Matt - you changed my game brother! I’m 59 and just started playing regularly a few years ago. I was always really struggling to break 100. Now I can do that fairly often. Even shot an 88 recently! It’s because of your mental strategy tips! I frequently golf with my family and they laugh because I’m now always saying out loud “follow the way of the playa!” And let me tell you something else ….. I spent 6 months of the last year in treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy, which forced me to stop playing for a while. I’m better now and back at golf and playing the best and most fun golf I’ve ever played! Thank you!
"Be pleasant to be around." That is Golf Rule #1. On the golf course, the most challenging task is to be a good playing partner. It's amazing how enjoyable even a higher score round becomes.
I was going to comment on this. Everyone needs to remember we play this game for fun, I like to think that often my playing partners win competitions we enter as being good company is key to good golf for us all. We all know the negative golfer in the group just drags you down, why bother eh? Wise words from the Matt the playa.
You can learn more about a person's character by playing golf with them than almost anywhere else. How they deal with triumph and adversity is very revealing.
I’ve found that if you can 1. Have fun, 2. Hit the ball in the air consistently, and 3. Keep it in play, then it doesn’t matter what you shoot. If you go out and do those three things it doesn’t matter if you only get 150 off the tees, thin it over the green, double chip, and 3-putt your way to a 120. People will still want to play with you. But if you’re dropping 3 hitting 4 off every tee box and making excuses for your shitty there shots and getting frustrated when you don’t stick the green like Rory, no one wants to play with you.
Lovely to get the metrics and data on club choice based on hole and distances, really shows you just how human the numbers can be for scratch golfers too. What a playa.
You really understand the mental side of the game. Having heard (audiobooks here on UA-cam) a couple books by Dr. Bob Rotella, I know that you have studied a lot of golf literature and let it shape your approach to playing. The positive imaging and focus on improvement are key psychological components to success in any endeavor. I enjoy your videos and watch some of them multiple times. Continue disseminating this valuable information. You do an excellent job.
This is a very refreshing video, it is encouraging to see a scratch golfer make the sort of mistakes that I routinely make. For a change it is very honest and realistic. Well done!
whata playa. been watching you since i started golfing at the start of covid. youve made me a better playa without a doubt and i thank you. shot an 83 yesterday with 4 birdies. blew up the last 3 holes double-bogie-double. im inspired to be better when i watch your videos
Matt, I've been watching your videos for awhile now and have incorporated your course management skills to my game. I must say that my game has drastically changed ever since I've taken on the concept of not using clubs that hurt my game. I just shot an 82 this past Saturday which is my best game yet and shot in the 80's 5 times now. Keep up the videos and I'll keep watching. Thanks for helping me improve my game.
I used your simple idea of playing to the safe sides of the golf course. Scored 41 on the front 9 the 1st time in my life. Ended on a 91 after 18. My best score ever by 6 strokes. 5 years on from my previous best of 97. And I'm a regular plus 100 shooter. Thank you sir❤😊
Thanks for showing your approach stats from 174-200, seeing both the GIR% and the scoring difference from fairway vs. rough is helpful. I get into X/Twitter discussions with data heads that claim fairways are overrated and GIR% isn't affected as much by being in the rough. I'm firmly in the "find the fairway" camp as I think a players best opportunity for GIR comes from shorter grass. Your stats confirm that both GIR% and scoring is improved from the fairway.
If you look at tour players you’ll see that they are way better from the fairway from 75 yards further back than a shot in the rough. Proximity to hole
@@GolfSidekick The data heads argue that "there's less of a % difference" for amateurs GIR/scoring from the rough than Tour guys to justify the fairway is overrated argument. My take is that everyone's best opportunity for GIR/scoring is from the fairway, your numbers bear that out. Good series, thanks for the reply.
Having played golf since the early 60's, starting in Fife, Scotland; I still have a love for the game. Most of my golf experience has focused on the one or two excellent shots I achieved in a single round. Very occasionally, my game has got to the level where the draw has been to get rid of a few bad shots. That is why I love the game.
