What can I expect?

[ballplayer002003]

So, let me first preface this with I am/was a baseball player.  I have never really considered myself a "real" golfer.  I have been getting serious about golf now for the past few years and it is all I want to do.  I play probably 40-60 rounds per year and have managed to get my handicap into the single digits.  That being said, I have qualified for my states amateur tournament.  I have never actually competed in this game.  I have played with my buddies and have played in scrambles but never once played a true competitive round of golf by myself.  Aside from nerves, what can I expect in my first true test of golf?  I am hoping to not come in last.  That is my immediate goal.  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Thanks 

[Kenny B]

5 minutes ago, ballplayer002003 said:

So, let me first preface this with I am/was a baseball player.  I have never really considered myself a "real" golfer.  I have been getting serious about golf now for the past few years and it is all I want to do.  I play probably 40-60 rounds per year and have managed to get my handicap into the single digits.  That being said, I have qualified for my states amateur tournament.  I have never actually competed in this game.  I have played with my buddies and have played in scrambles but never once played a true competitive round of golf by myself.  Aside from nerves, what can I expect in my first true test of golf?  I am hoping to not come in last.  That is my immediate goal.  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Thanks 

Not coming in last is a good goal.  Unfortunately, to achieve that will depend a lot on the veracity of your competitor's handicaps.  

If you have time, practice as much as you can on the weakest parts of your game.  If your game has a weakness, it will be worse under competition, so expect that.  When you play, "stop thinking, let things happen, and... be the ball." Seriously though, just approach the tournament as an opportunity and have fun with it.  

[Berg Ryman]

First off, congrats on qualifying! That alone is a great accomplishment. 

So, looking at the tournament website, looks like you'll at least get two rounds before the cut to the top 36 and ties. Take advantage of any practice rounds they offer. If you have a buddy you like to play with and he knows your game and can keep you loose, or you just want to share the experience with them, you also look to be able to have a caddy.

My best piece of advice is this, slow it down. You're bound to be a bit nervous and perhaps a touch on the jumpy side of things so the first few holes of the round are going to be vital. It's easier said than done but don't get too up or down over your first few holes. You have 36 to make your score count. Play at your pace and don't change anything just because it's a tournament. 

Can't wait to hear how you make out, good luck in June!

[TR1PTIK]

27 minutes ago, ballplayer002003 said:

So, let me first preface this with I am/was a baseball player.  I have never really considered myself a "real" golfer.  I have been getting serious about golf now for the past few years and it is all I want to do.  I play probably 40-60 rounds per year and have managed to get my handicap into the single digits.  That being said, I have qualified for my states amateur tournament.  I have never actually competed in this game.  I have played with my buddies and have played in scrambles but never once played a true competitive round of golf by myself.  Aside from nerves, what can I expect in my first true test of golf?  I am hoping to not come in last.  That is my immediate goal.  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Thanks 

I had my first true experience with competitive golf last season. Expect to be a bit more amp'd up and nervous in some situations, but for the most part you're just out there playing golf. Your objective is still the same as any weekend round with your buddies - shoot the lowest score you can. My best advice is to not think about it too terribly much - unless focusing on a specific number helps you. 

[ballplayer002003]

15 minutes ago, Berg Ryman said:

First off, congrats on qualifying! That alone is a great accomplishment. 

So, looking at the tournament website, looks like you'll at least get two rounds before the cut to the top 36 and ties. Take advantage of any practice rounds they offer. If you have a buddy you like to play with and he knows your game and can keep you loose, or you just want to share the experience with them, you also look to be able to have a caddy.

My best piece of advice is this, slow it down. You're bound to be a bit nervous and perhaps a touch on the jumpy side of things so the first few holes of the round are going to be vital. It's easier said than done but don't get too up or down over your first few holes. You have 36 to make your score count. Play at your pace and don't change anything just because it's a tournament. 

Can't wait to hear how you make out, good luck in June!

So one of the best things I think I have going for me with this tourney is that it is at my home course this year!  I know the course like the back of my hand, the question is can I play well for these two rounds? I hope so!  I have my best friend as my caddy and he is far better then I am at golf so I am hoping he will help calm my nerves.  

[ballplayer002003]

1 minute ago, TR1PTIK said:

I had my first true experience with competitive golf last season. Expect to be a bit more amp'd up and nervous in some situations, but for the most part you're just out there playing golf. Your objective is still the same as any weekend round with your buddies - shoot the lowest score you can. My best advice is to not think about it too terribly much - unless focusing on a specific number helps you. 

