“Stroke play is a better test of golf,
                     but Match Play is a better test of character.” – unknown…
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The L&J Match Play 2026 season membership drive is here.   But first, one last Congratulations to Darrin Rashkin for getting his name engraved as the 2025 L&J Match Play Champion.  21 players from last year’s field have already committed again this year to prevent a repeat!

Match play – some would insist - is the purest form of golf.  Its player v. player, scores be damned.   The handicap system is designed to even the playing field.  An 18 handicap will get a stroke on the 12 hardest holes against a 6 handicap.   The total score doesn’t matter – and how you won or lost, or by how much, is irrelevant.  Its stressful.  Its exciting.  And most of all, its just fun. 

If you haven’t played match play, try it.  If you’re a regular and still bitter about losing (me), try again. 

Players will be encouraged to get together between stroke play tournaments and play their matches on agreed upon times and courses.  This worked beautifully last year and resulted in new friendships and playing partners.  Players will also be welcome to play a match during a stroke play tournament (especially if you’re running out of time).  Don’t worry about the rules difference – its easily worked out.  We’ll just need advance notice for pairings purposes.

I’ll put together a bracket and timeline once we finalize the numbers.  We have 21 already – the more the merrier.    

The Grand Prize?  Glory! And your name forever engraved on the L&J Match Play Trophy.  As always, L&J will pay for the semi-final and final rounds at courses you will not want to miss.  The finals were at Pasatiempo in 2025. 

The cost to join the Match Play tournament will be $50, and will be payable directly to me.  Please email me with your confirmation and/or any questions at josh@brownsteinlawgroup.com or by cell:  415-350-2465.

Josh Brownstein