Playing with better golfers

[Erik-M]

5 minutes ago, Rickp said:

We have an entire area, The Villages where you’ll meet a lot of the happy to be out playing 75 year olds


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sounds like my crowd!!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

On 5/6/2020 at 8:11 AM, Apes44 said:

Love playing with those better than me. I mean I know they're going to beat me but there are those miraculous rounds that make it so much fun. Also you can learn from those better than you just by watching. 

The only time I hate playing with someone better is when its a stranger who is just a pure jerk about you being worse. (rushing you, making snide comments, etc) 

Also I love that feeling when you hit a great shot and someone that is substantially better goes "wow what a shot, you're gonna like that one" really can make your day.

[Erik-M]

1 minute ago, Lacassem said:

Golf is definitely depends on attitude. Blow up hole? better forget it or more are coming. Just need to get out there and have fun, make up for that bad hole on the next one...or just have a drink either way!

it's a game, have fun!

[Rickp]

it's a game, have fun!

Yup!


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[GolfSpy BOS]

I always seem to play better against better players.  Not sure if its the competitive juices and feeling like I need to step my game up or the pace or something else.

Although I say that and my best round ever (75) came on a day where my good friend from college shot his own personal best as the time (102) so maybe I just *feel* like i play better against better players.

[TR1PTIK]

One of the best things I ever did for my game was start playing with better players. I've now moved back two sets of tees and continue to see scores that are either the same or better at 6800-7000 yards vs. 5900-6200 yards. I've learned how to hit the ball better, farther, and significantly improved course management. I won't say it is the only reason, but it has been a huge component of my progress.

I think a lot of higher handicap golfers are intimidated by low handicappers, and won't play with them for fear of judgment or perhaps they think they'd disrupt the better players' enjoyment by slowing down their round. In some cases, this is true, but I think it's just as likely that the better players don't have any issues at all - this has been my experience. 

[Jwhite86]

On 4/29/2020 at 10:05 AM, YYCRed said:

It always seems that I play to the level of my partners. If they are better than me, I usually end up having better than average rounds. If they are worse than me, I usually play worse.

This is exactly what happens to me... When I play in league I usually play like garbage because the guys usually don't care.  When I join a random group or get out with my regular 4-some I tend to play a lot better

[chisag]

3 minutes ago, TR1PTIK said:

I think a lot of higher handicap golfers are intimidated by low handicappers, and won't play with them for fear of judgment or perhaps they think they'd disrupt the better players' enjoyment by slowing down their round. In some cases, this is true, but I think it's just as likely that the better players don't have any issues at all - this has been my experience. 

 

... Most golfers I play with only care about 2 things. Do you play at a good pace and are you enjoyable company. Personally I would add to the list passion for the game. It is just very enjoyable to play with those that love the game and as a bonus the equipment, regardless of ability. I have played with + index golfers that are agonizingly slow shooting par and high index players that play with great pace shooting 100. But most low index players I have been paired up with are always supportive of higher index players, again as long as we don't hold up the group behind us. Just remember all really good golfers sucked when they started too. 

[GaDawg]

I do admit that I play better with low handicap golfers, but I will play with anyone and enjoy it if they just play ready golf. I don't care of someone hits the ball 125 times as long as they stay ready to play. I was told by an older gentleman when I first started about 40 years ago to remember the following: Shut Up, Keep Up or Pick Up !

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I just dont want to get paired up with a loud obnoxious club throwing , constant cursing, slow playing jerk.

Am I being to picky?

[Rickp]

I just dont want to get paired up with a loud obnoxious club throwing , constant cursing, slow playing jerk.
Am I being to picky?

Don’t think so
I haven’t seen a “club thrower” in years, maybe a decade. If I have the misfortune to get paired up with someone really bad I would consider turning my cart around and head out. Life too short to endure that behavior.


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[Tom the Golf Nut]

18 minutes ago, Rickp said:

Don’t think so
I haven’t seen a “club thrower” in years, maybe a decade. If I have the misfortune to get paired up with someone really bad I would consider turning my cart around and head out. Life too short to endure that behavior.


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I had that misfortune a few times in a charity events of all places. Couldn't really head back to the club house in those instances. 

[Guest Delete]

I really like all the comments on this thread. Everyone's experience is unique and golf is a game of personal style no matter how much technology tries to say there is a best way to play the game. We all know there are many ways to get to the hole. 

In my chess playing days, we lived by learning from losing to better players. I would venture to say golf is similar. 

My best golf comes from staying focused, a good pace, and practicing well prior to playing. A good pace is never slow with waiting long on tee boxes. Alternately, a pace too fast has a potential to make me feel rushed. Staying focused is harder with people who don't take the game seriously, wander off in the bushes looking for balls, and the frustrated golfer who curses constantly, throws clubs, or gets in a mood. Better golfers know how to keep it together which makes it more enjoyable for everyone. 

I really like playing with people who are fantastic at the game because it gives me hope!

I have ended friendships of years over golf when they refuse to respect the game. How people play golf reflects their character in other areas of their life.