One of the most undeveloped skills golfers need is the ability to dominate an opponent phychologically. In most sports you can usually beat someone of similar game just by altering their mood to your advantage. Tiger Woods is a master of this IMO.
Whilst the ethics can be debated, there is many way to trigger a negative influence on your opponents game. This ranges from schoolboy stuff like looking down at your opponents ball on the way to your own to the more subtle such as intently watching your opponent balanced on one hand with your club with a glaze of impatience.
Sometimes just letting an opponent have the feeling that your trying to put him off will make him try too hard just to 'show you'. Sometimes this will have completely the adverse effect where he sharpens up his game.
Heres a list of good things to try against your playing partners...lol
- say 'good shot' when you hit one before thats better.
- Always show an appearance of a level head with eyes that show determination and focus(unless club throwing and swearing vigorously after a reasonable shot disturbs the opponent) - any time you do talk - seem distracted and looking at the target...
- Never give a positive without giving a negative... ie "Its a good shot but I don't think it was a well controlled stroke"... the exception is when he's playing poorly and frustration is setting in - then give compliments unsparingly (that REALLY bugs people).
- Be a mechanics snob - their mechanics always suck...always give innane tips of correct things they already do..make them think that you think he's a complete idiot that knows nothing.
- When possible try and invade your opponents space as they make their strokes.
- Always try to be in their field of vision when they make a putt.
- Practice celebrate winning so you can go OTT with it looking like it is natural to you
Its all about trying to find the persons weak spot and then triggering it.
There is lots more - lets see what fun we can have coming up with more
