...ending up with a matchplay half and a loss, digging deep has become a requirement for playing golf.

But today it just didn't seem to work and the Mole got decimated on his home turf. One down through eight holes, a 6&5 drubbing was the final result. So what did the Mole learn?

Always take a give-give. Unless you are staring down the barrel, of course. Getting a hole out of the way with a half is decent and it doesn't leave a sour taste in anyone's mouth. Don't change your game plan to suit your opponent. If you hit a 6-iron off the 3rd tee every time you play your home course, don't suddenly bring out the driver just because you're one down.

What advice can the Mole impart?
After having made these mistakes, the Mole wasn't the happiest furry creature on the planet. Nevertheless, he still managed to make friends with his opponents. That, at the end of the day (nice cliché), is more important than winning at all costs - at least that is what he thinks. Then again, it makes sense: he is a mole, not a Tiger.