First Competition - Advice?

[Scrindle]

Hi all,

I joined my local club recently and received an email yesterday inviting me to a betterball pairs open event on Sunday that I can bring a guest to. I'm fairly new to playing the sport 'seriously' (rather than just hacking around) but thought 'what the hell it'll be a fun day' and am taking one of my mates with me as my playing partner.

I'm a little bit nervous though to be honest. Are there any things that newbies often overlook that get them into trouble, etc...? I'm particularly thinking about etiquette on greens when playing with other people rather than just me alone or a friend (ball marking, etc...).

The person at the club I spoke to on the phone just now was very kind and said she'd find some more experienced players she knew to form a 4 ball with us on the day so we had a friendly helping hand which was nice.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Hobbit]

You don't do it for a living, so just go and enjoy it.

Don't walk on people's line on the green, and if your ball is first in the hole pick up the flag.

 

[CheltenhamHacker]

Treat is as a normal round of golf with a stranger on a saturday. Be nice, chatty and friendly. If you make it clear how new you are, they shouldn't have a problem with any little faux pa's, unless it's something that you've gone out of your way to do!

Forget that it's competition and just enjoy a nice round, getting to know another member of the club

 

[CMAC]

I'm assuming you have a handicap for this Open event?

Dont fret about etiquette, its mostly common sense, furthest away plays first, be aware and respectful of your playing partners when they are playing, dont stand directly behind or in an extended line in front of them putting (keep out of eye line). Lowest gross score on a hole gives you the 'honour' to tee off first on the next hole........

apart from that enjoy it..........act like a normal human being and you wont go wrong:thup:

 

[Deleted member 18121]

don't play well....you'll be called a bandit and shunned from your club.

 

[Scrindle]

Thanks for the comments so far, very reassuring! It's nice to know that the stuff mentioned is stuff that I do already when playing with friends. I think I'll just enjoy it.

I'm assuming you have a handicap for this Open event?

Interestingly, I don't. That said, when I phoned up the club this morning it was more out of intruige than anything else because I wanted to know how the competitions worked. I explained that I didn't have a handicap because I hadn't entered 3 cards yet so wasn't going to be playing.

I was told that the club likes to encourage new members to get involved with the club community so although I did technically need a handicap, they would let me play without one - my score just wouldn't count towards the competition itself - so I can get to know some of the members of the club, have some fun and see what it's all about, etc... and arrange for a few rounds with members so that I have people who can sign my card off to get me a handicap.

To be fair the lady I spoke with was really enthusiastic - I came off the phone with a smile on my face! If there are people like this at clubs all around it makes me wonder why more people don't play golf/join clubs really.

 

[mcbroon]

All the advice above is sound. The only thing I'd add is that, in this unusually sunny weather, be mindful of your shadow.

Most importantly, though, relax and enjoy yourself. It's supposed to be fun.

 

[virtuocity]

I've not met many golfers who don't thrive being in a situation where they can 'educate' or 'help' newbie golfers. Explain to your group that this is your first medal. Not only will they help, it will take the pressure off you straight away.

My first medal was horrible- I struggle with nerves at the best of times.

If I was able to go back and give myself some friendly advice it would be: before teeing up on the first hole, make sure that you pick a club which almost guarantees you hit it straight. Don't worry about distance AT ALL.

Enjoy!

 

[Scrindle]

don't play well....you'll be called a bandit and shunned from your club.

Being generally quite an honest person I was a bit worried about this (not being shunned, but being given a standard 28 handicap). My score wont be counting towards the competition so technically I suppose it doesn't matter, but the lady I spoke to said I'd be put down as a 28 handicap as standard for that purpose. I explained to her that my round scores fluctuate quite a bit at the moment between about 20 over and 30 over par.

So I think I'll be put down as 24 or something similar instead, which makes me feel better.

If I was able to go back and give myself some friendly advice it would be: before teeing up on the first hole, make sure that you pick a club which almost guarantees you hit it straight. Don't worry about distance AT ALL.

