How to hone your match-play killer instinct

The Ryder Cup teams are set, and now we get to see the best players in the world play the way the rest of us do: match play. It’s a different game from stroke play and requires a different strategy. The best match play golfers have a killer instinct. You need that same instinct to win your match this weekend, just as Mickelson and Furyk will need it at Valhalla.

What makes match play so exciting is that there’s no doubt about what you must do. Your normal mindset goes out the window as you try to play your round with one eye on your opponent. This can be very unnerving, and something as simple as hitting the green with a pitching wedge can feel like a challenge after your opponent has gone out of bounds with a tee shot. It's almost like playing the last hole of a tournament over and over again!

My advice is to refocus your efforts on the elements you can control. Focus on your golf and on the shots you need to hit to play a nice game. Pick your targets to fit the situation and then go at those targets with a vengeance. Go for the jugular and get as many holes up as possible early. You never know what will happen later, so take advantage of your good play early on.

Recognize that the momentum can change easily, so don't let your opponent get any breathing room. If you can put him away on the 12th hole, do it. He would happily do the same to you.

Comments

[DG]

I'm just afraid Stricker will not have the killer instinct. By his own admission he's too nice sometimes. Sure, he knows how to win but like you say, match play is a different animal and he'll need some fire in his belly to conquer the Euros.

[Ronald Montesano]

Who is Roger Gunn and what does he know about the killer instinct? What experience does he have with it?

[M. McNeill]

He's a Top 100 teacher, so I'd say he's at the top of his profession and qualified enough to write this article.

[ronald montesano]

How innocent, M. McNeill. What competitive experience does he have? What tournaments has he won? Do you know what it takes to be a top 100 teacher? I bet it's less than you think and more dependent on whom you know.

[Shane Jonas]

According to worldgolf.com Roger has won more than 25 pro tournamnts, was the 2001 Southern Cal PGA teacher of the year and has coached Tom Lehmann and Steve Pate. A pretty strong CV!