Offer tips or Not to Offer tips?

[Shankster]

I stopped by the course on my way home today and I got beat to the club house by about 20 high school kids that went out in 5 somes. So elected to hit the practice area and work on my putting. 20-30 minutes later a guy comes up and starts chipping. Right away I noticed he had a really super weak bottom hand and a really strong top hand with a baseball grip. I watched him out of the corner of my eye stuffing the clubhead into the rough and with every one getting more frustrated with him self. I was 30-40 feet away but I noticed him looking in my direction.

 

My question is: In this scenario would you offer a tip?

 

I feel like I should have, but I am not a pro. And I remember disliking when people gave me a tip that I didn't ask for.

 

Thoughts ladies and gentlemen?

 

 

- Alan

[Jmikecpa]

My general rule is to not offer a tip unless I am asked for one.  Even then I am apprehensive as what works for me generally will not work for someone else. 

[Kanoito]

If the guy is struggling and he looks like a beginner... then I might...

Or you might want to strike a conversation first... wouldn't want to make a fool out of myself trying to give tips to a scratch player who's just having a bad day

[Shankster]

If the guy is struggling and he looks like a beginner... then I might...

Or you might want to strike a conversation first... wouldn't want to make a fool out of myself trying to give tips to a scratch player who's just having a bad day

Definitely a beginner but I hear you. Wouldn't want to give tips to the local legend!

 

 

- Alan

[lacou19]

I have a hard time offering tips to my friends when they ask if I see something! So I would never offer unless I'm asked and even then, I start by saying that I know how to play but I'm not a pro, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

[josmi15]

I participated in my first tournament last year and the day before I was practicing my wedges , some guy walks over and gives me a "tip". That was in my head all weekend and I shanked or duffed EVERY chip. I suggest not offering unless asked.

 

PS would love to find the guy that got in my head

 

 

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[Shankster]

I as well don't like receiving unwanted tips. But this guy seemed like he was waiting for me to say something. Either to whack me in the head or take my advice.

 

 

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[The Dansome]

If they don't strike up a conversation or ask then I'd say stay out of it.

[AH1980MN]

It's in my nature to try to help. That being said, saying nothing often is a bigger "help". I might wait a bit then make the "I'm taking a break" sigh, then look over and say "how's it going today" or similar. If he was waiting for you to ask he'll let you know one way or the other, if not, no biggie, just get back to what you were doing. No harm, no foul(unless you're Lexi/DJ!).

[golfinnut]

I never offer advice unless asked for it. You never know how someone will react to it

Now in my regular foursome I'll offer up the "wrong" advice on purpose! HA!

 

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[ole gray]

No sir . That is probably my worse pet peeve... I do not like advice unless I request it..

 

 

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[MDGolfHacker]

I never offer advice unless asked for it. You never know how someone will react to it

Now in my regular foursome I'll offer up the "wrong" advice on purpose! HA!

 

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So that's what happened the first time we went out!! ha ha ha...

 

MDGolfHacker

[Shankster]

Just so you all I know. I never offer advice unless asked. I just felt like this particular guy had this help me look and kept watching me. I didn't say anything.

 

We were on a practice green, tips on the course are grounds for an arse whoopin. Like my dads league partner Kevin, nonstop lessons of crap.

 

I will not say nothing to nobody.

 

Just felt obligated to help this young man. He didn't have a clue, like someone at a used car lot looking for an SUV but in the compact car area.

 

 

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[MDGolfHacker]

If they don't strike up a conversation or ask then I'd say stay out of it.

This... Personally, I'm not the best Golfer so I wouldn't want to lead a person down the wrong road, but I have stayed at a holiday Inn express before so that might make me qualified to offer golf instruction... Ha ha ha..

 

MDGolfHacker

[Shankster]

No sir . That is probably my worse pet peeve... I do not like advice unless I request it..

 

 

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I 100% agree. I get angry on course with the advice. But I swear this guy either didn't like my hair or really wanted me to help him.

 

 

- Alan

[ole gray]

I 100% agree. I get angry on course with the advice. But I swear this guy either didn't like my hair or really wanted me to help him.

 

 

- Alan

 

 

Or he may have like your hair  

[Shankster]

Or he may have like your hair

Oh man.. got me there!!

 

 

- Alan

[Golfspy_CG2]

Like most I don't offer unless asked and then it usually comes with a disclaimer.

 

But I get what your saying about looking like he wanted help. But when I've had a bad streak of shots at the range, it's not uncommon for me to stop strand back and just watch others. I'm usually just clearing my head.

 

Believe me, the last thing I want at that time is for a random stranger to approach with a tip!!

