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As in life, so too in golf -some questions simply have no answer.

But where does the medal play versus match play question rank in that particular conundrum?

Which is the true test of championship golf - match play or medal play?

It's a question that comes up for discussion on a recurring basis, usually at championship time. With the Bermuda Amateur Stroke Play Championships now only two weeks away, the topic is once again alive.

On the professional tours, there are very few match play tournaments, which is not to say the Tours have decided that match play is not a true test of golf.

Rather, at the Tour level, television must be taken into account as there are many dollars, pounds and euros to factor into the equation.

Television rules in all sports these days but only if the television execs believe they can get the ratings.

In stroke play, even if you have a run-away winner, you will still have a telecast that runs the full distance, even when the result is in the bag.

It is amazing how high the television ratings are when Tiger wins a tournament by a massive margin.

Not so in match play, as once the match is over, so too is the telecast. If a player wins by a wide margin, television will have a problem.

Uncertainty of play

It is the uncertainty of how the match will play out which is a major drawback for match play and television.

But that does not address the question being asked, rather, that is simply a discussion on some of the economics of golf.

So, what factors should be considered when trying to answer the question of which is the better test of championship golf.

The answer to a question that has no answer is always the same - it depends. Match play requires the eventual winner to produce a winning performance in each match played. In match play, you either win your match or you pack your bag, grab your lunch pail and head off home.

There is a finality to it that can be intimidating. In essence, the eventual winner must win several tournaments within a tournament if he or she is going to win the whole enchilada.

Yes, say the medal play enthusiasts, we've heard it all before but there are many more pressures to deal with in medal play than in match play.

In medal play, you must play at a consistently high level throughout the entire 72 holes, as a bad stretch of just a few holes, sometimes just one bad hole, can take you out of contention completely.

Medal play

In medal play, you have to take into account the entire field and plan your strategy based on competing against everybody, not just the player you face for the day.

Besides, say the medal play punters, both players in a match play event can scruff it around real ugly and one will still be in the hunt for the overall title. Not so, in medal play, play ugly and you pay the price. Your lunch will be handed to you along with your bus ticket out of town.

So, what is the answer to the question? Actually, I think the answer is both. It's a bit like tennis - clay court or grass?

To be a complete champion, you must win championships under both forms. From June 10-13, a medal play exam is being set and two true champions will emerge.

Who will they be?[[In-content Ad]]

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