Match Play Edge: Smart Putt Concessions
In match play golf, every decision carries weight, and few are as overlooked yet strategically crucial as putt concessions. Many golfers, out of politeness or a desire to speed up play, give putts away too readily. This seemingly small gesture can profoundly impact the match's momentum and your opponent's confidence. To truly excel, you must transform putt concessions from a courtesy into a potent strategic weapon.
Why We Concede Too Easily
The inclination to concede a putt often stems from good intentions: sportsmanship, maintaining a pleasant pace, or perhaps underestimating the mental pressure even a short putt can create. We might assume a two-footer is a 'gimme' because it often is in stroke play, or because we feel it's rude to make someone putt it. However, match play is a different beast entirely. It's a head-to-head battle, and every stroke, every putt, is an opportunity to gain an advantage.
The Fix: Make Them Earn It
Your new mantra for match play should be simple: 'Make them earn it.' This isn't about being unsporting; it's about being strategically astute. Here's how to implement a smarter concession strategy:
- Rule 1: Never Concede Out of Politeness. Discard the notion that you must give a putt. Your primary goal is to win the hole. If making them putt a short one increases your chances, then that's the correct play.
- Rule 2: Assess Your Own Ability. Only concede putts that you yourself would make 90% or more of the time. Be brutally honest with your own short-putting statistics. If it's a putt you occasionally miss, make them face it.
- Rule 3: Consider the Putt's Difficulty. Not all short putts are equal. A three-footer with significant break, an awkward stance, or on a lightning-fast downhill slope is far from a certainty. Factor in lie, slope, and green speed before making a decision.
- Rule 4: Early vs. Late Match Dynamics. In the early stages of a match, it's almost always beneficial to make your opponent putt everything. This allows you to gauge their putting stroke, confidence, and ability under pressure. A missed short putt early on can plant a seed of doubt that lasts the entire round. As the match progresses and the pressure mounts, this strategy becomes even more potent.
- Rule 5: Leverage the Psychological Edge. The act of making an opponent putt a tricky two-footer, especially when the match is tight, can be incredibly intimidating. A miss, even a short one, can be a huge psychological blow, potentially leading to further errors. Conversely, a string of conceded putts can make an opponent feel too comfortable and confident.
Pre-Match Mental Drill: The 3-Foot Test
Before your next match, spend some dedicated time on the practice green. Place 10 balls at 2 feet, 10 at 3 feet, and 10 at 4 feet. Putt them all, carefully tracking your make percentage for each distance. This objective data will give you a realistic baseline for what you would typically make. Use this personal benchmark to inform your concession strategy. If you only make 70% of your 3-foot putts, why would you concede one to your opponent?
Conclusion
Smart putt concessions are a fundamental aspect of winning match play golf. By making your opponents earn every single stroke, you apply continuous pressure, gain psychological advantages, and ultimately tip the scales in your favour. Embrace this strategic mindset, and watch your match play record improve. For analysing your own putting performance and overall game data, CaddieIQ provides invaluable insights to sharpen your strategy.
Related tips
Get this kind of advice on every shot
CaddieIQ is your free AI golf caddie - instant club & shot advice, swing fixes and a daily tip.
Try CaddieIQ free