Matchplay tricks to beat a player that is better than you

[@davet2625]

I don't go in for mind games much. But if an opponent starts any with me it gives me a boost - I realise that if he feels that's something he needs to do to get an edge then he's threatened by me. I frame it in my head that he's childish, petty, unsporting, and that I'm maintaining the integrity and spirit of play like a champion! So perhaps the takeaway is: it doesn't have to be about what dark arts you yourself can employ, but it's at least as much about how you psychologically handle the stuff an opponent chucks your way - not giving him the satisfaction of seeing you enraged about being asked to hole out one-footers etc etc

[@JustSleepin61]

My personal favourite .. opponent rips it down the 1st .. as he admires it .. ask him in a friendly way .. bit toe-ey?

[@redlinejcw]

We recently played an annual match play event where the guy I played against is always 6-7 stokes ahead of me in stroke play. In matchplay he usually gets 2-3 holes ahead of us after the first 5 holes which makes it really hard to come back. This year we just focused on steady play over the first 9 holes and he got frustrated that he wasn't pulling ahead. That caused him to have a total collapse on the back 9 and we ended up winning 5&3. What a great day of golf that was.

[@paulvanraay7229]

As often as possible, walk ahead of you opponent. Makes them feel like they're trailing all day.

[@deejaymobile]

Make sure you keep playing your own game and play to your strengths. Try to weigh up the percentage play of what your shot might / will do which in turn will help pick a sensible and more importantly reliable shot to play too. Course and shot management is king! If you get behind, don't panic and immediately start playing more risky or harder shots as this will then play into your opponents hands even more. Also remember it is Match Play and not Stroke Play, you may lose a hole, but you could lose it with two lost balls and your opponent birdies the hole. You have still only lost the hole. It's very possible to get back into the game when compared with that same situation in a stroke play match! I guess what I am saying, is stay focussed and psychologically strong then you will be playing the best golf you can on that day.

[@JakeConroy-ww4om]

when on the green ask your opponent if they want you to move your ball marker out of the way, even though its not actually on their line. might make them doubt themselves on what line their putt is.

[@alecharmson8961]

I give them as many putts as possible early on (without throwing a possible winning hole) then make them putt out everything later they were expecting to be given and they have no recent positive memory of it going in the hole.

[@UKrustafarian]

I find that anything that turns an opponent to thinking of negatives stays in the subconcious. Giving positive comments or silver linings to bad shots can really affect a player to the point that they almost play planning for thier worst rather than assuming that they will strike it perfectly, which means that any perfect shots don't go where planned and that's frustrating as hell. Nothing worse than playing for the puffy fadey one you've hit on the first three holes, and flushing it to 11 o clock into trees.

[@zxgopher]

If I'm playing at home I will always point out the trouble on every hole (in a helpfully way) When I have the honour I always take driver where possible and generally play aggressively if I'm in the driving seat. If the opponent hits a bad tee shot and hits three off the tee will generally club back and try and hit fairway to force them into an aggressive 4th And the best one... when looking for a lost ball, put hands in pockets and walk around like your really trying to find it 😳

[@danthemanwhocancan]

What Gopher said 👏

[@leemasters1180]

Evil tactics on the swing rebuild. 5 Lakes is my local track.. Definitely have a go at your caddy off for misclubbing.

[@wildcat8797]

Just play par golf & don’t try to make every birdie. Also if your opponent has any putts outside of 1.5 feet that’s down hill or a quick breaking putt, don’t give them the putt. Make them putt it. So many good amateurs will miss a few of those putts

[@BaldyFella]

The person posing the question didn't explain (or you didn't convey) whether the match was a scratch event or handicap. If it was the latter and he gets 7 or 8 strokes then the name of the game has to be to shoot no worse than nett par on the holes where he has a shot and to try and par most of the easier holes where he doesn't get a shot. That way he's forcing the +3 player make birdies and pars to even make half. Off 5 he should have a tidy short game which is essential against a very handy amateur.

[@BuzzaGolf]

think it was his club scratch knockout

[@33115566]

I'd go out as fast and hot as possible unless its windy/rainy. No talking.

[@cougar1234c]

When i'm all square on the last i just start singing Disrespect by GAP Band

[@2E0UDX]

Great tips guys Im off 11 and I'm playing a 3 hcp in the final on the 30th ....just perfect timing this vid LOL

[@BuzzaGolf]

good luck :)

[@2E0UDX]

Cheers Steve !

[@renmay3171]

Maybe a rubber snake on the first tee ala Lee Trevino...

[@beachfraser3747]

Congratulations to James on the birth of his little one !!!

[@garethb1961]

Any good sledges? I've got "You're mother was a hamster, and you're father smelled of elderberries". But after that I struggle.

[@BuzzaGolf]

nothing I can write down here ;)

[@sappermade6012]

I think pars.

[@g00nerz4eva]

Why does the buzzman look high in this video?! Are you wired from adrenaline playing that 18 holes of match play? Lol. I'll put money on it that you won. That's the look of someone who just spent 4 hours 'in the zone'

[@Silverbear1967]

Mention the word shank repeatedly..