Whataplayer 2.0. That's my pick. I put a 3 wood shaft in my 910 8.5 Driver head and went from 13 down to 9. Now i look at the tree's not playing from them and Golf got a lot easier. Worth a try.
Thanks for the commentary. I find that reaching a 12.5 this year that it's exactly what you say. I'm maybe a 25% chance of having a good day of golf. Working to improve but nice to hear the commentary to reset expectations. I don't dodge a club if I'm hitting it poorly as I want to work it to get better and I'd rather try because I spend more time on the course than I do the range. I'd rather do that... it's more fun!
Well said Matt. I love the idea that: be fun to be around regardless of how well/poorly the round is going and you will have friends for life. One of my mottos is take the game, your equipment and the course seriously but never yourself!!
I like your strategy, since I've watched your videos sometimes I'll tee off with a 6 iron, and I play short of green a lot when there's trouble and use my lob wedge, I'm trying to play more to my strengths, thanks!
I remember years ago playing in a 'Texas Scramble' for the first time. Myself and the three others shot a 70 (-1) between us and it was only when I looked back on the round that you realise just how many ok or ordinary shots there were. There were virtually zero spectacular shots played. We obviously got to pick the best drive, best second shot etc.... But it was really quite eye opening how often the "best" Tee-shot was the one on the fairway that'd only gone about 200 yards. It was very obvious that keeping it in play and just getting it on/around the green in regulation (and then holing a few putts when you do keep it in play) was may more important than 300 yard drives and peppering the flag with every approach shot. Of course it is harder to do that when you don't have four attempts on every shot BUT the principle is the same. You're always just looking to keep it in play.
That's so to the point, Matt! Why to be dissatisfied when playing a bad round? As you say 6 times out of 10 it will be fine to very good. So, I just need more time for playing, that's it 😉 When my kids are oder it will be easier again
Like your style and youre a supreme golfer. Like me you dont use the driver,im 14 handicap and playing 2 years. Prefer my 15 degree utility iron and 2 iton to 64 degree wedge. Well done sidekick
I’ve really been enjoying this channel but our games are very different as driver is one of the best clubs in my bag. Hope you can straighten out the driver soon cause you’ve got a great game. I feel that when golfers don’t hit driver at all they’re not attacking the course, but playing defense as she attacks them. Can be a brutal grind for 18 holes 😂
Watching the series. It's got to be hard expecting to play par as a 4, on courses you don't know, and links golf at that, which is a beast of a game. Golf has always disheartened me, got sick of people telling him how sweet and smooth my swing is for years, but the key to golf is mental, it doesn't need a great swing, just consistent competence and absence of big hitting ego. My driving range game is A1, but I suck at the mental, my confidence is poor and it doesn't take much to break it. That's why I struggle to break 90 and always have. It's not enjoyable never playing to potential. Never found a fix for that.
LOVE this video! Your explanation of YOUR game and expectations was so on point and a great reminder. As much as I want to see you hit driver you know more about your game and how to score. For me my driver is more reliable than a 4 iron, except when it's not but I never change strategy. That's a lot of people I bet when driver is good it's soooo good you want that every time but reality is a bitch! Love this man, great content.
hey matt how long have you been playing? do you still take lessons to refresh swing? can you shape the ball on command wondering your abilities with being low single digit HCper
Hello Matt,why not playing 5 wood or 7 wood from the tee even on links courses when there is no or little wind, especially when the long iron does not work ?
Where is your Driver confidence gone? I saw you on videos with Eric on a round and how well, long and in direction you hit the big stick. Where is it gone?
Hav actually improved my game from watching your channel. Freed up the mind and paid more attention to fundamentals. Thank you for your channel….🏌🏿♂️⛳️😎🇺🇸👍
How are you tracking your shots to be able to get those stats you are showing in your videos? A famous Matt spreadsheet, recording each shot on a piece of paper, using an app?
