Advice for matchplay

Kid Charlemagne

So Lads - by the sounds of things ye all have a lot of experience of matchplay.
Have ye any tips for a 21-r who will be playing his first match in about a week n a half?
Opponent is also a high hc so ill pretty much have to beat him unassisted.

What should i do???!

PhilipMarlowe

Kid Charlemagne wrote: »

So Lads - by the sounds of things ye all have a lot of experience of matchplay.
Have ye any tips for a 21-r who will be playing his first match in about a week n a half?
Opponent is also a high hc so ill pretty much have to beat him unassisted.

What should i do???!

Rule #1 is enjoy yourself. If you're too nervous or psyched up then you'll probably not be at your best.
The most annoying thing when playing a match is gifting a hole to your opponent by making a (stupid?) mistake or two. There is a time and place for hero shots but in general you are trying to keep your ball alive and make your opponent actually beat you.
There may be occasions when you have to take on something but say you hit a drive into the trees and he is on the fairway - If you take on a miracle recovery which will likely fail then his job is much easier on that hole. If you chop out you may still be able to match him at worst.
So my advice is to try and avoid gifting holes by knowing when to have a conservative strategy.

Also, matchplay is a funny animal and you should have a mindset that your opponent is going to hole putts, chip-in etc. You can be 10ft away for birdie with your opponent bunkered (thinking this hole is sorted) and he'll hole the bunker shot, heaping pressure on your birdie attempt for a half. If you assume that you have to make your putt first, then you are not (as) shocked by his shot and ready to do what you have to do. If he splashes out to 15ft and misses then you adjust and cosy your putt up near the hole for the win.

Also, if you get ahead, don't start to relax too much that you make silly mistakes. Beat him by as much as you can - You can still be a nice guy but keep competitive.
If you are behind, stick with it until it's no longer possible to continue. A bit of momentum can do funny things in a match

k.p.h

Don't ask for 6ft putts anyway..

wcarey1975

PhilipMarlowe wrote: »

Rule #1 is enjoy yourself. If you're too nervous or psyched up then you'll probably not be at your best.
The most annoying thing when playing a match is gifting a hole to your opponent by making a (stupid?) mistake or two. There is a time and place for hero shots but in general you are trying to keep your ball alive and make your opponent actually beat you.
There may be occasions when you have to take on something but say you hit a drive into the trees and he is on the fairway - If you take on a miracle recovery which will likely fail then his job is much easier on that hole. If you chop out you may still be able to match him at worst.
So my advice is to try and avoid gifting holes by knowing when to have a conservative strategy.

Also, matchplay is a funny animal and you should have a mindset that your opponent is going to hole putts, chip-in etc. You can be 10ft away for birdie with your opponent bunkered (thinking this hole is sorted) and he'll hole the bunker shot, heaping pressure on your birdie attempt for a half. If you assume that you have to make your putt first, then you are not (as) shocked by his shot and ready to do what you have to do. If he splashes out to 15ft and misses then you adjust and cosy your putt up near the hole for the win.

Also, if you get ahead, don't start to relax too much that you make silly mistakes. Beat him by as much as you can - You can still be a nice guy but keep competitive.
If you are behind, stick with it until it's no longer possible to continue. A bit of momentum can do funny things in a match

This. I havent played matchplay in years, i'm still a high hc as i was then and i got drawn against a low teen hc who had just won our captains day the previous month so needless to say i had no confidence in anything from the game. I was 6 down after the front 9 and pulled it back to level on the 18th and lost the first again. Was good fun though. I'm now a member in a golfclub and hopefully I'll get to play in the matchplay this year.

W

Redzah

PhilipMarlowe wrote: »

Rule #1 is enjoy yourself. If you're too nervous or psyched up then you'll probably not be at your best.
The most annoying thing when playing a match is gifting a hole to your opponent by making a (stupid?) mistake or two. There is a time and place for hero shots but in general you are trying to keep your ball alive and make your opponent actually beat you.
There may be occasions when you have to take on something but say you hit a drive into the trees and he is on the fairway - If you take on a miracle recovery which will likely fail then his job is much easier on that hole. If you chop out you may still be able to match him at worst.
So my advice is to try and avoid gifting holes by knowing when to have a conservative strategy.

