Everything you need to know about matchplay

In the Ryder Cup, the best players from the USA and Europe compete against each other in various matchplay formats that require unique strategies, mindsets, and tactics. Here is how you can become a master of the matchplay format.

Matchplay is one of golf’s oldest and purest formats. The Ryder Cup is the most famous example of matchplay in the professional game. Instead of counting every shot across 18 holes, players go head-to-head, battling to win each individual hole. It’s the perfect format to throw up drama and excitement.

To give you the edge when you play against your friends, we asked PGA Professional and two-time PGA Cup player Adam Keogh to share some of his tips and tricks.

How important is course management in matchplay?

Course management is vital in all formats but especially in matchplay. You don’t want to give a hole to your opponent. If you are going to lose a hole, make your opponent win it rather than conceding with a poor tactical error – that can really change the momentum of a match.

One area where professionals are smarter than amateurs is that they don’t attempt shots they can’t execute. It sounds like a cliché, but hit what you know you can hit and keep the pressure on your opponent.

Give us some short-game drills that could make the difference in a tight match

The number of shots taken on and around the greens decides the outcome of many matches. Therefore, it is important to be as good as you can in this area. Getting the ball into ‘gimme’ range when putting from distance can be a huge advantage, so be sure to develop your pace control on the greens before playing.

Prior to playing, I always think about the short game shots I’m likely to face. For example, a links course is likely to present chip-and-run opportunities whereas a parkland course may require more lofted options around the greens. I would always play some of those shots before heading on the golf course. This preparation could just prove to be the difference in a tight match.

How should a novice prepare for a matchplay round to feel confident and ready?

If you can turn up hitting the ball out of the sweet spot of the golf club and also knowing how far you hit your clubs, then that gives you a great chance. Competence breeds confidence.

When should you play aggressively, and when more conservatively, in matchplay?

The position in a match may influence your strategy. For example, you may be giving a stroke on a hole in a handicap matchplay and your opponent may already be on the green. That would generally mean you would play more aggressively. Alternatively, you may be two holes up with three to play and forcing your opponent to play aggressively and take a chance. Now might be the opportunity to play conservatively: so you don’t offer your opponent any glimmer of hope.

What advice would you give to beginners playing in pairs or even teams, like Ryder Cup-style formats?

First and foremost, enjoy the challenge and play as a team! In a game typically played as an individual, playing with a partner can make it even more exciting. Where possible you can confer with you partner around club selection or even green reading – but be sure not to over-complicate it.

Always walk together, keep talking to each other and continue to breed positivity – don’t allow negative talk to creep in.

How can matchplay help novices enjoy the game more and build confidence?

When learning the game, matchplay is a great way to play as it allows players to directly compete against one and other without the pressure of a card-wrecking hole. If, or when, that bad hole comes along, you simply lose one hole and move to the next ready for a fresh challenge and an opportunity to redeem yourself.

Which Ryder Cup players’ approaches to matchplay can we learn from?

There have been many Ryder Cup legends down the years, but a European that immediately comes to my mind is Ian Poulter. He consistently seemed to outperform his regular tournament levels and become the talisman of the team. Who can forget the Miracle at Medinah where he seemed to completely change the direction of that match on the closing holes on Saturday!

Give us an example of a piece of matchplay strategy that you have used in your PGA Cup matches

The most recent PGA Cup match was an away match and, naturally, there was more support for the USA team. One tactic we used particularly in the pairs format on the greens was not to concede gimmes too soon and allow the opposition to relax, chat, leave the green or allow supporters to walk away and generally be disruptive while we still had the opportunity to putt.

More commonly, in a pairs format on particular holes you have more than likely discussed before playing certain holes that you or your partner would fancy and therefore, the strategy may become more aggressive. In that scenario, you may put the ball ‘in play’ and allow your partner more freedom to be aggressive – or vice versa.