@@GolfSidekick I was on a golf trip where I recorded my shots in a notebook. Hope to develop a kickass spreadsheet 😄. I did notice some things in my game, especially distances, that impacted my decisions in future rounds. I suspect an analysis will tell me even more. Thanks for doing those stats.
Right wrist incredibly sore which is why I wasn't taking divots int he beginning of the round too. I have some ibuprofen patches and was putting stuff on it, but the turf is really firm in Scotland and I playe way too much too quickly
hey there Matt. I'm not sure if you've ever seen anything from Marcus Edblad but I'd recommend checking out his driver advice - i think it absolutely fits your swing and would simplify things with the driver for you. i'm absolutely not trying to be the youtube douche giving random advice to a good golfer but i really think what he teaches would like very quickly fix your driver and turn it into a weapon, not an avoid thing. essentially, it's stay a bit back and immediately release the club with the intent of hitting up/out. if you release/throw from the top immediately it's just about impossible to not swing in/out and hit up. or ignore the fuck out of this random youtube comment, i get that as well. ty for the videos as always!
Felt like you were in the trees alot off the tee. Driver would have helped you on this course but i understand you are sticking to a game plan. Ditch the 1 iron though. You hit the 3 iron just as far and alot more consistent.
Interesting your '33%, 33% and 33%' credo. For many years, probably 3 decades, I've believed that in your average round you do just that but I add that because you're going to do that it doesn't matter WHEN in the round you do it. So if you start badly it doesn't matter, because those are just some of your bad 33% holes and your good ones will come
Matt - you changed my game brother! I’m 59 and just started playing regularly a few years ago. I was always really struggling to break 100. Now I can do that fairly often. Even shot an 88 recently! It’s because of your mental strategy tips! I frequently golf with my family and they laugh because I’m now always saying out loud “follow the way of the playa!” And let me tell you something else ….. I spent 6 months of the last year in treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy, which forced me to stop playing for a while. I’m better now and back at golf and playing the best and most fun golf I’ve ever played! Thank you!
beast mode engaged
Congrats! keep it up and enjoy the game, its all about the fun I think
@@robertallan1367 Thank you! You are so right!
I absolutely agree. All the best for you 😊
Thank you!
"Be pleasant to be around." That is Golf Rule #1. On the golf course, the most challenging task is to be a good playing partner. It's amazing how enjoyable even a higher score round becomes.
I was going to comment on this. Everyone needs to remember we play this game for fun, I like to think that often my playing partners win competitions we enter as being good company is key to good golf for us all. We all know the negative golfer in the group just drags you down, why bother eh? Wise words from the Matt the playa.
You can learn more about a person's character by playing golf with them than almost anywhere else. How they deal with triumph and adversity is very revealing.
I’ve found that if you can 1. Have fun, 2. Hit the ball in the air consistently, and 3. Keep it in play, then it doesn’t matter what you shoot.
If you go out and do those three things it doesn’t matter if you only get 150 off the tees, thin it over the green, double chip, and 3-putt your way to a 120. People will still want to play with you.
But if you’re dropping 3 hitting 4 off every tee box and making excuses for your shitty there shots and getting frustrated when you don’t stick the green like Rory, no one wants to play with you.
Lovely to get the metrics and data on club choice based on hole and distances, really shows you just how human the numbers can be for scratch golfers too. What a playa.
You really understand the mental side of the game. Having heard (audiobooks here on UA-cam) a couple books by Dr. Bob Rotella, I know that you have studied a lot of golf literature and let it shape your approach to playing. The positive imaging and focus on improvement are key psychological components to success in any endeavor.