Also, matchplay is a funny animal and you should have a mindset that your opponent is going to hole putts, chip-in etc. You can be 10ft away for birdie with your opponent bunkered (thinking this hole is sorted) and he'll hole the bunker shot, heaping pressure on your birdie attempt for a half. If you assume that you have to make your putt first, then you are not (as) shocked by his shot and ready to do what you have to do. If he splashes out to 15ft and misses then you adjust and cosy your putt up near the hole for the win.

Also, if you get ahead, don't start to relax too much that you make silly mistakes. Beat him by as much as you can - You can still be a nice guy but keep competitive.
If you are behind, stick with it until it's no longer possible to continue. A bit of momentum can do funny things in a match

Completely agree with this, the most important points and also the most basic in my opinion are;

1. Keep the ball in play
2. If ahead, always have a mindset that u need to win the next hole as u can always expect ur opponent to come back at u.
3. Don't give up.

blackwaterfish

clearly mark on your card the holes on which your giving or recieving shots. helps you keep a clear mind and avoid any shocks in the round such as when you thought you were 1up but... you when actually take h'cap into account your 1 down!

and i would say for your first matchplay... just play your usual game, erring on the side of caution, to get a feel for the dymanic of matchplay. it can be very enjoyable... if you let yourself enjoy it. it can be utterly painful if you get too tense.

WHIP IT!

blackwaterfish wrote: »

and i would say for your first matchplay... just play your usual game, erring on the side of caution, to get a feel for the dymanic of matchplay. it can be very enjoyable... if you let yourself enjoy it. it can be utterly painful if you get too tense.

Great advice here... Matchplay can be great fun for an level of player. I really wish we played more of it in general to be honest.

From a competitive point of view, try to react the same to every shot. If your drive/approach/chip/putt doesn't exactly go where you were hoping it would go, keep your cool and try to appear as unfazed as possible - as if the shot has gone exactly like you planned... also, if you hit a corker of a drive straight down the middle, keep the pokerface up - you want your opponent to think you're in control of your game and you do that all the time (ie, drive straight! )...

Enjoy it...

Henry Ford III

1/. Relax. It's a game, not a Ryder Cup game. Enjoy the experience. Be friendly and polite.

2/. Never expect to have any putt conceeded. Certainly never ever ask for one to be.

3/. Expect your opponent to hole every putt.

matt-dublin

If you get into trouble on a hole its not the end of the world, you can get it back on the next.

Matchplay IMO is the best format, can be so entertaining so as the lads said above, most importantly is to enjoy it.

Secondly, never expect a putt to be given or a hole to be conceeded.

Keep the ball in play and play your stongest shots when you can (ie don't be trying the reverse flop shot if you can't do it!)#

Best of luck

Loire

Redzah wrote: »

Completely agree with this, the most important points and also the most basic in my opinion are;

1. Keep the ball in play
2. If ahead, always have a mindset that u need to win the next hole as u can always expect ur opponent to come back at u.
3. Don't give up.

A big +1 to this. I've never beaten anyone by playing particularly well and have only lost one match where my opponent played really well. Most of the time it comes down to who makes fewer mistakes.

Kid Charlemagne

cheers for that lads.

based on all that i have decided ill play a conservative game using only the clubs im most confident with.

also will get plenty of putting practice in in the meantime.

thanks again.

blackwaterfish

just to say finally... if you have a nightmare of a first hole... due to nerves.. or just plain bad luck... or even if over the first 3 holes youre way below what your normal standard is... dont beat yourself up too much - if you do youre playing into the hands of your opponent.

its very very frustrating to be playing with somebody new and to not be giving a good account of yourself... been there and done it to death.

your oppenent IS VERY LIKELY to have his/her fair share of holes where theyll be below theyre own standard and hopefully it'll pee them off so much that it'll be to youre benefit.

anger & disappointment are not youre friends in matchplay.

Redzah

Kid Charlemagne wrote: »

cheers for that lads.

based on all that i have decided ill play a conservative game using only the clubs im most confident with.

also will get plenty of putting practice in in the meantime.

thanks again.

