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The Mental Side of Match Play
Jarrod Cash and Michael Black
Many of us might assume that there isn't too much debate about
the characteristics of a good match player. Clearly, the ability
to play your game in the best or worst of conditions better
or worse can be useful, conversely we know that bad match
players are people easily put off their game or cannot perform
when they need to most. Therefore, if you want to win the
better part of your matches you simply need to play consistent.
However, this idea strikes me as too easy - too simple. If
that is all there was to match play than your local course
would be overflowing with excellent match players. I must
confess, there is a great deal more in match play than there
appears to be.
I would propose that preparation for match play begins the
moment you step into the clubhouse. Many golfers have been
known to play their "best" game before they even step onto
the green. Often, good match players will try to get inside
your head by making coy suggestions about certain aspects
of their game (or yours for that matter). They may comment
on certain aspects of the green, or lavish praise upon you
for a hole well played. In short, remember that golf is a
far more mental, than physical game, and be prepared for chance
remarks that might have greater implications than you might
otherwise expect.
I believe that many of the "chance remarks" made on the first
tee, or during the course of a match, have an important affect
upon the result. If you are a person who is prone to the comments
or suggestions of an opponent, you must try to let these chance
remarks pass through your mind like "water through a sieve."
Some people might laugh at the suggestion that a person of
strong willpower cannot impose their desires upon a person
of weaker. I even have a perfect example of this concept in
action.
In an important match, one of the players was sinking his
putts from all parts of the green. After some time, his opponent,
in calm and casual manner said, "You know, I just can't make
out how it is you manage to sink so many putts with such a
strong grip." I can only assume that this comment led the
golfer to question whether or not his grip was strong, because
his short game suddenly broke down. On the next putt he had
to play he was thinking more of his grip than of the putt
- that simple remark put him completely off his game.
Broadly speaking, the play of an opponent affects most golfers
in two ways: the method of play, and the result of that method.
Furthermore, we must consider the temperament of an opponent,
and his or her attitude towards life in general. Since all
types of people play golf, the novice must expect to encounter:
the talkative player, and his opposite, the self-centered
or introverted golfer. You must be mentally prepared to face
whatever comments, criticism, or flattery that an opponent
might give, and allow them to flow through you, unnoticed.
Undoubtedly, it will be of benefit to all of you to vary your
opponents as much as possible and to play frequently with
strangers. It calls for greater effort to play your best game
under such conditions, and vice versa, it can be detrimental
to play with one or two of your friends and to avoid other
opponents. Many golfers get into the habit of pairing always
with a friend; someone whom they can play against with very
little mental effort. Remember, you are better off playing
against someone that you can never beat, than someone you
can always beat. Your mind is your greatest weapon - guard
it well!
© 2005 BlackCash Enterprises, LLC
- All Rights Reserved
Jarrod Cash and Michael Black have created a comprehensive
collection entitled "The Lost Golf Secrets Collection" available
at: http://www.LostGolfSecrets.com
Lost Golf Secrets Discovered! To Learn The Forbidden Knowledge
of The Pro's, http://www.LostGolfSecrets.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Black
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