MatchplayMatchplayAim: A few thoughts on the differences in matchplay games, any changes to tactics and methods and some pointers to remember.
Matchplay is the great game we mostly play when we're online and its too big an issue to deal with totally so I'll give a few pointers that might help you along, a lot of it actually not too far from the real golf scenario.Firstly , you must stay on the level, avoid peaks and troughs, so dont get carried away if you are a few up, and assume youve got it won, and dont get down if you are behind. The same goes for shots, dont be so high after sticking it close that you miss the putt ! and dont get so fed up when you go astray that you give up on the hole.Never concede until its obvious you cant get a half, but dont carry on if your opponent needs to 3 putt from 3 feet to not win the hole, be realistic ! Play the opponent, but expect his/her shot to go close, the chip/putt to go in, worry about two putting for a win if the situation comes, but always assume they are "in" and play from there,..if they go miles off, then yes, play conservatively, dont follow them into trouble ! I always like to drive short so I can get on the green first, if you do that it can make them nervous and they might force the shot trying to get closer than you and make a mess, likewise if you miss the green, quite often they will do the same by being too careful or just getting excited.Play Safe, if you get into the trees, then unless you absolutely need a birdie, chip out onto the fairway, you can still make par, which may halve or even win the hole ! On big breaking putts concentrate on pace and make sure you dont have a tricky par putt to follow, get close for a gimmie if you can. Give the hole a chance on your putts but dont rush them by into missable distance for the return. Lastly, but not leas, trust your own clubs...your opponent may be using different lofts and setups so dont just follow their clubs, pick your shot from your own knowledge and game, and trust it ! Play smart, and know that you can take a risk to get a half because you arent recording the strokes but dont be too aggressive going for a win that you end up with a bogey and a loss ! And probably the most important lesson can be learned by looking at the "etiquette" section where you will be reminded that the "bitch" who is up against you is probably a very nice person who may even become a good friend and partner in the future....so I suggest you take that lesson very seriously, or you'll always be a loser
Top Tips:
Read the etiquette section..dont be an asshole, opponents are regular people (usually!) just like you and deserve respect
Dont brag in victory or make excuses for defeat..give it your shot and accept the result as fact, which it is of course !
Stay calm, dont get too high or too low whatever the match score or hole situation
Expect your opponent to nail every shot, and prepare for your shot as if he has done
Play smart when necessary....dont attack if they are OB for example...a safe par should do the trick
Play safe (unless you need not to) if in trouble....chip out and make par....halves a while lot of holes
Give your putts a chance but better to be an "alice" if not sure than to have a nasty 5 footer coming back
Play your own game, trust your shots and dont change your shots based on what your opponent does
Enjoy the game, this is much better than playing on your own or with Davis & Arnie right !?