Just be aware that there is a difference between playing conservative and keeping the ball in play. Don't hit a 3 iron off the 1st if u normally hit a driver. This would be counterproductive and not your ususual game. You may hit bad shots that get into trouble but if this occurs do ur best to make your opponent earn the hole by trying to scramble a bogey etc.

GreeBo

Redzah wrote: »

Just be aware that there is a difference between playing conservative and keeping the ball in play. Don't hit a 3 iron off the 1st if u normally hit a driver. This would be counterproductive and not your ususual game. You may hit bad shots that get into trouble but if this occurs do ur best to make your opponent earn the hole by trying to scramble a bogey etc.

+1
However dont be afraid to change from your usual play if your opponent leaves you an opening.
i.e. dont just blast away with a driver after your opponent has carved his into the woods first.

Kid Charlemagne

ah yeah, by conservative I mean my normal comfortable game and playing the %s - rather than taking the aggressive approach and trying to kill the game off early doors.

obviously if im a few holes down at the turn ill have to look at being more adventurous but sure hopefully a steady game will keep me well in it.

Dtoffee

Timing and the pace of the game is important, play at a pace that suits you and dont get sucked into a race or a crawl. Choose your time to attack carefully, there is no point in trying to carry lakes/ rough / trees if you stand to lose the hole ..... take the safe option until you grow in confidence and know that you can play the high risk shot.

Talking ....... dont get suckered into a conversation where you become too familiar and relaxed, you are playing matchplay and concentration is VITAL (I have beaten much better golfers than me by playing mind games;))

I was marshalling at the Seve trophy years ago and Clark and Westwood were playing against the two french lads. Clark gave them a 3ft putt on the 5th but they made him hole out. He duly did and the french lads were waiting at the 6th tee box when Clark arrived with Westwood .... Clarke looked like thunder and as he passed the two boys - he blew cigar smoke and snarled 'I believe you were inside me back there Mr Levet'. When he walked past them, he smiled and winked at me ......... Levet got up and choked on his drive while Westwood did his best to stop laughing and struck it straight down the middle. Clarke was playing games and they bottled it, Clarke n Westwood won at the 14th and is was a lesson in how you should never let your opponent get into your head.

Focus, focus and concentrate .... you will win by one shot at a time, the last shot is gone and the next one is all that matters.

Best of luck.

golfnut1

Dtoffee wrote: »

Timing and the pace of the game is important, play at a pace that suits you and dont get sucked into a race or a crawl. Choose your time to attack carefully, there is no point in trying to carry lakes/ rough / trees if you stand to lose the hole ..... take the safe option until you grow in confidence and know that you can play the high risk shot.

Talking ....... dont get suckered into a conversation where you become too familiar and relaxed, you are playing matchplay and concentration is VITAL (I have beaten much better golfers than me by playing mind games;))

I was marshalling at the Seve trophy years ago and Clark and Westwood were playing against the two french lads. Clark gave them a 3ft putt on the 5th but they made him hole out. He duly did and the french lads were waiting at the 6th tee box when Clark arrived with Westwood .... Clarke looked like thunder and as he passed the two boys - he blew cigar smoke and snarled 'I believe you were inside me back there Mr Levet'. When he walked past them, he smiled and winked at me ......... Levet got up and choked on his drive while Westwood did his best to stop laughing and struck it straight down the middle. Clarke was playing games and they bottled it, Clarke n Westwood won at the 14th and is was a lesson in how you should never let your opponent get into your head.

Focus, focus and concentrate .... you will win by one shot at a time, the last shot is gone and the next one is all that matters.

Best of luck.

That's all very well and good but what if the op doesn't smoke cigars? What ya gona do?

link_2007

golfnut1 wrote: »

That's all very well and good but what if the op doesn't smoke cigars? What ya gona do?

Let a ripper of a fart

Dtoffee

Doesn't smoke cigars !! L-O-S-E-R alert

Nothing better than one of Cuba's finest and a large Remy to keep the Johnny jump up's in their place :eek: "I say old chap, I see young Redzah forgot his tie again ...... nothing but a jumped up artisan, dont know how he got in." :pac:

harpsman

Dtoffee wrote: »

Doesn't smoke cigars !! L-O-S-E-R alert

Nothing better than one of Cuba's finest and a large Remy to keep the Johnny jump up's in their place :eek: "I say old chap, I see young Redzah forgot his tie again ...... nothing but a jumped up artisan, dont know how he got in." :pac:

Saw him changing his shoes in the carpark the other day,before asking for a hole to be halved on the tee box

Redzah

harpsman wrote: »

Saw him changing his shoes in the carpark the other day,before asking for a hole to be halved on the tee box

Very funny guys. I suppose the key thing is I won the match in question so something must be working.

harpsman

Redzah wrote: »

Very funny guys. I suppose the key thing is I won the match in question so something must be working.

