to be focused and try to learn as much as we can from our matches and try to develop our match-play game.”
In a normal event, individuals and teams compete against the entire field, but in match play, each golfer is pitted in head-to-head matches with a single opponent.
“It’s a little different in that you’re playing one guy at a time and all you need to do is beat that one guy,” said junior Pontus Widegren. “It doesn’t matter how you play or he plays, just that you’re one (stroke) better than your opponent.”
The different format provides players the opportunity to adjust their approach on the fly, creating a clear contrast in players’ strategies.
Where some choose to play it safe in an attempt to be consistent, others will take aggressive shots in order to put pressure on their opponent.
The format is a much-needed change of pace in the season as the Bruins seek to improve in an area that cost them a national championship last June when they lost to Duke in match play.
“Last year when we got to the match play phase of nationals we were a bit sloppy and just didn’t go about match play that well, so I think it’ll be good preparation this year,” Figueiredo said.
The close proximity of the course will aid in the Bruins’ quest for their first victory in this calendar year.
In addition to the reduced travel time, UCLA will have the advantage of sophomore Patrick Cantlay’s familiarity with Virginia Country Club, his home course.
“(Cantlay) knows the course better than anyone,” Widegren said. “He’ll be able to give us good lines off of the tees and give us some tips on where to place the ball and how to read the greens.”
Compiled by Steven Covella, Bruin Sports contributor.