I enjoy your videos and watch some of them multiple times. Continue disseminating this valuable information. You do an excellent job.
only studied bob rotella, tom doak and pia nilsson
the rest is experience playing with tons of golfers and spending time thinking about the game
This is a very refreshing video, it is encouraging to see a scratch golfer make the sort of mistakes that I routinely make. For a change it is very honest and realistic. Well done!
whata playa. been watching you since i started golfing at the start of covid. youve made me a better playa without a doubt and i thank you. shot an 83 yesterday with 4 birdies. blew up the last 3 holes double-bogie-double. im inspired to be better when i watch your videos
Big Dave sporting the Köchenbolz and single plane swing. That’s boldness.😎
Yeps ... he wore and played with pride. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
Sunday morning watching the playa before my 1:30 tee time...doesn’t get much better than this
Same here.
Same here
Matt, I've been watching your videos for awhile now and have incorporated your course management skills to my game. I must say that my game has drastically changed ever since I've taken on the concept of not using clubs that hurt my game. I just shot an 82 this past Saturday which is my best game yet and shot in the 80's 5 times now. Keep up the videos and I'll keep watching. Thanks for helping me improve my game.
Well done. Soon it can be a 79er keep going
You can't imagine how much I needed to hear the thing with the 33% today xD. Thank You
I used your simple idea of playing to the safe sides of the golf course. Scored 41 on the front 9 the 1st time in my life. Ended on a 91 after 18. My best score ever by 6 strokes. 5 years on from my previous best of 97. And I'm a regular plus 100 shooter. Thank you sir❤😊
@golfsidekick thank you. Of all the golf youtube contents i can relate to yours the most🙏🏻⛳️💪🏻
Thanks for showing your approach stats from 174-200, seeing both the GIR% and the scoring difference from fairway vs. rough is helpful.
I get into X/Twitter discussions with data heads that claim fairways are overrated and GIR% isn't affected as much by being in the rough.
I'm firmly in the "find the fairway" camp as I think a players best opportunity for GIR comes from shorter grass.
Your stats confirm that both GIR% and scoring is improved from the fairway.
If you look at tour players you’ll see that they are way better from the fairway from 75 yards further back than a shot in the rough. Proximity to hole
@@GolfSidekick The data heads argue that "there's less of a % difference" for amateurs GIR/scoring from the rough than Tour guys to justify the fairway is overrated argument.
My take is that everyone's best opportunity for GIR/scoring is from the fairway, your numbers bear that out.
Good series, thanks for the reply.
Broke 90 for the first time today thanks too the way of the playa! No ego, no hero shots!
Having played golf since the early 60's, starting in Fife, Scotland; I still have a love for the game. Most of my golf experience has focused on the one or two excellent shots I achieved in a single round. Very occasionally, my game has got to the level where the draw has been to get rid of a few bad shots. That is why I love the game.
Whataplayer 2.0. That's my pick. I put a 3 wood shaft in my 910 8.5 Driver head and went from 13 down to 9. Now i look at the tree's not playing from them and Golf got a lot easier. Worth a try.
Thanks for the commentary. I find that reaching a 12.5 this year that it's exactly what you say. I'm maybe a 25% chance of having a good day of golf. Working to improve but nice to hear the commentary to reset expectations. I don't dodge a club if I'm hitting it poorly as I want to work it to get better and I'd rather try because I spend more time on the course than I do the range. I'd rather do that... it's more fun!
Well said Matt. I love the idea that: be fun to be around regardless of how well/poorly the round is going and you will have friends for life. One of my mottos is take the game, your equipment and the course seriously but never yourself!!
One of the best videos you’ve made. Love when the Playa in Chief drops this kind of wisdom!
Thanks!
Thank you playa!
Most under rated golf channel on UA-cam.
I loved the metrics! Really helps to get perspective. I am updating to a 2.4
I like your strategy, since I've watched your videos sometimes I'll tee off with a 6 iron, and I play short of green a lot when there's trouble and use my lob wedge, I'm trying to play more to my strengths, thanks!
My motto always. Just be pleasant to play with. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
I remember years ago playing in a 'Texas Scramble' for the first time.
Myself and the three others shot a 70 (-1) between us and it was only when I looked back on the round that you realise just how many ok or ordinary shots there were. There were virtually zero spectacular shots played.
