There’s something so uniquely exciting about match play golf. While golf is and will always be a stroke play game, just once in a while we all need a bit of match play in our lives.
We’ve just had the World Match Play Championship, where Billy Horschel took the trophy, and later in the year match play fans have the Ryder Cup to get excited about.
And while watching the pros duke it out one on one is always entertaining, for us mere mortals, match play brings a whole new dimension to the game we love.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some key match play golf tips and strategies.
Play it your way
One-on-one competition has a way of convincing us to adapt our game to counteract our opponent’s game. It’s certainly true of most one-on-one sports – think tennis and boxing – and it’s certainly true of match play golf.
While the professionals might have it in their locker to adapt the game to suit the opponent, for most golfers the key is to play to your strengths.
If you are going to try to adapt something, make subtle changes. It’s all too easy to throw your game out of whack with a big last-minute change to your game plan. Before you know it you’re chasing the game and making bad decisions. Which leads us to…
Start well
One of the really big factors in match play golf is who gets out of the blocks fastest, so to speak.
If you get off to a good start and find yourself with a bit of daylight between you and your opponent, you can afford to play with a little more caution and a little less out-and-out aggression.
This really puts the pressure on your opponent and leaves you to play a calm, measured game, while saving moments of aggressive play for when you really need them…
Putt like a pro
Like when you’re on the green, for instance. One of the big differences between stroke play and match play is the approach to putting.
While with stroke play, making too many putts can derail your entire round, match play is a lot more cut and dry. If you need to sink a long putt to tie the hole, you’ve got to go for it.
So, have the bravery of a match play pro and putt with confidence!
Exude confidence
Speaking of confidence, it’s a huge factor when it comes to match play success. Again, we’re talking one-on-one here, so there’s so much of the ‘inner game’ going on – from psychological battles to pure gamesmanship.
Approach the first tee with purpose – even with a little swagger if that’s your style – and your opponent is immediately put on the back foot. Not only will it up the pressure on them, but approaching match play with an inner belief will give you a better chance at playing to your full potential.
Take things one hole at a time
While this is a piece of wisdom that rings true whatever game you’re playing, it should be part of every golfer’s fundamental approach to match play. It’s all about narrowing your focus and keeping your goals nice and simple.
Even more than with stroke play, match play golf is all about forgetting the shot you just made and focusing on the shot you’re just about to play.
It’s easier to do actually. Whether you shot a miraculous eagle or a woeful triple-bogey on the previous hole, you either won the hole or you lost it. So, move forward and focus on the moment.
Learn how to make good decisions
Match play is a constant balancing act. Every shot decision depends on the context, both of the overall score and the current hole.
Do you play cautious or aggressive? Sometimes, keeping it simple is definitely the way to go, especially when you’re ahead. In other circumstances, you have no choice but to play aggressive and go for it. This is what makes match play so different from stroke play… and, at times, so entertaining!
Once you’ve sized up the situation, of your score and your opponent’s, you have a better idea of how to approach the next shot. It might not come straight away, but before long you’ll have gained a knack for making the right decision.
Watch your opponent
Match play is like a game of poker. So much of it comes down to who’s got the nerves. So, check your opponent for signs of cracks and exploit them.
If they look a little nervous, make them putt out. Missing a simple putt could well sway the game in your favour. At the same time, if you hit a putt close to the hole always offer to putt out before they get a chance to concede it. Again, it’s all about exuding confidence.
And be careful about using sly putdowns. Some golfers thrive on criticism – just ask Stephen Ames.
Dabble in the dark arts
Naturally we encourage you to play like a gentlemen / gentlewoman and thus you shouldn’t normally try any of these tricks. However, sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. Perhaps you notice how your opponent seems to be developing a nasty cough every time you swing the club back. In these circumstances, it’s only fair to give as much as you get!
One tactic is to just start talking to your opponent about everything under the sun to distract them from their game. Try to keep the conversation going right up until when they hit the ball. Another strategy is continuously point out the dangers on each tee to plant the idea of hitting it in trouble in their mind. And if all else fails, you can always try to sneak a brick into their golf bag to wear them out!
Embrace the craziness
There’s no doubt match play can fray the nerves and get the pulse raising. That’s what makes it so special! Remember Europe’s comeback at the 2012 Ryder Cup?
So, expect a rollercoaster ride and step onto the course with a positive attitude and chances are your game will benefit from it.