Entering first medal

[matt611]

Got my first handicap of 23.5 last week. I'm planning on entering my first comp in a couple of weeks; a midweek medal which I'm hoping won't be too serious. By the way at this stage I'm only entering to get into club life and play under a little more pressure.

When signing up for this event would it be a common courtesy for me to take a late start time so as not to hold people up? Also if i start making a pigs ear of the round is it acceptable to continue going round but just picking up if for example i make a bad drive? I wouldn't want to put playing partner of his stride by always searching for balls.

Thanks as always.

 

[Jabba]

Your handicap is lower than mine and I can assure you I don't hold anyone up, so relax.You have every bit as much right to be in that comp as the club champion.The guys you are playing with will make their fair share of mistakes and maybe have to look for balls too. If you hit a bad drive, forget it and play the rest of the hole consrvatively.

Most importantly, have fun, we do this for enjoyment.

 

[drawboy]

I agree with Jabba, you have a right to play in the comp so do not worry about anyone else just play your game and enjoy yourself. Everyone has been a beginner even Tiger so no one is going to give you a hard time whatever you do as long as you play to the rules (get a free rule book from your pro, the are invaluable in your bag)and have good etiquette.
Hope you enjoy it,and remember it's only a game.

 

[viscount17]

don't know how your medals are run but mine are drawn and you only have the option of asking for an early or late start time - no guarantee that you'll get it. I always ask for an early time as it's more convenient.

it's a medal, so you're expected to putt out as the norm. that you will make a mess of the odd hole is expected. In your place on my first medal I would want to complete the round no matter the score. NR (or rather no score holes) should be the exception.

the important point is to recognise when you should play a provisional but don't be overly hasty in giving up the search.

good luck with who you draw as partners and good luck with the medal.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think the important thing is to relax and give yourself a chance to enjoy it rather than overly worry about upsetting or putting anyone else off. Unless your etiquettue is terrible (and I imagine you'd have been pulled up about it before now) just do what you usually do (pay attention to putting lines of others on the green though) and have fun. If you hit a bad one take a provisional (or two) and make sure you get one in play. If you hold a group up looking for a ball let them through and then everyone is happy. Have fun and don't worrky too much about the score