[Mathew]

So, Mathew what would the work say of Lee Trevino's tactics in the 1971 U.S. Open playoff with Jack Nicklaus? Trevino threw the rubber snake at the unsuspecting Nicklaus on the first tee. Nicklaus promptly birdied that hole, but then lost the match 68-71.

Did Gamesmanship play a role here? Or was Lee simply the better player that day?

Well, Trevino is not exactly being subtle. I think that their is a certain transparency of his intentions that would allow Jack Nicklaus to play just as well as he would of anyhow. Generally I have found that if one is transparent in off-putting an opponent in games makes people more motivated.

What is more sinister in the tactic that I posted above however is that the victim is unaware of it happening, which if works makes the effect more dramatic. The real sinister effect is that by using a tactic like this might enduce the other golfer to lose self-esteem and over time really have a damaging effect.