What's your style of play in Matchplay?

slumped

Hi All,

Just wondering how you all approach matchplay golf?

Do you have an approach you like to use?

I know some people like to try and psych their opponent out by talking a lot/not at all.

Some people will stand close to opponents when taking a shot.

Some will also give a few 3-5ft putts in the early holes and then make the opponent putt a 2 foot putt about 4 holes in!

Any one got more??

S

WHIP IT!

In my opinion (not wishing to come across all high and mighty), the "standing close by" or "talking alot" strategy, is not a kick in the a*se away from cheating...

The etiquette of the game is of paramount importance regardless of the format you're playing. If somebody was bothering me with such 'tactics' I'd mention it to them without causing a scene...

As regards tactics - you can't beat putting the ball in the fairway off the tee. It puts pressure on your opponent, regardless of their handicap...

If you get a win early (or win the toss), get the honour and keep it - pile the pressure on..

Don't betray any negative emotion to your opponent - try to appear very satisfied with every shot... Don't give them any encouragement...

But, it's only a game - so enjoy it and enjoy the company. After all, you're playing golf so what's not to be happy about??

Edit: Forgot to mention, to prevent any potential awkwardness etc, the few times I've played matchplay, I've suggested before tee off (granted, I've only ever played 'friendly' matchplay comps with people I know - Society/Pub events - although fairly competitive and taken seriously) that we hole out everything. No gimmes. Therefore you're not peeking toward your opponent looking for a 'good' and he's not doing the same. So you both just get on with it.

PhilipMarlowe

I would agree with most of the above - people trying to 'psyche you out' is often laughable... just behave yourself and let your game do the talking.
Hate losing holes by giving them away so often play more conservatively, but I guess it depends on the game that day and how the oponent is playing...
The more you can hit fairways and greens, the more pressure goes on him.... if he is scrambling well, chances are it won't last so if you keep doing your things correct you should be ok.
That being said, you need to be ruthless if you get the oportunity - get a lead and hammer your advantage home... mr nice guy is alright being said of your manners but that's not to say be easy...

WHIP IT!

Licksy wrote:

I would agree with most of the above - people trying to 'psyche you out' is often laughable... just behave yourself and let your game do the talking.
Hate losing holes by giving them away so often play more conservatively, but I guess it depends on the game that day and how the oponent is playing...
The more you can hit fairways and greens, the more pressure goes on him.... if he is scrambling well, chances are it won't last so if you keep doing your things correct you should be ok.
That being said, you need to be ruthless if you get the oportunity - get a lead and hammer your advantage home... mr nice guy is alright being said of your manners but that's not to say be easy...

That's a great point.

The first matchplay tournament I played in (just a friendly one in the pub, 32 in at a tenner a head, winner takes all kinda thing - great fun!)... I was in control of my second-round match.

I was three-up on the 15th on Killeen and playing well within myself. We were both laying 2 (Index 1 for those who don't know) just short of the green. I was giving my opponent a shot. He duffed his chip, leaving him beside me in three. His ball, after the duff, rolled into a kind of soggy divot. REally horrible lie. I said "Ah, take a drop there sure..."

Of course, he chipped to a foot for a five, meaning I needed to get up and down - I didn't. All of a sudden I'm only two-up and he wins 16 as well!

From looking like I had it wrapped up, I was then in trouble and all I could think was "Why in the name of jayyyyyyyysisssssss did I let him take (nay, suggest he take!) a drop??"

Anyhoo, I managed to pull myself together and a bogey on 17 was enough for a 2&1 win...

Phew!

As Licksy said, hammer the advantage home... Ruthless!

killbillvol2

One of the most important things in matchplay (and I'm talking proper inter-club competitive matchplay) is your caddy. It's unbelievable the number of assholes you meet who think they're going to upset you by talking / not talking and other amateurish little strategies. Make sure you're comfortable with your caddy, that he knows the course and that he can talk total sh1te to your opponent when you're peacefully going about your business. You can be polite but focussed.

A good caddy will enable you to focus completely. If he's good you'll find out what your opponent does for a living and how many kids he has in the clubhouse after you've beaten him!

Never ever show bad manners by infringing golf etiquette and always comment favourably when your opponent hits a good shot.

The idea of no gimmes is just ludicrous IMO and adds needlessly to the time taken to play the round.

I've never had any problem admitting to my opponent that I've played a bad shot - do you think they haven't noticed? More important is: when you play a really good shot look like you do it all the time.

And, most important, never, ever, ever leave a putt short. Firstly a player who attacks his putts is very scary and secondly you've a much better chance of making the putt back than after you leave it short.

Finally, if anyone can tell me how to enjoy foursomes I'd be eternally grateful!

Golf Ninja

To stand close by to someone and talk while they are trying to play no offence but i dont think you belong on a golf course if you are considering those kinds of tactics.
Golf is a clean sport and you will get nothing but a bad reputation if you try that kind of crap.

There was one guy in my home course who thoght he was great pull stunts like what you mentioned within a year he could not understand why no one would put there name down beside him on the time sheet. If you cant win without resorting to that then you cant win.

slumped

Golf Ninja wrote:

To stand close by to someone and talk while they are trying to play no offence but i dont think you belong on a golf course if you are considering those kinds of tactics.
Golf is a clean sport and you will get nothing but a bad reputation if you try that kind of crap.

I'm not one of those people - I just said I know people that do it!!

Etiquette is there to be respected however I do think there is some play on this.

Saying negative things to yourself but not believing them can stick in the opponents mind

For example - talking to yourself about avoiding the water on the left or not to go near the OB

Is that acceptable???

S