MATCH play provides a decided contrast to play in medal competitions, as noted in the previous chapters, for it is play in which a greater freedom and latitude may be occasionally allowed but in which, nevertheless, too many liberties must not be taken.

Match play, I may explain for the benefit of the novice - for whom, as well as the seasoned player, I am attempting to cater - consists of the act of playing a certain number of holes, 18 or 36, against a solitary opponent; that is, provided it is a single. In a foursome it is a case of partnership. But the single is a fair test of ability, and it is of this class of game I am speaking. Under the conditions governing match play a bad stroke simply means the possible loss of a hole; it is not a question affecting the aggregate number of strokes played during the course of the round.

The ordinary club match is played over a round of 18 holes, one round being generally considered sufficient to prove the superiority of any one player, although personally I am pleased to be able to record the fact that it is growing more and more the practice to extend the rounds to 36 holes.

The first heats of the Amateur Championship are played over a course of 18 holes, but when the final tie comes on for decision it is lengthened out to one of 36 holes. Possibly a 36-hole round might be better in the initial heats, but there is one great difficulty that cannot be surmounted. That is the all-important question of time.

Were the opening heats to be extended to double the present distance, the time devoted to the decision of the competition would need to be extended in a corresponding degree. That, unfortunately, is quite impossible under the present regime.

It cannot be denied, however, that a far better opportunity is afforded any player in a match which extends over 36 holes, and it is only fair to the finalists in the Championship that they should be accorded this privilege. Just the slightest tinge of luck, be it good or bad, is sufficient to distinctly alter the complexion of the game if it is simply to be decided in 18 holes; but in twice that number a player should be capable of asserting himself, and with the probability that luck would level itself up during the longer time, the best man would almost certainly win.

This in itself is one of the strongest arguments I am able to adduce in favour of the longer course, an argument, too, that cannot be refuted.

As regards the question of how best to play in matches, you must in a measure suit yourself to the conditions that may prevail at the time. A steady game is what I would still recommend, for many a man has before now won a match, not solely by the brilliance of his own display, but by reason of the mistakes made by his opponent. This line of reasoning will always hold good; it has been proved to be the case repeatedly.

If, however, you should drop behind in the struggle for supremacy, it is advisable to force the game to a certain extent. By saying this my meaning is that you may accept a few risks if you think it will benefit you to do so. "Nothing venture, nothing have." But then, again, you must never fall into the mistake of going at things in an absolutely break-neck style.

Trying for the impossible is suicidal, although it need not be quite forgotten that the playing of a bad stroke, or the encountering of bad luck, simply means the loss of the hole, that alone, and nothing else.

Your opponent is quite as liable to make mistakes as yourself, and if you are in the proper degree equally matched, neither should be hopelessly out of the running at any time during the game. We are informed by medical men that while life remains the light of hope is never extinguished, and it is just the same with golf. "Nil desperandum" should be every player's motto, for a match is never lost until it is won, as I will endeavour to prove a little later on.

The method of calculating play, as I recommended in medal competitions, is also applicable to matches, but you may also watch your opponent and see what he is doing. You may depend upon it that he is equally as much afraid of you as you are of him, and this being the case, the necessity comes in of modelling your play accordingly.

Supposing it is borne in upon you that he is in difficulties. You must take measures accordingly. I would always advise the more favourably situated golfer to play in such a way that he makes certain of winning the hole, unless something quite unlooked-for occurs.

A great failing, however, noticeable in amateur and professional circles alike, is that when a player secures a tangible lead he is apt to develop, more or less, carelessness. You must guard against this, You must watch your actions with a jealous eye, and you must never relax your efforts for a single moment during the whole of the time you may be playing. Should you feel inclined to take things easily, your opponent will not be slow in noticing it. He will naturally at once redouble his efforts, and before you have had time to recover from your surprise, it is within the bounds of probability that you will find your lead wiped off - it may be for ever - as far as the particular match you are engaged in is concerned.

You must of necessity play at top pressure during the whole of the time a match is in progress, no matter whether you may be leading or being led, if you desire to do yourself anything approaching justice. This is essential, and should be followed by everyone who handles a club.

Again, don't sympathise with your opponent. He may be meeting trouble on every side, but you must steel your heart and look upon him, for the time being, as representing your most implacable enemy. You are imbued with a determination to win, and win you must. There will be ample time after the match is over to extend the hand of sympathy to your rival, but leave it until you reach the pavilion. Some men appear to possess the knack of mutely asking for commiseration. But be careful, and watch that you keep your feelings under control. The chances are that if your opponent plays upon the softer side of your character he will pluck up spirits amazingly, and, if he does not actually beat you, he will make a very near thing of it. So - never relax!