Key tips for winning sudden-death golf playoffs
GOLF
STAYING composed is one of the requirements when playing a sudden-death play-off.
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When the tournament comes down to a sudden‑death playoff, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Yet the best players treat the extra holes as an extension of the round rather than a separate, high‑stakes battle. The key is to stay composed, play to your strengths, and keep the game simple.
First, maintain a patient mindset. Even though every shot now carries the weight of the entire competition, the most successful approach is to treat each swing as if it were the first tee shot of the day. Rushing leads to poor decisions and erratic swings, so take a moment to breathe, visualize the shot, and execute with the same routine you use on any other hole.
Second, focus on the aspects of your game that have earned you a spot in the playoff. If you have a reliable short game, aim for positions that give you easy chips or putts rather than trying to force heroic drives.
Conversely, if your driving is your strongest asset, keep the ball in the fairway and let your power do the work. By playing to your natural strengths, you reduce the chance of unexpected mistakes.
Keeping the ball in the fairway is another simple but powerful strategy. A tight lie off the tee makes the next shot far easier than a scramble from the rough. Even a modest drive that lands in the short grass can set up a comfortable approach, whereas a wayward tee shot often leads to a forced recovery that can quickly turn the momentum.
Controlling your breathing and staying relaxed are essential in the heat of a playoff. A couple of deep breaths before each shot helps lower heart rate and sharpen focus. Pair this with a positive internal dialogue—remind yourself that you have earned this moment and that you are capable of handling the pressure.
By staying patient, playing to your strengths, and maintaining a calm routine, you give yourself the best chance to emerge victorious. Catch you on the fairways!
-Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.