How the not top 16 will work at the national matchplay championships

So if you are coming to nationals and you aren't in the top 16 I will explain here how the rest of the tournament will work; 

The not the top 16 will also be a matchplay format tournament as I think this makes it more fun and something a bit different from the rest of the BDGA tour. You will be paired with 3 other players for 3 x 9 (or 10 dependant on how many people come to the tournament*) hole matches then based upon your results in those matches play a further 3 x 9/10 hole* matches until you have a finishing position. The top 2 players will then have a full 18/20* final match to become the Champion. 

The first round of pairings are set so that you can go out on Saturday morning in a group of 4 and play one person then both pairs will switch for the back nine/ second loop* Ties will stand and you will be required to record then number of holes each player won. 

After these first 2 matches it will be lunchtime. While you sit and enjoy your picnic lunch I will determine your second round pairings based on the number of holes you have won in your first 2 matches. On Saturday afternoon your group of 4 will be made up of your 3rd match from your initial group of 4 and your first match of your 2nd round of matches.  This will allow you to just switch opponent half way round the 18/20* hole course without having to come back to find them - rather than basing the 2nd round of matches on all 3 of your initial matchups.

On Sunday morning you will then play the other 2 players in your 2nd group. After these 6 x 9/10 hole* matches you will have a total number of holes won between 0 and 60. Players will then be ranked accordingly by the number of holes they won. Ties will be decided by the number of holes you lost. This will provide a finishing place in the tournament. 

During Sunday Lunchtime there will be a putting competition and CTP contest open to all with prizes.

On Sunday afternoon The top 2 players will then play a final as described above.  You may wish to play some more or hopefully be interested in spectating the final pairings of the BDGA Nationals top 16.

An effort will be made for you not to play the same person again although at present with just 11 in the non top 16 this may be inevitable. (but hey you get to either take revenge or flush the puppy!) 

With current numbers the initial pairing will be seeded for those with PDGA ratings and by me based on how long you've been playing and how I've seen you play (if none of these apply I'll contact you directly to determine a rough seeding for you). 

Saturday only players may potentially place high by winning a large number of holes in fewer matches - so you may still win a prize! 

I'm slightly unsure of the outcome of this format but it should be interesting and make every hole you play count. It is based on a "swiss" pairing system used in may chess matches and at the infamous Windmill Windup Ultimate tournament in Amsterdam. For more on the stats etc for the geeks amongst you here is some more on wikipedia 

* At the time of writing this we currently have 27 registered players so would be playing 2 loops of the 10 hole permanent course at Ashton Court Estate, however if more than 35 people register I will put out a further 8 baskets to have a full 18 hole course. ( take a look at the hole diagrams and google maps I posted on the blog and forum for more information on the courses)