The 2018 Ryder Cup was a great tournament and Europe won the event on home soil in-front of a massive crowd. While playing golf is a lot about technique and getting the aspects of each shot correct, there is also the mental side of the game to consider.
The way you play and what you do on the golf course will have an effect on your opponent. If you can gain the mental edge over someone in a tournament, whether it be in stroke play or match play golf, you will have an advantage.
Playing well will obviously pile the pressure on an opponent and this is always the best way to gain the mental edge.
If you are making birdies or pars, whichever it may be depending on the level at which you are playing, the pressure will build on your opponent. It could lead them to playing the type of shots they are not used to playing or do not like and this often results in errors.
If you are playing well and have the advantage, do not relax. If you are playing match play golf, keep going because if your opponent has given up mentally, you can end the match much sooner. Look for signs like bad posture, throwing their head up in their after a bad shot or the negative way they are talking to themselves.
These are signs they are losing their concentration and you have taken the mental edge in the match.
If you are playing match play golf and you are struggling to play to your best, do not give up. Keep trying to get the ball in play and make your opponent work for every point. Focus on the basics such as hitting the fairway and reaching the green in regulation. It can be tempting to try something spectacular or different when things are going against you but it is surprising how just sticking in there can play on the mind of your opponent.
The fact you just will not lie down and give up could get on the mind of some players and start to frustrate them. This could lead to them trying to play special shots to finish the match and making mistakes. Simply by doing the basics well, you can get under the skin of other players and perhaps get back in the match by gaining the mental edge.
Finally, do not be afraid to celebrate if you make a great shot. Something like a fist pump and ‘get in’ is all it takes for an opponent to feel intimidated. There is nothing wrong with celebrating a great shot in this way as long as you do not go over the top and direct it at other players.
However, celebrating to yourself and enjoying the moment is something which many other players will dislike seeing and could be enough to put them off their own game.
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