Matchplay tips | Golf Monthly

Matchplay is brilliant. It is 18 games within a game. Every hole is an individual chance to shine. Play a medal or a Stableford, shoot a 10 on each of the first three holes and basically you're stuffed. Your medal card is wrecked, and you're hardly going to win the Stableford with 0 points after 3 holes.
But in matchplay?? You're 3 down. Beat your opponent on the 4th and you're only 2 down. Win the next and game on.
I was 3 down with 3 to play to a good mate of mine the other week. I won the last 3 holes to square the match. That was as good as a win for me. I felt right chuffed that I'd pulled it back from the brink. A match isn't over until it's over.
The only other golden rule I would give is.................. never, (ever), assume your opponent is out of the hole. I've ended up halving or worst still losing holes in the past by assuming this. A chip in or an unbelievable putt from your opponent can turn a hole as quick as anything.