Fair play.Im not in a position to criticise either

Dtoffee

harpsman wrote: »

Saw him changing his shoes in the carpark the other day,before asking for a hole to be halved on the tee box

Ha ha I'd forgotten about the Car Park members ...... a law onto themselves as they swipe n run for fear they might have to remember the combination to their wallet :eek: ..... I love playing them in matchplay, all I have to do is mention the word 'levy' and their game is over

Mr. Larson

What kind of warmups do people do before a match?

I'm playing one tomorrow and was considering getting out a few hours beforehand to play a few holes and get warmed up. I am conscious of the fact that I don't want to wear myself out tho which could be counterproductive - would 9 holes be considered a decent warmup or too much? (I guess it's all the walking that I'd be doing and also depends on level of fitness, I ain't no spring chicken, nor am I in the peak of my health . Maybe 4 and some chipping and putting might be better...

Dtoffee

Warm up's ...... as you say, fitness is a key and its far too easy to leave your best shots on the practice ground (you cannot practice on the same course you are about to play a match on as you would have an adavantage over your opponent).

I really do think its an individual thing and you need to try and see what works for you. I enjoy hitting a dozen or so shots into the net with a 7 iron, 4 iron and 3 wood in that order and then probably about 30 putts on the putting green .... always finishing off with 5/6 from 4ft having started from distance (that way you get your rhythm and feel first and confidence second).

Some players like to hit a basket of balls and arrive on the first tee in a sweat, its all to each his own BUT never read into anything you do in practice before a match as once you tee off its a different game altogether and you need to focus. In fact I would go so far as to say that mental conditioning before a match is as important as shot practice, get yourself in the right frame of mind (confident and ready to think your way around your game and opponents play, it pays to watch his weaknesses as it can help you decide when to apply a pressure shot as opposed to laying up). Always follow your regular routine, so dont arrive two hours early if you normally only spend 15 minutes in the clubhouse.

Jeez all this sounds mad ...... and thats before you check you have your lucky ball / marker / pen or whatever you think gives you the edge

Mr. Larson

Dtoffee wrote: »

Warm up's .....(you cannot practice on the same course you are about to play a match on as you would have an adavantage over your opponent).

Pretty sure you can. I know you can't in a strokeplay event but Matchplay is different I afaik.

Good points about warmup though... if I am to do my usual form I'll arrive at the tee 50 seconds before I tee off and tie my laces on the way down the 1st fairway

L.O.F.T

Jabberwocky wrote: »

Pretty sure you can. I know you can't in a strokeplay event but Matchplay is different I afaik

Your right Jabberwocky.Rule 7-1a-Practice before or between rounds.
Match Play: On any day of a match play competition, a player may practise on the competition course before a round.
Rule 7-1b regarding stroke play is different as you have pointed out.
As for practice, hit a few putts and and a nip of swinglube before the off and you'll be set:)

Dtoffee

L.O.F.T wrote: »

Your right Jabberwocky.Rule 7-1a-Practice before or between rounds.
Match Play: On any day of a match play competition, a player may practise on the competition course before a round.
Rule 7-1b regarding stroke play is different as you have pointed out.
As for practice, hit a few putts and and a nip of swinglube before the off and you'll be set:)

Thanks for that, I have been on teams in the past and we were told no practicing on the course as you were testing the greens etc ..... not that I am one for taking it to that level, I like a stress less approach and try and keep calm.

cgh

this may be mean and cruel, but it works for me,
1. be friendly before the game,
2. dont talk to your opponent during the game. ( concentrate on your own game )
3. on the front nine give every putt he has from 2 - 3 feet or less. ( mind games )
4. on the last 4 holes if you get that far give him no Putts what so ever
5. keep the ball in play, no silly shot making.

i have won many matches this way, you would be surprised how many golfers when they dont Putt the short ones throughout a match when they need to get them will miss.
if in doubt try it.