That is great advice.  I am looking at it as if I am playing another round at the course.  I, like many others I'm sure, play so much better the less I think.  I tend to get in my own way sometimes.  

[gaussman1]

So one of the best things I think I have going for me with this tourney is that it is at my home course this year!  I know the course like the back of my hand, the question is can I play well for these two rounds? I hope so!  I have my best friend as my caddy and he is far better then I am at golf so I am hoping he will help calm my nerves.  

Be careful with your thought process as it relates to home course. Knowing a course well can have its own pitfalls if you tend to get ahead of yourself thinking about score, or if you dwell too much on what you should've done or normally do. In competition the goal is to play the shot in front of you and then move on to the next one

 

Sent from my Pixel 3 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

 

 

 

[ballplayer002003]

26 minutes ago, gaussman1 said:

Be careful with your thought process as it relates to home course. Knowing a course well can have it's own pitfalls if you tend to get ahead of yourself thinking about score, or if you dwell too much on what you should've done or normally do. In competition the goal is to play the shot in front of you and then move on to the next one

Sent from my Pixel 3 using MyGolfSpy mobile app
 

I see your point.  I never thought of that!  One shot at a time!!!!

[TR1PTIK]

1 hour ago, ballplayer002003 said:

That is great advice.  I am looking at it as if I am playing another round at the course.  I, like many others I'm sure, play so much better the less I think.  I tend to get in my own way sometimes.  

If you have some friendly playing partners that aren't taking it too seriously, strike up a conversation with them. This will help you settle in and feel more comfortable as well.

[PlaidJacket]

I don't want to burst your bubble (and speaking from experience) but if your state golf association is anything remotely close to Texas.... a 7.4 hcp will not sniff at being competitive. And it won't matter if you're playing in the open bracket or senior. I'm a little surprised a 7 will even get you in the event. I don't know your age ballplayer but I'm guessing 30ish? If so you'll be competing against collegiate and other amateurs with scratch and + handicaps. All these guys do is play serious competition. All the time. Pretty much the same with the seniors. You will be a "field-filler" for the event. The guys that play and are competitive in these type of events are basically professional amateurs. Your event is probably three days - 54-holes so you'll most likely only play 36-holes and miss the cut. 

Sorry to lay out the reality... but you asked. This type of competition isn't a bush-league scramble.  Best of luck and keep us informed.

[ballplayer002003]

12 hours ago, PlaidJacket said:

I don't want to burst your bubble (and speaking from experience) but if your state golf association is anything remotely close to Texas.... a 7.4 hcp will not sniff at being competitive. And it won't matter if you're playing in the open bracket or senior. I'm a little surprised a 7 will even get you in the event. I don't know your age ballplayer but I'm guessing 30ish? If so you'll be competing against collegiate and other amateurs with scratch and + handicaps. All these guys do is play serious competition. All the time. Pretty much the same with the seniors. You will be a "field-filler" for the event. The guys that play and are competitive in these type of events are basically professional amateurs. Your event is probably three days - 54-holes so you'll most likely only play 36-holes and miss the cut. 

Sorry to lay out the reality... but you asked. This type of competition isn't a bush-league scramble.  Best of luck and keep us informed.

Oh for sure!  I am not entering this tournament to win it, I am entering this tournament to see what competitive golf is really like.  Like I said before, my goal is to not finish in last place.  If I finish in second to last then I will feel accomplished.  I would however like to start becoming more competitive in this sport.  I know it will take a ton of work, which I am willing to do.  A 7.4 is not going to cut it, you are correct there.  But I gotta start somewhere right?!

[bens197]

If you’re allowed a caddy I would get ahold of any friend or family member who knows you best. Get that person who can keep you loose and let you focus.

Also...don’t expect that you’re the only one there with nerves. You just may be paired with a reverse bagger who could fire a nice 86.

Good luck and have fun !!


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[perseveringgolfer]

well worth the experience and you'll know pretty quickly whether this is right for you going forward.

I played in a few 'serious' amateur comps where some of the 'elite' had pro size bags with their name on it, and a full time caddy. They are in a different league to us.

I would just say as you've mostly played with friends and scrambles that you will come across quite a few players who will be taking it uber seriously, wont speak much and/or think they are the next big thing in Golf. Dont let that type get to you, I did and it ruins the round but they're not all like that. A caddy would be good as it's a friendly face who's got your back and someone to talk to when others dont, or wont.

