Focusing for a tough match during trying times.

[Oddsocks]

I find myself sitting here trying to get my mind in the right place for my KO match tomorrow in the winter singles. My game currently isn't in the greatest shape although a lesson Wednesday and a range session last night seems to give the impression that it may hold up in tomorrow's game if I stick to it...

.. My problem lies with the fact that coupled with a fragile swing with fresh changes, I'm giving 4 shots to someone who Plays for the club in nearly all comps, and is a very very strong 16 capper, he's handicap has been questioned on a few occasions and maybe in need of an ESR.

SO, giving 4 shots to a player who should be off around 12 is really getting in my head...

It weird as I'm normally a strong match play golfer, let them win holes don't lose them bla bla bla.... But tomorrow's game has me worried, don't want to go out first round.

Help

 

[sev112]

Don't worry about it
It will be windy so that will blow your game apart and it won't be your fault
Or you will win
Be happy either way

 

[fundy]

Well if you go in expecting to lose youre pretty much going to. Clear your mind, go out and have a fun game of golf, what happens happens

 

[Pin-seeker]

Not sure what you are wanting here

 

[Oddsocks]

Well if you go in expecting to lose youre pretty much going to. Clear your mind, go out and have a fun game of golf, what happens happens

I don't like going in negative fundy, I never do even when Playing last years champ.....

 

[louise_a]

Focus on the holes that you don't give strokes on.

 

[Oddsocks]

Not sure what you are wanting here

Big cuddle and told it will be ok......no....ok moving on

 

[Hobbit]

The best matchplay player is the course, i.e. a par comp. Forget the guy you are playing, take a card out with you and play a par comp against the course. If you concentrate on beating the course, you will beat the opposition.

 

[fundy]

Focus on the holes that you don't give strokes on.

Why would you do that? Thats almost conceding the holes he is giving shots on. Ive got a match in a few weeks giving 15 shots - should I just focus on the other 3?

 

[AmandaJR]

Big virtual cuddle and it will all be ok...

Failing that just play your own game. Don't try and take on shots you don't have and aren't % ones unless you're really up against it on a hole. Try to hit par on every hole and what will be will be.

 

[Birchy]

Get the mind games in from the start "The whole club reckons your gonna win this" "Your miles too good for 16, even just after his first tee shot" put the pressure on. Make him putt out some tiddlers, shake his cage a bit.

Start believing you are going to bury him as well, if you dont believe it then its less likely to happen.

 

[davidy233]

I love matchplay - just keep going and you'll be amazed how many people who can play better golf than you crumble

 

[Oddsocks]

The best matchplay player is the course, i.e. a par comp. Forget the guy you are playing, take a card out with you and play a par comp against the course. If you concentrate on beating the course, you will beat the opposition.

I like this

 

[virtuocity]

Just do a tiny bit better than every one of his shots and you'll win....

 

[Oddsocks]

Can see the trusty 3w playing its part tomorrow, gonna have a warm up and a local range and not our range.... Just In case it's a messy start

 

[louise_a]

Why would you do that? Thats almost conceding the holes he is giving shots on. Ive got a match in a few weeks giving 15 shots - should I just focus on the other 3?

I was just really making a platitude, I gave 13 shots in a 12 hole match last week.

 

[chrisd]

Just stand on the holes that you give shots on and tell yourself that the reason you give him a shot is because you are a better golfer than him! Don't undermine yourself with negative self talk. You are the better golfer - just believe it!

 

[Oddsocks]

Nice attitude chris.

 

[pokerjoke]

Man up mate, and do it for the forum.
As you are probably aware the more you worry the worst it gets.

 

[chrisd]

Nice attitude chris.

I had a winter league season where I gave everyone in our group a shot on si 1 I had real trouble in my head with that as I thought they were all my equal in ability. I did what I said to you and it really changed my mindset and I played the hole better as a result.

Good luck Baz!