Annoying guys in the foresome giving advice

[mickeytbones]

This year, I have begun to take this game very seriously.

I have sort of hacked around for a few years while building my career, getting a Master's Degree, etc, but this year, the bug bit me hard.

I never used to let advice on the course bother me, because hell, I was actually curious to hear what more accomplished players had to say.

But this year, I have taken about 6 lessons (about a dozen since the fall when we had really warm weather), and have hit the range more times in the past month than I did in the last two years combined.

 

Yesterday was my first round since playing Tiburon in February.

My Dad's buddy is a former club champ at various places, and has lost a bit of his game, but you would think he was Butch Harmon with the amount of advice he gives. I know he means well, but his constant words of wisdom is flat out annoying.

 

Here are two instances that come to mind. We are at a par 3 that is about 165 yards, but is playing about a club longer due to wind.

 

"Mickey, what you hitting?"

"I was thinking 7 iron, as that is my 175 club." (yes, it really is my 175 club).

"You can't hit a 7 iron 175, what yardage have you been looking at during your range sessions?"

"Let's see. If I'm wrong, I'll be short and say that you're right."

 

As I'm standing over the ball, he says: "You should have taken at least your 6 and probably just hit a smooth 5."

 

Well, I hit the 7 flush, but left it a little open and ended up in the greenside bunker pin high.

 

Then, on a chip shot, as I'm standing over the ball, he tells me: "Put all your weight on the front foot. Don't forget. Open up the blade...make sure to put it towards the front of your stance." Number one, don't give me advice when you know I am taking lessons. Second, if you give me advice, make sure it is correct.

 

Anyone else deal with these kind of tools?

[jjj912]

2 Options:

 

1. Smile, nod your head, forget what he said, and play the shot your way.

1a. Smile, nod your head, forget what he said, and play the shot your way and when the shot works out say "It's a good thing I didn't use a 5 iron because if I had I'd be in next tee box!".

2. Tell they guy to stop giving you advice, preferably in a polite manner.

 

If he gives advice that is contrary to what the instructor give you. You could say something like "I'd do it that way, but that's not what my instructor told me to do."

 

It's fun to give swing advice and tips, but it's no fun to be on the receiving end. Particularly when you disagree with the advice being given or already know said advice.

[scotton]

Play for money. Then at the end, you can say "Let's see, you lost these 7 holes for giving unsolicited advice. Looks like you owe me $20". This trick also works for obnoxious bosses that carry 20 clubs in their bag.

 

Honestly, it's hard to put up with the older gentlemen who are trying to relive their glory days by giving woefully outdated advice. If you like the guy, smile and play your game. If you don't care for the guy, tell him you'll pay for a lesson when you want to hear what he thinks you should do.

[DRGJR72]

Next time he does it, wait for him to miss a putt and then ask him if he always takes the putter blade back that far to the inside or outside (you pick). Another beauty is ask him if you can see his putter or driver. Then look at it and comment "wow that thing is really shut". "Do you like it that way?" Both work wonders.

 

DG

[Lefty44]

Just ask him if he inhales or exhales during his backswing. That should take care of it.

[buggyman]

I am in a similar situation. However the guy I play with every week does nothing but complain after EVERY shot. For your guy I would say it is against the rules for me to tell you what club I am hitting and for you to give me advise.

 

The guy I play with complains so much I am thinking to ask him to stop playing with me. But he is a friend. When we play he hits a 40 yard banana ball into the woods and is mad when it doesn't bounce out, or he hits the side of the hill and it bounces in the hill direction and is mad it didn't bounce on the green, or he misses a put and complains about the greens. ONe week we were playing with the club pro and he still complained about the course. Last Saturday he complained so much and then at the end he shot 1 over par for the day. YOu would think he shot 100. My other partner and me only get to play one day a week on Saturday morning. We play in a qoata game. We like to get there early eat, golf, and then hang out. He complains, is on the cell phone (I think he is supposed to be working) and then quickly leaves after playing.

The week we played with the club pro he lost money to him and me and left before paying. LUCKILY he won a skin so we took it from that.

Its a touchy situation.

[hoganfan924]

Just nail him with a 2 stroke penalty every time he offers advice. And do it with a smile on your face.

[kurob]

Whatever you do, don't mention that advice is a penalty...that makes you nearly as big of a d-bag as him. Tell him firmly, but politely, that you'll ask for advice if you've got a situation you're unsure about.

[mickeytbones]

We're not playing for money, so I'm certainly not going to deduct strokes for his unsolicited advice.

 

There is an oder fellow (around 70) that is a local legend. He played the tour for a while, but had to raise a family, and knew he wasn't going to make a great living at it, so he became the head pro of what was then the premier club in the area.

 

He told me a few weeks ago that the toughest thing about being on tour back then for him was all of the unsolicited advice from fellow pros on the practice range.

 

Sam Snead once told him that the easiest way to get in your playing partner's pocket was to tell him what you really liked about his swing, but make up something that truly isn't there.

 

"I really like the way you have flattened out your swing. It's amazing the timing you have coming from the inside like that."

[Bee-Man]

Its no big deal - he probably thinks he is helping you...as big a pain in the Word not allowed he might be.

 

Just let him know that you have a hard time digesting his tips during a round and pointedly tell him he is putting you off your game.....and would he save them up for the talk at the 19th. If he won't take the hint - simply don't play with him..

[SwingMan]

Yeah, son, I need to stop doing that to you now.

 

You're all grown up. :wacko:

[tourblade]

Next time he does it, wait for him to miss a putt and then ask him if he always takes the putter blade back that far to the inside or outside (you pick). Another beauty is ask him if you can see his putter or driver. Then look at it and comment "wow that thing is really shut". "Do you like it that way?" Both work wonders.

 

DG

 

 

WOW this is sooo evil, i will definately remember these.

[mozgolf]

As he is about settled and ready to swing ask if he breathes in or out on his back swing, that normally gets him.

 

I had one recently from a guy playing off about 15 claims to have been a more or less scratch golfer in the long distant past- response, thanks I appreciate advise from those with 3 times my handicap- the rest of the two fourballs (all buddies) nearly collapsed with laughter.

 

But honestly, just tell him, I am taking lessons and workinbg on my game, so please dont give me advise, or at least save it until after the round.