As others have said, it's not a sprint, its a marathon, so dont try to hard in the first few holes till you settle into the round.

Good luck, please post back when you've been with your thoughts. When is it?

 

*edit* Oh one last thing, I used to expect everyone to be shooting near par or better in these tournaments which puts extra pressure on you. I will wager there will be MANY above 80 and a few NR's as well. It's a hard game.

[ballplayer002003]

56 minutes ago, bens197 said:

If you’re allowed a caddy I would get ahold of any friend or family member who knows you best. Get that person who can keep you loose and let you focus.

Also...don’t expect that you’re the only one there with nerves. You just may be paired with a reverse bagger who could fire a nice 86.

Good luck and have fun !!


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Luckily I do get a caddy.  I am using my best friend who is a much better golfer than I am.  He is close to scratch.  He is the one that talked me into trying.  I plan on using him to keep me calm and not thinking about every single swing thought.  Since it is my home course, I am just going in with the attitude that I am just playing another Saturday round of golf!  Hoping it helps.  

[ballplayer002003]

46 minutes ago, perseveringgolfer said:

well worth the experience and you'll know pretty quickly whether this is right for you going forward.

I played in a few 'serious' amateur comps where some of the 'elite' had pro size bags with their name on it, and a full time caddy. They are in a different league to us.

I would just say as you've mostly played with friends and scrambles that you will come across quite a few players who will be taking it uber seriously, wont speak much and/or think they are the next big thing in Golf. Dont let that type get to you, I did and it ruins the round but they're not all like that. A caddy would be good as it's a friendly face who's got your back and someone to talk to when others dont, or wont.

As others have said, it's not a sprint, its a marathon, so dont try to hard in the first few holes till you settle into the round.

Good luck, please post back when you've been with your thoughts. When is it?

 

*edit* Oh one last thing, I used to expect everyone to be shooting near par or better in these tournaments which puts extra pressure on you. I will wager there will be MANY above 80 and a few NR's as well. It's a hard game.

It's funny you say that because I couldn't agree with you more.  We live in a very small state and there are guys that think they are the next Tiger walking around.  One of my buddies used to play on the old Nationwide Tour, this guy is seriously the best golfer I have ever seen in person, the shots he hits are ridiculous.  He will be the first to tell you that even he is not that good.  He has said the tour guys are on an entire another level.    I guess you get the cockyness in every sport sadly.  Although I don't mind the cockyness, if you are not an ass about it.  The ones that are, I tend to just laugh at those guys.  I  

[bens197]

Luckily I do get a caddy.  I am using my best friend who is a much better golfer than I am.  He is close to scratch.  He is the one that talked me into trying.  I plan on using him to keep me calm and not thinking about every single swing thought.  Since it is my home course, I am just going in with the attitude that I am just playing another Saturday round of golf!  Hoping it helps.  

You’ve got the right attitude. I really hope you play well and have a great experience.

[ballplayer002003]

47 minutes ago, bens197 said:

 

You’ve got the right attitude. I really hope you play well and have a great experience.

 

Thanks, I am looking forward to the experience.  

[Golfspy_CG2]

Some good advice above, I'll just add an old expression that is sooooo true!  

"There's golf, then there's tournament golf"

It is so accurate, even at my level floating between 17 to 20 handicap, I don't enter any high level events, but I do enter some where there are net flights---AKA cheaters flight...ha--but I thoroughly enjoy the experience of having to make a putt that really means something, or coming back from that double bogey to get the round back on track, as opposed to saying...WTH where's the lunch buffet  

It'll be a great experience and you'll learn a lot about yourself and the sport in general.   Play Well!!

[Golfspy_CG2]

Also just curious, why isn't your buddy that is scratch playing in the event?   

[PlaidJacket]

20 hours ago, ballplayer002003 said:

I have qualified for my states amateur tournament

I'm guessing this is the tournament you've entered.

https://dsga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/dsga19/event/dsga196/index.htm

The site says it's a 72-hole event with 36 being played on Sunday. If you make the cut. The site also only lists qualification of having an 8.5 hcp or lower. Certainly there's more to it but I didn't find it. Here is what I believe are last years results...

https://dsga.bluegolf.com/bluegolfw/dsga19/event/dsga185/contest/1/contestant/stat/parbreaker.htm