My first matchplay knockout coming up...Any Tips???

[Bobmysterkaymer]

My first matchplay comp is arranged for the 15th April. I'm off 18 and my opponent 22, anyone hve any tips/advise?
Thanks

 

[Richuk123]

Not many shots involved in this one, so will almost be a straight shootout. here is my tips.

* Don't give a putt for a while, make them putt out everything.
* Try and hit your shot into the green first. if you can get in on the green or reasonably close, it will put the pressure on.
* If you go down early (ie 3 down after 4 and so on) just bide your time, all it will take is one mistake and your back in the game, remember your only out of matchplay until it mathematically impossible for you to win
* On the holes you give shots, watch and see what your opponent does with his tee shot/2nd shot. Don't go for broke as if he falters here, it could be an unexpected pick up!

Good Luck!!

 

[Bobmysterkaymer]

Thanks very much for the advise!

 

[pbrown7582]

Play your own game for example if you find yourself being out driven no go chasing a big one to keep up play to your own strengths.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I have a few bits of advice that I was given/learnt

• Give a few early putts, don't let them get the practice for the pressure ones later on!
• Play your own game, if they win a hole with a good score don't beat yourself up about it!
• Be aggressive when you need to be, be safe when you need to be BUT fully commit to every decision!
• If they find the clag don't feel you need a 300 yard drive to win a hole!
• Accept the result and be gracious in victory or defeat

 

[HomerJSimpson]

A six still beats a seven and so you don't need to play par golf. You just need to score one less than he does. See what he does but don't let his shot influence you. If you've decided to lay up and he hits a screamer stick to the game plan. You lay up, wedge it close and hole out and he three putts and its a half anyway.

 

[Region3]

The best piece of matchplay advice imo is NEVER assume anything until the hole is over.

Thinking you've won or lost a hole before it's over is asking for trouble and gives big emotional swings that don't do you any good.

 

[Jaymosafehands]

The best piece of matchplay advice imo is NEVER assume anything until the hole is over.

Thinking you've won or lost a hole before it's over is asking for trouble and gives big emotional swings that don't do you any good.

ditto this. I won our club matchplay last year, and went behind in all but one of the games (I won that 7&6!) and went down the 19th twice. just concentrate on YOUR game, and let them worry about you.

As a contradiction to Richuk123's advice, I tend to give puts within a couple of feet for the first 4-5 holes, then start making them hole them. Amazing how their touch goes out the window with a bit of pressure.

Above all, enjoy it, and be courteous - you may meet a new set of playing partners!!!

Good Luck

 

[Achilles]

Some good advice here. I played my first singles matchplay knockout just a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd echo everyone's advice about playing your own game. No point in trying to match your opponent shot for shot. They may be solid from tee to green but be a rubbish putter, and vice versa. You can royally muck up a hole and win it, and you can par a hole and lose it. You never know what the next hole holds, so never give up and take each shot as it comes.

 

[AuburnWarrior]

Take each hole as it comes. Don't get ahead of yourself.

I played a matchplay game on Sunday. I was 3 up after 4 holes and I made the mistake of getting ahead of myself. By the turn we were all square and my game had deserted me. I had a stern talk with myself and eventually won 4&2.

Remember, a matchplay game isn't won in three holes, it's an eighteen hole affair so keep plugging away.

Good luck.

 

[MadAdey]

1 of my golfing budies have just won our winter league. They were 4 down after 5 holes. They ended up winning it on the last so never say never, always keep going.

 

[fat-tiger]

never give in,
and pressure can make your opponent do funny things