Title: 3 Tips for Improving Your Match Play Scores
The game of golf essentially has two forms of play. One
aspect of the game called stroke play has a golfer playing against the course
being played and possibly a large group of golfers. The other aspect is match
play which pits one golfer against an opponent. The opponent is right in front
of you and in most cases changes the way a golfer may approach the game. The tactics and strategy in match play influence
a golfers approach on how he is going to attack the course depending on the
flow of the match. . The best advice you are going to get when playing a match
is to play your game. There are going to be a myriad of influences that may put
pressure on you to stray from your game but again I stress if you stay on your
game a majority of the time you will prevail. The reason you will prevail is
because in match play it has been shown that most golfers will play above their
handicap due to influences of the match.
The following three tips are going to help maintain and
improve your match play scores. These tips are designed to keep you on your
game and not let the ebb and flow of a match influence your approach decision
process. These three tips will help you maintain and your game throughout the
match and improve your match play score overall.
Tip 1 – Manage the
Course – Think your way through the course and plan your shots. Avoid the
tendency to overthink or try to do too much with a shot. If you are playing
your home course you already know where the devil resides and if playing an unfamiliar
course you have to plan your shots based on the layout of the hole. Ask
yourself what is your best option based on your abilities to keep the ball in
play and make the shot. The key point here is to keep the pressure on your
opponent by keeping the ball in play. Play your game, stay focused. Visualize
your shots before you hit them to help keep your concentration and focus. Make
sure you pay attention to your opponent on the green is he a good or poor
putter. This may give you an advantage in deciding later in the match whether
to concede a putt or have your opponent make a six incher. The last thing you
need to do is after nine holes take a couple of minutes to assess your
situation and make the necessary adjustments if necessary. If your ahead do not
become complacent stay focused.
Tip 2 – Know the
Rules – The biggest mistake a golfer can make in match play is give away a
hole because you did not know the rules or follow the rules. Violation of a
rule in match play, in a majority of cases, will cost you the hole and give
your opponent the advantage. Check your ball before making a shot from anywhere
on the course. You would be amazed how many times golfers hit the wrong ball.
Make sure you know your options for an OB shot. The lateral water hazard OB
shot has five options for dropping the ball back in bounds make sure you know
and assess the situation to make the best possible drop. When should you or can
you concede a putt? Knowing the rules can not only save you strokes but could
possibly save your match.
Tip 3 – Don’t Speed
the Game Up – Nerves and stress make you want to hurry your shot and force
a poor shot. Make sure you take a couple of breathes before you set up for your
shot to help subdue these nerves. Make sure you stay in your shot routine
throughout the match. Shaking your arms and head can help keep you calm. Be
prepared for your match and have a good mental approach and this will help you
stay within your game.
These tips can help you improve your match play scores and
allow you to play your game. If you can execute these tips you will find that
your matches will be under control and give you the best possible chance at
being successful and reduce your score in match play.
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