- Manage your emotions
When the pressure is on and nerves are high, it’s easy for emotions to run wild on the course. But GOLF Top 100 Teacher Krista Dunton says that controlling your emotions is crucial in a match play competition.
Dunton suggests using a few strategies to help manage your emotions, such as creating a pre-shot routine that you stick to, regardless of the situation. Doing this helps you relax and maintain a sense of control over your feelings, which in turn can help you make better decisions.
She also recommends using visualization exercises to calm your nerves and focus your mind. By visualizing your shot before you hit it, you can build confidence and eliminate any doubts or negative thoughts that may arise.
Additionally, Dunton advises players to use positive self-talk to boost their confidence and stay focused on the task at hand. By reinforcing positive affirmations, you can build a mindset that is resilient and focused on success.
- Practice your short game
While hitting bombs off the tee is impressive, match play often comes down to the short game. GOLF Top 100 Teacher Brian Mogg emphasizes the importance of having a solid short game to succeed in match play.
“Whether it’s pitching, chipping or putting, you have to be able to get the ball up and down and save shots around the green,” Mogg says. “If you can consistently save par or even make a few birdies from around the green, you’ll have a huge advantage in a match play format.”
He recommends spending extra time practicing your short game before a match play event, focusing on a variety of shots from different lies and distances. By honing your short game skills, you can increase your chances of winning holes and putting pressure on your opponent.
Mogg also suggests working on your mental game when it comes to the short game, staying focused and confident in your abilities to execute the shots you practice. Through consistent practice and mental preparation, you can build a short game that is reliable and effective in match play situations.
- Embrace the match play format
One of the unique aspects of match play is the head-to-head competition, where every shot counts and mistakes can be costly. GOLF Top 100 Teacher Trillium Rose encourages golfers to embrace the match play format and enjoy the competitive nature of the game.
“Match play is one of the purest forms of golf because it’s just you versus your opponent,” Rose says. “There’s a different kind of pressure in match play, but it can also be a lot of fun and rewarding.”
By embracing the match play format, you can approach each hole with a fresh perspective, focusing on winning the hole rather than the entire round. This shift in mindset can help you stay present and engaged in the moment, giving you a competitive edge over your opponent.
- Trust your instincts
When it comes down to the wire in a match play competition, sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and go with your gut. GOLF Teacher to Watch Rick Sessinghaus emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and committing to your decisions on the course.
“Having confidence in your decisions and committing to your shots is crucial in match play,” Sessinghaus says. “You have to trust your instincts and believe in your abilities to execute the shots you plan.”
By trusting your instincts and committing to your game plan, you can build a sense of confidence and certainty in your abilities. This self-assurance can help you make bold decisions, take calculated risks, and ultimately lead to success in match play situations.
In conclusion, mastering the art of match play in golf requires a combination of strategic thinking, mental toughness, and technical skills. By following the expert tips and advice from top teachers, you can improve your match play performance and increase your chances of dominating your opponents on the course. From capturing early momentum to managing your emotions and trusting your instincts, these strategies will help you elevate your game and achieve success in match play competitions. So next time you step onto the course for a match play event, remember to apply these tips and tactics to outplay your competition and emerge victorious on the final hole.
