Matchplay Strategy: How to Win Holes, Not Just Play Golf
Matchplay is the oldest form of competitive golf and requires a completely different mindset to stroke play. In stroke play, every shot counts equally. In matchplay, the only thing that matters is winning the hole. This fundamental difference changes every strategic decision, from tee shot selection to when to concede a putt.
Key Takeaways
- •In matchplay, you are playing against your opponent, not the course.
- •Take risks when you are behind and need to win holes.
- •Play conservatively when you are ahead and protecting a lead.
- •Momentum is a real factor -- winning consecutive holes changes the psychological dynamic.
The matchplay mindset
In matchplay, you are not playing against the course -- you are playing against your opponent. This means your decisions should be influenced by what your opponent is doing. If your opponent is in trouble, the conservative play is almost always correct. If your opponent has a tap-in par, you may need to take a risk to win the hole.
When to take risks in matchplay
In matchplay, the correct time to take risks is when you are behind in the match and need to win holes. If you are two down with four to play, conservative play will not win the match. You need to make birdies, which requires taking risks. If you are two up with four to play, conservative play is almost always correct.
The concession strategy
Conceding putts is a tactical decision in matchplay. Conceding short putts early in the round builds goodwill but may cost you later when your opponent has a difficult putt to win a crucial hole. The general principle is to concede putts that are clearly inside the gimme range and to make your opponent putt anything that has a realistic chance of being missed.
Managing momentum in matchplay
Momentum is a real factor in matchplay. Winning three consecutive holes can change the psychological dynamic of a match. If you win a hole, the priority on the next hole is to maintain the momentum by making a solid par or better. If you lose a hole, the priority is to stop the momentum by winning the next hole.
The dormie situation
When you are dormie -- up by the same number of holes as there are holes remaining -- the conservative strategy is almost always correct. You cannot lose the match, but you can halve it. Play conservatively, make pars and let your opponent take the risks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change my strategy based on the match situation?
Yes. When you are behind, you need to take more risks to win holes. When you are ahead, you should play more conservatively to protect your lead. The strategy should always reflect the match situation.
How do I handle a very long putt in matchplay?
In matchplay, a holed long putt wins the hole outright. Always try to hole long putts rather than lagging them. The worst outcome is a three-putt, which halves the hole at worst. The best outcome is a holed putt that wins the hole.