The Mental Side of Match Play

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

*** Notice: eZine editors / Site owners ***
You may reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all our links in place, do not modify any content and include our resource box as listed above.

---

Tips for Buying Used Golf Clubs

Used golf clubs can be great for those who are... Read More

3 Things You Must Check Before Buying Used Titlist Golf Clubs To Avoid Regrets

Used Titlist golf clubs are great golf clubs even if... Read More

Exercise For A Golfer - Dont Fear it

Exercise for a golfer is widely used. Despite the success... Read More

Why Exercise Is Crucial In Achieving The Correct Golf Swing

Achieving the correct golf swing is the magic key that... Read More

Why You Should Be A Risk-Taking Golfer

Very few people, whether they are golfers or not, realize... Read More

The Golf Channel Highlights Fitness

If you're a Golf Channel addict or merely an avid... Read More

The Most Underrated Golfer in History... Buffalo Bill! Huh??

Buffalo Bill was introduced to golf by his father at... Read More

The Secret To Beating Tiger Woods At Golf ? And, Its Correlation To Success In Business!

The game of Golf, although difficult to master, can nevertheless... Read More

How Do The Golf Pros Train?

Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on... Read More

The Perfect Golf Swing Through Improved Posture And Balance

Every golfer is continually in search of that elusive feel... Read More

Too Many Online Golf Tips...which one do I take?

Online golf tips are on the increase. This is hardly... Read More

Tiger Woods, the Greatest Ever? ?NOT!

Tiger is great but still a long way from claiming... Read More

Improve Your Golf Swing Timing

Golf swing timing is an important aspect of the game.... Read More

The Most Common Backswing Flaw

One of the most confusing terms in golf instruction is... Read More

Functional Exercise For Golf WarrantsThe Quickest Results

Functional exercise for golf can mean different things to different... Read More

Perform Better Golf By Training Your Body

What will it take to get you to perform better... Read More

Myrtle Beach Golf Packages - What to Know Before You Go

There is a lot of money in the Myrtle Beach... Read More

Are Golf Conditioning Routines Really Necessary

Many golfers around the world still do not understand why... Read More

Three Tips To Help You Benefit From Golf Video Instruction

Golf video instruction can be a powerful tool in helping... Read More

Golf Stance And Its Physical Requirements

Golf stance is one of the most ignored terms and... Read More

Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Reach

The perfect golf swing. Aren't we all look for it?... Read More

Improve Golf Swing The Non-Traditional Way

Improve golf swing seems like a thought that is on... Read More

Baggin It Right...Raises Your Game

Even the most casual of golfers needs a golf bag.... Read More

Is Golf Conditioning Exercise Too Strenuous

Is golf conditioning exercise so strenuous that most people will... Read More

Purpose Driven Golf

I want you to meditate on a couple points for... Read More

One Out of Two Golfers Will Have a Golf Swing Related Injury - Can You Prevent Yours?

I have a friend who blew out his ACL in... Read More

Golf Industry Insights

The time and effort for due diligence prior to the... Read More

Beginners Guide to Buying a Set of Golf Clubs

You walk in to a golf store and there are... Read More

Mental Toughness for Golfers: Avoiding Comfort Zones in Golf

A comfort zone becomes a problem whenever a player is... Read More

Senior Golfers Can Still Play Great Golf. Do You Want To Know How?

If you're a senior golfer?don't give up and don't give... Read More

Golf Fitness Training Made Easy?And Anyone Can Do It

Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot... Read More

Golf Training Programs For Women

Golf training programs designed to help condition the body for... Read More

Power Golf The Easy Way

Power golf is a game very few golfers can play.... Read More