I'll take a PW then!! :lol:

 

[woody69]

Being generally quite an honest person I was a bit worried about this (not being shunned, but being given a standard 28 handicap). My score wont be counting towards the competition so technically I suppose it doesn't matter, but the lady I spoke to said I'd be put down as a 28 handicap as standard for that purpose. I explained to her that my round scores fluctuate quite a bit at the moment between about 20 over and 30 over par.

So I think I'll be put down as 24 or something similar instead, which makes me feel better.



I'll take a PW then!! :lol:

Surely you'll just be using the round to submit a card for handicap purposes (so make sure you hole out)?

 

[Scrindle]

Surely you'll just be using the round to submit a card for handicap purposes (so make sure you hole out)?

That's what I'll be using it for, but I think they might need a provisional number in place for the score table at the end or something? I just didn't want a situation where I end up having a good day and playing off 20 while they have put my handicap down as 28 and I end up with a ridiculous score - wouldn't sit well with me even if it doesn't count for anything (only cheating myself at the end of the day!).

 

[pbrown7582]

Surely you'll just be using the round to submit a card for handicap purposes (so make sure you hole out)?

beat me to it!
was just going to suggest this, as regards playing in comps just relax and enjoy be mindful of the other players dont get to caught up in your own little world. also worth just mentioning as you walk down first fairway that it all new to you and any decent member will help you out with any queries and try and make your round enjoyable which at the end of the day is the most important thing. Play well have fun.

 

[woody69]

That's what I'll be using it for, but I think they might need a provisional number in place for the score table at the end or something? I just didn't want a situation where I end up having a good day and playing off 20 while they have put my handicap down as 28 and I end up with a ridiculous score - wouldn't sit well with me even if it doesn't count for anything (only cheating myself at the end of the day!).

But it doesn't matter if you end up with a ridiculous score. The person you are playing with will know you are not in the comp when you tell them you are using it to submit a card for handicap purposes. By default you'll get a maximum double bogey on each hole and besides, you won't technically have a handicap so will be effectively playing off scratch

 

[chrisd]

Enjoy it, everyone playing has been in your position.

Tell the guys that its your first comp and you would appreciate constructive help!

 

[Scrindle]

But it doesn't matter if you end up with a ridiculous score. The person you are playing with will know you are not in the comp when you tell them you are using it to submit a card for handicap purposes. By default you'll get a maximum double bogey on each hole and besides, you won't technically have a handicap so will be effectively playing off scratch

Ah that makes sense! Like I said I'm newbie I don't know what I'm talking about

Thanks for advice all, really looking forward to it now!!

 

[Farneyman]

Leave the 60 lob wedge out of your bag unless you have a short game like Big Phil :thup:

And don't forget to relax and enjoy the game.

 

[Sid Rixon IV]

Hi Scrindle,
I joined my club after three pals encouraged me once I retired.
Two are happy playing in our group of four, the third relishes comps.
His advice to me was to "stick your name on the comp sheet every Friday night (for two weeks hence)".
When you're a new, high handicap member, putting your name on a sheet with two strangers, or putting it up solo, is really daunting.
But I did it.
Next, I was told of certain "schools" that turn up on certain days at set times and, after a casual invite, I turned up to one of those.
My point is that I quickly met a wide range of members of varying golf ability and of diverse backgrounds.
I have yet to encounter a player I wouldn't want to play with again and I've always felt welcome when I've turned up at the "school" sessions.
When I worked I was heavily into squash and team squash and I loved the camaraderie.
Since I retired joining my golf club has been just a great experience.
Get out there!

 

[Sid Rixon IV]

Excuse the weird script above.
I typed it on iPad notes and copied it

 

[Scrindle]

Thanks Sid, that's great

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Just have a word with the guys marking your card on the first tee.
Tell them what you told us and ask them to feel free with any etiquette advice to help you.
You did say your card would not count for the competition so don't worry..just enjoy.

Most important of all [surprised no one else has mentioned this] keep up with the pace of play of your partners and the course.