Mr. Larson

cgh wrote: »

this may be mean and cruel, but it works for me,
1. be friendly before the game,
2. dont talk to your opponent during the game. ( concentrate on your own game )
3. on the front nine give every putt he has from 2 - 3 feet or less. ( mind games )
4. on the last 4 holes if you get that far give him no Putts what so ever
5. keep the ball in play, no silly shot making.

i have won many matches this way, you would be surprised how many golfers when they dont Putt the short ones throughout a match when they need to get them will miss.
if in doubt try it.

Slightly conflicting approaches there maybe?

Regarding not talking to your opponent, don't understand why people think it's ok to be an ignoramous on the golf course just because you are playing a match. If you're anti-social off the course also then fair enough. Personally I play better when I have a sociable chat and the odd laugh on the way around as it helps me deal with the pressure better. Different strokes for different folks I suppose> I just like to be true to myself all the way around and focus on what I can do.

Henry Ford III

cgh wrote: »

this may be mean and cruel, but it works for me,
1. be friendly before the game,
2. dont talk to your opponent during the game. ( concentrate on your own game )
3. on the front nine give every putt he has from 2 - 3 feet or less. ( mind games )
4. on the last 4 holes if you get that far give him no Putts what so ever
5. keep the ball in play, no silly shot making.

i have won many matches this way, you would be surprised how many golfers when they dont Putt the short ones throughout a match when they need to get them will miss.
if in doubt try it.

What comp. do you play in? Ryder cup or something?

There's nothing wrong with chatting, being pleasent and friendly throughout. If you need mindgames to win a club match you are missing the point I'd respectfully suggest.

GreeBo

cgh wrote: »

you would be surprised how many golfers when they dont Putt the short ones throughout a match when they need to get them will miss.

I always putt out anyway when the shot has been conceded, for exactly this reason.

matt-dublin

as even if you miss the putt has been given. either which way your ok as its only classed as practise since your opponent gave you the putt

TheDoc

1) Course management
If you feel ahead, play it safe

2) Pressure
Try put on some pressure by being a touch aggressive in places. If you know you can do stuff well, do it.

3) Remain social
Its not for a 1 million prize purse. Always helps to keep chatty and be friendly as normal. It eliminates awkward atmospheres and can do the following

a) Avoid being called up on rules for claimed holes ( if the rule is silly, not if it blatant)
b) Can help relieve tension and pressure that can cause a bit of bother within matchplays

4) Hit greens hit greens hit greens
If you can. There is nothing more intimindating then watching someone your playing constantly hit the green, it just piles pressure on .

Best of luck, let us know how you get on

cgh

its not that i am been unfriendly, just focusing on my own game when it comes down to it, each to thier own really,
as for the putting, yes you can practice even after its been given, but the pressure of the putt wont be there, and the pressure is what counts when putting out in the match, not during practice.
just the way i play thats all.

Loire

cgh wrote: »

as for the putting, yes you can practice even after its been given, but the pressure of the putt wont be there, and the pressure is what counts when putting out in the match, not during practice.
just the way i play thats all.

I find the opposite actually....if I'm given the putt and practice I can invariably miss it as I'm not concentrating on it - this is a -ve for me walking off the green and a +ve for my player (who has seen me miss a putt). I usually, move the ball closer to the hole (say 1 foot) where I know I won't miss and knock it in..

stockdam

link_2007 wrote: »

Let a ripper of a fart

What a stupid thing to do......










what if it's a wet one?

matt-dublin

stockdam wrote: »

What a stupid thing to do......










what if it's a wet one?

thats what your towel if for...

then if you're losing you can "throw in" said towel

link_2007

stockdam wrote: »

What a stupid thing to do......










what if it's a wet one?

Then you'll really put them off.

harpsman

cgh wrote: »

this may be mean and cruel, but it works for me,
1. be friendly before the game,
2. dont talk to your opponent during the game. ( concentrate on your own game )
3. on the front nine give every putt he has from 2 - 3 feet or less. ( mind games )
4. on the last 4 holes if you get that far give him no Putts what so ever
5. keep the ball in play, no silly shot making.

i have won many matches this way, you would be surprised how many golfers when they dont Putt the short ones throughout a match when they need to get them will miss.
if in doubt try it.

What about all the players,myself included that are more nervous at the start of a game and relax a bit as they get going?
I would love to play an opponent who gives me every putt from 2-3 feet on the front 9,and worry about the last 4 holes when I get there.
Who Knows-that 2 ft Knee trembler might never arise.

matt-dublin

the logic behind it all is that when there been no pressure you've not had to put one, suddenly there's pressure and youve one to get through, you over think it and bang youve pulled it left!

GreeBo

matt-dublin wrote: »

the logic behind it all is that when there been no pressure you've not had to put one, suddenly there's pressure and youve one to get through, you over think it and bang youve pulled it left!

I dont see how there is any more pressure.
If I have hit 17 2 foot putts already in the round or none I am still going to have a pressure putt on on the 18th if Im left with a 2 footer.

matt-dublin

no, its if you are given those two foot putts for the first 12 holes and then suddenly you're asked to putt one on 13.

because you've not had to hole one before there is more pressure to hole this one.

Loire

I'd never give 2 footers....even if they make them all early in the round there's nothing stopping them from thinking they're due a miss!

saintastic

matt-dublin wrote: »

no, its if you are given those two foot putts for the first 12 holes and then suddenly you're asked to putt one on 13.

because you've not had to hole one before there is more pressure to hole this one.

But also the player will be thinking "what's different about this putt that he won't give it to me?" which creates uncertainty.

Redzah

GreeBo wrote: »

I dont see how there is any more pressure.
If I have hit 17 2 foot putts already in the round or none I am still going to have a pressure putt on on the 18th if Im left with a 2 footer.

Yes but the extra thoughts as Saintastic has pointed out makes the mind wonder, I firmly believe mind games are key to match play and are a big factor when determining outcome. You should hate your opponent that you are playing and want to do everything within the rules to beat him. There is a time for niceties before and after but during the match he is your enemy.

ridonkulous

Redzah wrote: »

You should hate your opponent that you are playing

I would say the exact opposite. You should love him like a brother/father/best friend. I've never taken greater pleasure than when beating one of the previously mentioned.

blue note

Of course you should chat to your opponent in it - it's competitive, but it should also be friendly.

And I absolutely love it when people give me two footers. I'm terrible at them, and if they give me 5 by the time we get to the 14th hole, they've very possibly given me two shots that I wouldn't have made (pressure or no pressure). If they're giving me 2-3 footers I'll return the compliment to make sure they keep doing it, but because I know I'm awful at them and it's playing to my advantage if he's giving them to me.

matt-dublin

blue note wrote: »

Of course you should chat to your opponent in it - it's competitive, but it should also be friendly.

And I absolutely love it when people give me two footers. I'm terrible at them, and if they give me 5 by the time we get to the 14th hole, they've very possibly given me two shots that I wouldn't have made (pressure or no pressure). If they're giving me 2-3 footers I'll return the compliment to make sure they keep doing it, but because I know I'm awful at them and it's playing to my advantage if he's giving them to me.

yes, so when they do give you them, and suddenly you're asked to putt one the pressure will be significantly higher and the sense of doubt will be in your mind.

ive won a few matches due to this type of mind game and it can make all the difference. especially when you're coming into the last few holes all square, force your opponent to make a putt, they miss and that putt will be on their mind going onto the next teebox (unless they've an excellent mental game)

all of a sudden your a/s or up going into the next hole and your opponent is so busy thinking about that putt that they put their drive out of bounds etc...

Redzah

ridonkulous wrote: »

I would say the exact opposite. You should love him like a brother/father/best friend. I've never taken greater pleasure than when beating one of the previously mentioned.

:D:D Good luck with that

matt-dublin

Further to that, golf may be a gentlemens game but at the end of the day a matchplay opponent is competing directly against you, and for those 10 (optimistic) - 18 holes all you need is simple politeness. Anything more than that is up to you.

there's plenty of ways to look at it, engage in full conversation throughout the round = potential false sense of security. Stop talking when you're on 9 a/s!

limited communication = this guy's an a$$hole and i can't stop thinking about how much of one he is, so much that its affecting my golf