We obviously got to pick the best drive, best second shot etc.... But it was really quite eye opening how often the "best" Tee-shot was the one on the fairway that'd only gone about 200 yards. It was very obvious that keeping it in play and just getting it on/around the green in regulation (and then holing a few putts when you do keep it in play) was may more important than 300 yard drives and peppering the flag with every approach shot.
Of course it is harder to do that when you don't have four attempts on every shot BUT the principle is the same. You're always just looking to keep it in play.
great video and great mindset - we all need these reminders sometimes!
I enjoyed seeing shots of the people you played with on this video
Another great video. Got back from playing a bonus fall round to watch this. Your explanations are spot on. It was a good round but putter was cold!
The 33% rule is a great way of thinking
Great Way to look at things on the course
That's so to the point, Matt! Why to be dissatisfied when playing a bad round? As you say 6 times out of 10 it will be fine to very good. So, I just need more time for playing, that's it 😉 When my kids are oder it will be easier again
Love the content....played carnastie few years ago didn't find the staff very friendly which was a pity 🤔
1:26 that 4 iron was rippped, out of the thick stufff too.
Dude ur putting is gooood!
Like your style and youre a supreme golfer. Like me you dont use the driver,im 14 handicap and playing 2 years. Prefer my 15 degree utility iron and 2 iton to 64 degree wedge. Well done sidekick
I’ve really been enjoying this channel but our games are very different as driver is one of the best clubs in my bag. Hope you can straighten out the driver soon cause you’ve got a great game. I feel that when golfers don’t hit driver at all they’re not attacking the course, but playing defense as she attacks them. Can be a brutal grind for 18 holes 😂
Watching the series. It's got to be hard expecting to play par as a 4, on courses you don't know, and links golf at that, which is a beast of a game. Golf has always disheartened me, got sick of people telling him how sweet and smooth my swing is for years, but the key to golf is mental, it doesn't need a great swing, just consistent competence and absence of big hitting ego. My driving range game is A1, but I suck at the mental, my confidence is poor and it doesn't take much to break it. That's why I struggle to break 90 and always have. It's not enjoyable never playing to potential. Never found a fix for that.
Really enjoyed this video. So true got to enjoy it. Plus I like playing for money so I don’t mind my handicap being higher haha
My 3.2 guess has been crushed by the Baus. But I am semi ok with that, because I love watching Matt play well...
Very helpful video as usual
I love your channel. Come to Hamburg and let's play golf!
Stop the rot for 18 straight holes. I love it. So true.
LOVE this video! Your explanation of YOUR game and expectations was so on point and a great reminder. As much as I want to see you hit driver you know more about your game and how to score. For me my driver is more reliable than a 4 iron, except when it's not but I never change strategy. That's a lot of people I bet when driver is good it's soooo good you want that every time but reality is a bitch! Love this man, great content.
I started at a 35 2 years ago and now I'm at 26.8!
👍🏻💪🏻🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
Its been a while since i've played at Scotscraig. Very old golf club.
great video once again, one question, why no more 5w and 7w clubs? Wouldn't they be easier to hit for you?
Matt I truly know what you mean as a 10 handicap it hard to tell what I will really shoot.
Great series
100% agree if you can’t hit driver, don’t. But man it makes it so much easier when the driving is firing 😂
Superb!
Like a poephol😂😂
Lag ek nou my gat af🤣
Watching all the way from China!
hey matt how long have you been playing?
do you still take lessons to refresh swing?
can you shape the ball on command
wondering your abilities with being low single digit HCper
Scottscriag? Great track
There you are! +1.. so add that shot to the hardest hole on the course… that’s it! ✅
Hello Matt,why not playing 5 wood or 7 wood from the tee even on links courses when there is no or little wind, especially when the long iron does not work ?
There wre only 3 days with no wind out of 25
The woods balloon into the wind
Where is your Driver confidence gone? I saw you on videos with Eric on a round and how well, long and in direction you hit the big stick. Where is it gone?
