GB72
Money List Winner
Interesting situation in my mixed match in that I was the lowest handicap in our group giving away some 16 shots to the lady in the opposition team off ¾ handicaps. I have never been in this position before and it was an interesting experience to get some idea how the lower handicappers feel on a regular basis.
To get the positives out of the way first, it really did help me focus on my game. Suddenly being looked upon as the one in our team who was expected to be steadier and more consistent really helped cut out some of the insane shots that I try and play. I actually found that being in this position helped my game more than hindering it on many occasions.
There was, however, also a degree of pressure that I felt that was associated with being the one on our team who was assumed would be steady and competitive on most holes. There was also increased pressure with knowing that I had to play somewhere near my best on many holes just to counteract the shots given.
I would, however, be interested to hear how people view the etiquette of announcing any shots give when you are playing an away match on a course that you have hardly played. Our opponents had a habit of only mentioning any shots that they received as they were putting out and, even though my partner was a relatively new golfer and this was her first ever away match, they would only mention when she had a shot once they saw her ball was in some trouble or it was clear that my score was going to be the one that counts. I know, our job to get a card and check the shot holes in advance etc or ask on the tee of each hole but when I have been playing home matches I have always made a point of stating on each tee who has shots on each hole. So, is there any perceived etiquette to this situation.
And, yes, poor form I know but I admit it does niggle me every time you play a decent hole only to find that your oppo has hacked it down there and manages to announce as the putt goes in that you have only got a half due to shots given. I know that is awful, I know that I am normally on the other side of the equation and will be back there again soon but at least I can now appreciate a little how soul destroying that can feel and so a big hand to the lower handicappers who have to bite their tongue on regular basis.
To get the positives out of the way first, it really did help me focus on my game. Suddenly being looked upon as the one in our team who was expected to be steadier and more consistent really helped cut out some of the insane shots that I try and play. I actually found that being in this position helped my game more than hindering it on many occasions.
There was, however, also a degree of pressure that I felt that was associated with being the one on our team who was assumed would be steady and competitive on most holes. There was also increased pressure with knowing that I had to play somewhere near my best on many holes just to counteract the shots given.
I would, however, be interested to hear how people view the etiquette of announcing any shots give when you are playing an away match on a course that you have hardly played. Our opponents had a habit of only mentioning any shots that they received as they were putting out and, even though my partner was a relatively new golfer and this was her first ever away match, they would only mention when she had a shot once they saw her ball was in some trouble or it was clear that my score was going to be the one that counts. I know, our job to get a card and check the shot holes in advance etc or ask on the tee of each hole but when I have been playing home matches I have always made a point of stating on each tee who has shots on each hole. So, is there any perceived etiquette to this situation.
And, yes, poor form I know but I admit it does niggle me every time you play a decent hole only to find that your oppo has hacked it down there and manages to announce as the putt goes in that you have only got a half due to shots given. I know that is awful, I know that I am normally on the other side of the equation and will be back there again soon but at least I can now appreciate a little how soul destroying that can feel and so a big hand to the lower handicappers who have to bite their tongue on regular basis.
