Match play is my favorite game. Our group plays it all the time and I also entered several singles and doubles tournaments this summer. I subbed on a league team last night and it got me thinking about how people approach their opponent. I'm typically a chatty guy and genuinely enjoy meeting people. I'm also competitive but would rather have a good time and lose than win at any cost. Anyway, last night's opponent got me thinking about a player's mindset. He was very reserved on the first tee box, especially for a younger guy on a team of buddies. I conceded a generous putt on the first green to halve the hole in hopes of loosen him up. It's a 9 hole league and we didn't start chatting until the seventh hole after he was doomie. I won 2&1. It seemed like he was more comfortable talking once the "opponent" mindset waned. Just a guess.
I'm curious how other people approach their opponent. Do you chat it up or do you keep to yourself? This applies to league, tournament and friendly matches. As a reference, two of the guys in my group don't say much to one another when they're playing a match...it works for them.
I'm curious how other people approach their opponent. Do you chat it up or do you keep to yourself? This applies to league, tournament and friendly matches. As a reference, two of the guys in my group don't say much to one another when they're playing a match...it works for them.