This week the Armchair Golf Blog features a series on matchplay. Today, golf commentator Peter Alliss reveals the approach that helped him beat a golf legend.
Memorable matchplay victory:
Alliss defeated Arnold Palmer in Ryder Cup singles in 1963. Two years earlier Alliss halved his Ryder Cup singles match with Palmer. Few went head to head with Arnie in his prime without losing.
Quote:
“Beating Palmer was terrific. I was so frightened. He was in a much better state than me at the time because he was driving well but I was very conscious he wasn’t going to beat me and I didn’t collapse. I kept the ball in play and he made mistakes.”
Alliss’ matchplay pointers:
• Always play the man, not the course
• Find the fairway, hit the green — don’t be too ambitious
• Try never to lose holes to par, especially par 3s
• If you’re down, keep going — don’t crash, bang, wallop and fire away and make more mistakes
• Keep your car on the track
• Don’t give up and don’t do stupid things
Still to come:
Wednesday: Sandy Lyle (rallied from six down to defeat Nick Faldo)
Thursday: Gary Player (five-time World Match Play Champion)
Friday: Jim Gallagher (beat Seve Ballesteros in Ryder Cup singles as rookie)
The Armchair Golfer
(Source: BBC Golf)