5:09.. for a spilt second, I thought it was the Demi-god Steve himself
Longer drives == lower scores is confusing correlation with causation.
Hav actually improved my game from watching your channel. Freed up the mind and paid more attention to fundamentals. Thank you for your channel….🏌🏿♂️⛳️😎🇺🇸👍
The soil is different in the UK, so we replace our difference rather using sand.
Best advice as always bra…sending to my 15yr old. Again..Like the last one I watched…😂
Request from a fan: could you put the name of the club/course you are playing in the video in the notes?
I'm sure that's Scotscraig. Across the river Tay from Dundee.
How are you tracking your shots to be able to get those stats you are showing in your videos? A famous Matt spreadsheet, recording each shot on a piece of paper, using an app?
I videoed every round. Just watched it back
@@GolfSidekick I was on a golf trip where I recorded my shots in a notebook. Hope to develop a kickass spreadsheet 😄. I did notice some things in my game, especially distances, that impacted my decisions in future rounds. I suspect an analysis will tell me even more. Thanks for doing those stats.
Matt
I have never seen you take your right hand off the club so many times in your follow-through.
Right wrist incredibly sore which is why I wasn't taking divots int he beginning of the round too.
I have some ibuprofen patches and was putting stuff on it, but the turf is really firm in Scotland and I playe way too much too quickly
@@GolfSidekick Of course. You have mentioned this in previous videos. All the best, Matt.
Well it’s obvious which golfer prefers a warm climate 😊
hey there Matt. I'm not sure if you've ever seen anything from Marcus Edblad but I'd recommend checking out his driver advice - i think it absolutely fits your swing and would simplify things with the driver for you. i'm absolutely not trying to be the youtube douche giving random advice to a good golfer but i really think what he teaches would like very quickly fix your driver and turn it into a weapon, not an avoid thing. essentially, it's stay a bit back and immediately release the club with the intent of hitting up/out. if you release/throw from the top immediately it's just about impossible to not swing in/out and hit up.
or ignore the fuck out of this random youtube comment, i get that as well. ty for the videos as always!
Trust the "process". Also, no sand = LOTS OF EXTRA WALKING RETRIEVING DIVOTS!
0.4 still my prediction 😊
44 years old, 14 handicap, played the red Ts with 3 toppies yesterday, had a GREAT time! Hastaglovenoegogolf
2,8
Sorry been away for a while…. What irons are you gaming now??
Just sayin' but the 4 iron out of the rough and that lie was awesome
i agree with your 1/3 opinion. but mine is 6 holes i suck, 6 holes ok and 6 holes are good🤣
Lekker ou poephol had to laugh at that. Cheers Bauz😂😂
Felt like you were in the trees alot off the tee. Driver would have helped you on this course but i understand you are sticking to a game plan. Ditch the 1 iron though. You hit the 3 iron just as far and alot more consistent.
driver goes deeper into the trees so not really
Interesting your '33%, 33% and 33%' credo. For many years, probably 3 decades, I've believed that in your average round you do just that but I add that because you're going to do that it doesn't matter WHEN in the round you do it. So if you start badly it doesn't matter, because those are just some of your bad 33% holes and your good ones will come
Wadda Playa
Wadda Life
Like I said Youll be a .7!!!!
1.4 handi at ye ole finish
Bro what course is this?
oops Scottscraig
Highest IQ golfing video on UA-cam, whadda guy
Laughed my ass off. If Matt calls himself a hack being a 1 what the heck am I as a 14
So what you need judging on the stats is to stop using the 1 iron and 3 iron off the tee 😂😂
People really don’t understand the handicap system at all
I think if you had better 1 iron maybe even from this decade you would hit it better.
Probably not. I can’t play golf
A truth is you need to work on a beautiful Frank Nobilo style follow through and you will be +2....its gotten so ugly in the UK
dont chip off the fringe to another green lol
Matt,
Do you take lessons to learn how to hit driver? Do you go to the range. You look like you could learn a draw
Ur Mental game is better than a pro imo