The Psychology of the Solheim Cup: Why Match Play Is a Unique Challenge
Today, Friday 11th September, is the start of the Solheim Cup, one of the most prestigious women’s golf events. Hosted by Europe in The Netherlands this year, over the next 3 days the 12 best European players take on the 12 best US players.
So how is the Solheim cup different and why is it such a psychological challenge for players?
Match play instead of stroke play
In stroke play, which is the most common form of professional golf competitions, every shot counts to the players overall score for the 18-hole round.
The Solheim Cup is different because the format is match play whereby each hole is a separate contest between the opposing players. Whoever finishes the hole in the fewest number of shots, wins that hole. Over the 18 holes, whoever wins the most holes, wins the match. In the 3-day competition, 28 matches will be taking place.
Match play tests players in different ways. In contrast to stroke play, if you have a poor hole in match play, this does not necessarily affect the rest of the round, as it is just 1 of 18 holes. Whereas in stroke play, a high score on 1 hole this can impact your entire round of golf.
So, in match play, players need to be able to reset for each hole. This means players must quickly let go of mistakes, regulate their emotions, and refocus on the next challenge, skills that are often associated with effective psychological preparation and successful performance.
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How might this impact how players approach their game?
Match play can encourage more tactical and risky decisions than stroke play, because the consequences are less damaging and worth it if they pay off.
Research by Ozbeklik et al., (2017) found that those who are losing in a match are more likely to take risks with their game, and risk taking is greater closer to the end of a match. In contrast those who are leading, are more likely to play safe.
What psychological skills are needed to manage this?
Players must have confidence in the way they approach the match, trust in their decision-making including risky choices, be able to deal with uncertainty and adapt their game to the changing match situation, and be committed to their chosen strategy.
The pressure of representing a team
Golf is typically a more individual sport, with players competing for themselves. Whereas in this event, players are part of a 12-person team. So, players usually playing against each other are now playing alongside each other as teammates. The players must adapt to focusing only on their game to supporting the shared goal of beating the opposition.
The players likely feel additional pressure and responsibility, because they all want to contribute to the team, and avoid letting anyone down. In one format of the matches, players are in pairs and take alternate shots, known as foursomes. These players have to make decisions alongside each other. A poor shot doesn’t just impact them but their partner who must take the next shot.
Home advantage
The Europe versus America format of the Solheim Cup means that there is a more prominent focus on players national identities than other competitions. Players may feel under additional pressure because a greater focus is placed on them representing their country / region.
The host location of the Solheim Cup alternates between America and Europe, which influences the spectators present. This year Europe are at a home advantage, and the crowds will be behind them. However, the perception of a home advantage can put additional expectations on players to perform well, and engage with the spectators.
What should you take away from this post?
As you watch the Solheim Cup this weekend, look beyond the shots themselves. Notice how players respond to setbacks, support teammates, make difficult decisions under pressure, and manage spectator support throughout a match. While golf is often viewed as a technical and physical sport, events like the Solheim Cup highlight just how important psychological skills can be to performance.
Written by Kirsty Brown, PhD Student
References:
Ozbeklik, S., & Smith, J. K. (2017). Risk taking in competition: Evidence from match play golf tournaments. Journal of Corporate Finance, 44, 506–523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2014.05.003
The article offers an interesting look at how match play requires players to reset quickly, manage pressure, and make decisions under changing conditions. I especially liked the discussion of emotional regulation and teamwork, which shows how much psychology matters in competitive golf dr evil prison costume