Tips on staying mentally strong.

[Oddsocks]

Ok lads I need help, this weekend I've got my semi final match of our winter singles match play comp. I know it's late but anyhow, I've managed to draw this match against the most consistent 9 capper you will ever meet. On many occasions I've played with him and although He doesn't set the course on fire, he is never in trouble and will offer shoot level or + 1 on our back 9.

Generally im quite solid playing under pressure but This is going to be a hard one, give me some tips on staying strong mentally please.

 

[timgolfy]

Sounds like you've already lost.

You can stay mentally "strong" by being mentally "weak". Remember that you can't win anything on willpower alone. You can't Will the ball into the hole. The only control you have is your contact on the ball. Concentrate on that and that alone. Let the score take care of itself. Everything else, including your desire to win, is irrelevant. Give up on everything you cannot control (be weak).

 

[Oddsocks]

as crazy as it sounds your not far from my current game, saturday, no pressure and only 2 over after 8, come in one over HC with a gross 85 on a par 71 course..... score chasing!

i know my strengths, and i know he's weaknesses, which is obvioulsy going to help. im generally longer than him so playing agaist a lower hc player with a length advanatge is going to be nice. just got to keep it on the short stuff

I suppose mentally strong is the wrong term, maybe "focused" would be more suitable.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

He gives you 4 shots, just get out there, play your game and make him beat you. I don't care how consistent he is, he's not Luke Donald.

 

[G_Mulligan]

Timgolfy has caught the nail flush on top of the head 'gain control by giving up control' especially important when putting. Each 6 footer for the hole or a half needs to be played like you don't really care if it goes in.

As for focus you need to learn to switch it on and off. You can't stay focused for 4 hours it just does not work so in between shots enjoy the walk, freash air, birds, scenery, etc. Then when you approach your shot switch the concentration back on for the whole pre shot routine until the ball has landed.

 

[Oddsocks]

So thinking is my evil twin, got ya!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The only thing you have any control over is your next shot. Worrying about anything else is wasted energy.

 

[JT77]

6 bottles of magners before you head out will clear your head lol!!!

 

[Oddsocks]

James it's funny you say that, my front 8 Saturday morning was majorly motivated by the gallons of Friday night vodka!

 

[JustOne]

...give me some tips on staying strong mentally please.

Why is it hard? You've already won a quarter-final just to get there

Now it's even easier 'cos there's less people left to beat

So thinking is my evil twin, got ya!

That should be no problem for you to fix...









...it's SHANKING that you need to be worried about

 

[HawkeyeMS]

The only thing you have any control over is your next shot...

If only that were true

 

[chrisd]

He gives you the shots so it's harder for him if you play to your ability.

Don't show that he intimidates you in anyway, just be cool, calm and collected, whatever you feel inside.

Dont apologise if you pull off a great shot or say "I dont normally play like this" let hin know your in this game by right

Don't be too kind by "gimmee's" that you assume are certs - he can miss and he probably wont concede too much to you

Play to your speed when its your turn, dont go quicker or slower just because he does

Compliment a good shot but dont bum him up and make him play even better

If you go 2 or 3 holes down, stick in there, there is always a period of the game where it swings the other way.

Only try one in a million shots when there is absolutely no other way. Play like its a medal round at the start and only go for the iffy shots if your down and running out of holes. Likewise if your up with just a few holes to play, remember a half is always better than a screwed up attempt to win a hole

Go out and thrash him 7 and 6

 

[Region3]

The best advice I've ever been given for matchplay is to NEVER assume anything.

Never think you're going to win a hole before it's over and vice versa.
Don't go for a miracle shot through trees just because he's in position A. We have handicaps for a reason and there's nothing to say he won't miss the green or 3 putt.
If he wants to win he has to earn it, don't lose holes to bogeys.

Good luck

 

[JT77]

Seriously OS, try not too think too much, thats why alcohol can help for a little bit as it relaxes you. I am not saying its a good idea, I very rarely drink before or during golf, and if i do, its 1 drink max.
I got to our matchplay final last summer by playing my own game, I expected them to make everything, so I was prepared for it if it happened, dont let anything suprise you, and as it can dent your confidence, expect him to make chip shots etc, if he does you already expected it and can react, if he doesnt, you go on with your own business!
Dont do what I did and freeze in the final by trying to play a diff way it cost me the first 4 holes, you got to this match so you must be doing something right, keep doing it!
good luck

 

[EZprophet]

Region3's post is great advice.

I think in matchplay a lot of people decide what shot to hit based on what kind of position their opponent is in too often. While there are a few situations where adjusting your gameplan is good, I think the majority of the time its better to just play each hole the way you think is best, no matter what your opponent is doing.

Also, one thing I make sure I do is never outwardly get annoyed at myself in matchplay. I find playing an opponent who is getting down and annoyed at himself is a lot easier to play against mentally than someone who seems unfazed when they make a mistake.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I think the mental strength in golf is keeping things out. I remember playing recently and struggling through the first 5 holes, playing about 4 over my handicap. I couldnt get technical things out my head. I realised it, cleared my mind before each shot and went on to shoot 87

 

[CrapHacker]

...it's SHANKING that you need to be worried about

And making sure that you breath in on the downswing....or is that 'out' in the downswing? Or does it work better if you hold your breath ?





If you are serious about beating the guy, and are having genuine doubts about your ability, then I'd recommend using a mate that knows your game, as a caddy.

As well as helping you with club selection, he can distract you when you start thinking too much about your game, and it's always easier to use gamesmanship when there's two of you as well.

 

[upsidedown]

Having lost in the semi's of our singles knockout last weekend you can do it.

I had to give 7 shots to a 14 handicapper who shot 37 gross to my 36 gross on the front nine to be 2 down !!Lost 4 and 3

Play the shots you're comfortable with and when you win a hole never give the next one away, even if it means taking less club off the tee to ensure you're in play. think KJ taking 3 wood on 72 hole of Players.
Good luck

 

[Oddsocks]

cheers guys, i think i have my game plan which im going to stick to. My weakness of late has been my driving, not so much weak but inconsistent.

The R11 is out and the old faithfull is back in. on saturday i was hitting my 3 wood well so thats my go to club should my driving take a turn for the worst. It should only leave me 2 clubs more max into most par'4s but will keep me in play. I know i can beat this guy, i halved a match in the daily mail singles agaist a 6'capper that with respect was alot better than this chap... it will just be a case of turning my head off and not thinking.

My biggest issue seems to be either chasing a score or trying to recover shots lost, that magic =?? at the bottom of the sky caddie can be a nightmere. as ill be getting 4 shots i know what holes their on so no need for a score card etc, just a nice walk, with a few hits, and hopefully ill be in the finals. if not .... better luck next year.

I suppose im pressuring myself as i havent played a knockout comp since i was a junior around 15 years ago, lets just enjoy the round.

 

[Imurg]

Use your shots.
He's giving you 4 (?) and they'll be on the (allegedly) harder holes that he will quite possibly bogey. If you can make him think he's got to par them to win the hole then you're halfway to winning that hole. Don't go for miracle shots, get it in play and then around the green. If you then chip and 2 putt he's got par for a half - not always easy.
Got Doubles M/P coming up soon and I give shots at the 2 hardest holes - I've got to get it into my head that they are hard holes and I'm likely to bogey them but the oppo is possibly going to double by trying too hard.