Focussing when playing strokeplay as opposed to matchplay

[Curls]

Interesting debate on preferred formats, have to say I prefer matchplay, I perform much better when I play against an opponent, especially if they're good. Was having a friendly game at the weekend and we were all out in high 40s - I was getting frustrated with my game, couldn't put anything together. Anyway at the turn I said (in my own mind) sod this I'm going to play the two other guys; and promptly came back in 36. I definitely upped my game because I was focussed on getting a better score than the other guys (and one of them played much better on the back so had to beat him with pars/birdies). Wish I knew how to do that, the guy I play most weekends with is new to the game and I know I could give him extra shots and play him that way but its not the same as playing shot for shot with someone.

Anyone have any tricks to help me focus during strokeplay like I do in match?

 

[Oddsocks]

for me stroke play is safe play. no sh*t or bust glory shots. Unless theres a 90% chance i can play the shot im thinking about then its a no no.... Trust your strengths and avoid your weaknesses at all costs.

 

[jammydodger]

Just play shots you know you can play not ones you think you can play. Dont try to get ahead of yourself and start adding up your score , play each shot the best you can and then write the score down and forget about it.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I guess the key to strokeplay and stableford to some extent is play each shot on its merit. Dave Pelz talks of a red, amber and green light for each shot. Red is the ball in big trouble or an insanely high risk tarrif. Amber is a so, so lie, still a fair degree of risk with the shot and caution advised and green is the go for it shot.

I'd like to think I take this into account but still manage to compound errors at times.