How Do You Handle This?

[rony]

Walk On Single, Added to Threesome by Starter

There are times when your regular group is un-available, and you just want to get 18 holes in. The starter puts you with three guys who you don't know. Everyone shakes hands and the intros are done. You tee off, and after a few holes, it becomes apparent that you are at a much higher level than the other three. All of a sudden, they don't talk to you anymore. Insecurity? Ego? Jealousy? You're being shunned because you strike the ball well. I have had this happen to me a few times, and I do not spout off about my ability, rather I am very easy going and easy to talk to. That being said, I will not suffer fools! Any suggestions on how to handle this? It is extremely difficult for me not to be friendly. :golfer:

[rhnh7063]

I'm on the other side of this, being a very poor (though dedicated) golfer at best. However, the chance to play with a superior player to me would be a great oppritunity to get some tips. Guess I just wouldn't be threatened, cause after all there's always someone better than you, nothing wrong with that.

[rony]

Yes Sir, you are correct! I am the highest Capper in my regular group and play often with very superior players. I feel the same way you do. In Tennis, we used to say....Always try to "Play Up". That's how you improve.

[Asleep]

Play tournament golf. Practice playing your mental game in a hostile environment.

 

Work on your focus.

 

Let the silence/acrimony that makes you feel uncomfortable "happen" but don't allow it to get in your head.

[TourPro21]

im hoping you're not mad at the golf course, right? i assume you're just a little distraught from the players you're grouped with... i'd just take it with a grain of salt, chances are they are quiet because they are trying to make mentals notes from the "playing lesson" they are giving you

[rama5]

Golf is not my strongest game however when faced with one group of friends I find if they are having a bad day they ruin it for everyone, when I'm the hot golfer for the day/ week I play odd shots, use a 3 wood verse driver off the tee to set up different shot from the norm. This allows me to take a longer iron into a green or try a phil high lob shot. I've even hit into a green side bunker (on purpose without others knowning I want to end up there) to try a "different" shot. This keeps me in the game and demonstrates ability to vary my game and adjust to different distances and use all the clubs in my bag.

[tarik]

When I'm faced with this I just try to make a little small talk with the people I'm playing with. I also make sure to complement everyone when they make a good shot and always write down their names (bad memory). After about two or three holes they seem to warm up. :golfer:

[jportz]

You probably know they're ability level just by their mannerisms, clubs they're playing, how they're dressed, and especially any practice swings they make.

 

If you know that you are a much better player than them you should remember that you are joining THEIR group so try to "be one of them" to make them feel comfortable.

 

I don't mean to play like a hack...but remember that most golfers are recreational (not ho's like us) and they only play a few times a year, never go to the range, keep an extra ball in their pocket, use 2 or 3 mulligan's a side, play OB like a water hazard, and almost always forget to count one or two strokes on every hole. Having a "good" player join them will make them wonder if you're going to be "judging" their game or their rules.

 

Just let them know right away that you're out there to have fun....introduce yourself and say "so how many mulligan's do I get to play with you guys". Let them know that you could care less about their score or their game....and when one of them hits a bad shot just help them laugh it off because they're already going to be wondering what you're thinking.

 

I've been on both sides of this scenario so I know how it feels to be the "hack" who gets stuck playing with some good players. It's very intimidating and although I would normally just "foot wedge" my bad lie back to the fairway.....now this other guy is staring me down....so it would force me to play a shot that I had no business trying. This was when I was like a 30 hc (I'm a 5 hc now so of course I play everything down).

 

I always wanted to impress the good player by hitting my best shots and this would put more pressure on my game and cause me to play worse. People love to talk about themselves....just get the conversation flowing by asking about their profession or where they went to school or the best course they've ever played....and of course....be very impressed by whatever they tell you.....offer to buy em a beer or gatorade off the snack cart....heck, just be a nice guy and if all else fails....they still won't open up after trying EVERYTHING....then screw 'em....let them play through at the turn and ask the starter if he can work you in with another group.

 

Good luck.

[clmax]

I'm usually a walk on too. I'm New2golf (pun intended) and so I often get paired with players who are well above my ability. In this situation, after a superior player hits a nice tee shot, I supply a little foreshadowing and say, "Nice out! I hate hitting out of that sh*t (or stuff depending...)." :) :ok: