Matchplay Tips: Up Big? Don’t Coast
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Leading instructor Tim Mahoney says avoid falling into one of these three traps: (1) getting caught up in what your opponent does; (2) coasting with a lead; and (3) getting discouraged. “You can only control what you do,” says Mahoney, the director of instruction for Troon Golf. “Play to your strengths. If you’re a fairways-and-greens player, don’t turn into a pin hunter; playing your game puts the pressure to your opponent.”
Both building a lead or falling behind present challenges. “It’s natural to be more cautious with the lead and force your opponent to take risks,” Mahoney says. “But being conservative should apply only to the target and club selection. Once it’s time to hit, make an aggressive swing.” He adds: “When players get a lead, they start thinking about the next thing, like the next match. You have to keep playing.”
On the flipside, at 4-down you might be thinking about the ride home. Challenge yourself to stick around long enough to get a break. “Especially if your opponent has an unorthodox swing,” he says. “Timing is crucial in a compensating swing, and pressure makes timing hard to control.”