[Shankster]

It's in my nature to try to help. That being said, saying nothing often is a bigger "help". I might wait a bit then make the "I'm taking a break" sigh, then look over and say "how's it going today" or similar. If he was waiting for you to ask he'll let you know one way or the other, if not, no biggie, just get back to what you were doing. No harm, no foul(unless you're Lexi/DJ!).

He did hit a ball in my direction that coulda taken off some skin...

 

 

- Alan

[silver & black]

I never offer tips. The exception is my brother. He's a fairly new golfer with problems that are easily spotted. I give him very basic "suggestions"... then tell him to take a few lessons from someone who knows what they're doing.

[Shankster]

Like most I don't offer unless asked and then it usually comes with a disclaimer.

 

But I get what your saying about looking like he wanted help. But when I've had a bad streak of shots at the range, it's not uncommon for me to stop strand back and just watch others. I'm usually just clearing my head.

 

Believe me, the last thing I want at that time is for a random stranger to approach with a tip!!

 

I already had my speech planned if he asked.

 

You see me? I'm standing in the same place you are. Trying to get better at this game. There are numerous websites, (MGS) full of guys just like us. Come on over and join the crowd. Oh, and by the way my name is Shanks. Have a nice day.

 

 

- Alan

[Shankster]

Just so you know what I'm taking about. His grip looked like this.

 

I tried swing like that, couldn't do it.

 

- Alan

[TSauer]

It really depends on who the individual you're offering the advice to is. Some people do not deal well in that situation, thinking you're trying to tell them what to do. On the flip side, if you think the person is approachable, go for it.

 

I just had this scenario this past weekend. Me being the one approached. I don't like to bug anyone and ask for tips, because I don't want to be that guy. However, I was approached by a coach while I was walking alone and practiced with him for about an hour. He said he broke his only rule, he never approaches anyone to help them unless they ask.

[Shankster]

Noted all. No tips from me. At least in person. I don't feel like getting Shanked.

 

 

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[Liberty Ball Markers]

No tips - from or for me. The only exceptions - a friend who is learning and wants my help, or a friend who is struggling with an issue and asks me to mention when it happens.

 

 

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[JAGolfore]

I do not offer tips unless I am asked or I have had 5 or 6 beers. Then you might get some pointers and they might not all be good ha.

 

 

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[Canucklehead]

Like most I don't offer unless asked and then it usually comes with a disclaimer.

 

But I get what your saying about looking like he wanted help. But when I've had a bad streak of shots at the range, it's not uncommon for me to stop strand back and just watch others. I'm usually just clearing my head.

 

Believe me, the last thing I want at that time is for a random stranger to approach with a tip!!

I've watched others when I'm struggling a couple times. Actually learned how to put spin on my greenside bunker shots by doing that.

 

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[Kenny B]

As a rule I don't usually say anything.  

 

I do offer "helpful hints" on how to play a certain shot to my wife when I know that she will have trouble with it.  That's why she wears earbuds to her iPod listening to music.  It's her spousal filter.

 

When I'm walking during the week with the guys and I see one of them struggling with a shot (they are all players equal to me), I might start a conversation on what I have been doing to work on that shot.  I never offer advice to them.  Make it about yourself.  I never offer advice to a stranger, but if they ask I would phrase it like I would with the guys.

 

You have to be careful because some people may not be able to get into the proper position due to physical limitations.  They are doing the best they can.  

[Peaksy68]

As a rule I don't usually say anything.  

 

 

 

When I'm walking during the week with the guys and I see one of them struggling with a shot (they are all players equal to me), I might start a conversation on what I have been doing to work on that shot.  I never offer advice to them.  Make it about yourself.  I never offer advice to a stranger, but if they ask I would phrase it like I would with the guys.

 

 

 

Similar thing for me. I never offer any advice when playing, but occasionally I might comment on something I noticed after a round has finished, but only if its someone I know well, and whose game I know.

 

I have a role at my club mentoring our junior teams, so sometimes if playing with juniors who I know get coached by our pro, I will ask them what he's been getting them to do if they are having a bad round. This gets around advice rules, but may help them remember to swing differently (nearly always slower than what they are) I have cleared this with the pro and he's encouraged me to do it.

 

I never offer advice on the range, but on the chipping area I will occasionally have a chat with someone. Mainly describing what I work on if I'm chipping badly. Again, I only do this with someone I know, and who I know might appreciate it. I don't actually give techniques advice, more talk about how I try to fix issues that creep into my chipping. 

[Fireinthehole]

I don't pay attention to what anyone is doing, and so I don't give advice even when asked. Like blood from a stone. Or avoiding the plague.

If I have to, like a friend or relative asks.

I always start with, " it's important you know this is what I do and works for me, you should find what works best for you"

Like everyone else has said, real can of worms. I can understand it can be painful to watch if your a "helper."

 

 

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