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First Competitive Round- Advice please

virtuocity

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May 13, 2011
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Alrighty. I have a round tomorrow with a friend of a friend. It will be good natured and unofficial, but still competitive.

This is my first time experiencing competitive golf. Every round I've played since I took this daft game up, I've played myself.

Advice on game play please!!!!!!
 
Most guys are just after a friendly game with a bit of banter, try and keep your concentration and dont worry about him watching your shots etc as most people are too involved in their own game to watch your every shot/move. I wouldnt worry too much about it...Unless money is involved!
 
Relax, kick back and just let it happen whilst enjoying the day with a new golfing buddy. Soon as you make it more than it is, thats when it becomes less enjoyable
 
Don't get cute..... find the fairways without worrying too much about distance.

When you miss a green just chip onto it.... don't get cute.

When you putt just worry about getting the pace right.

Take less shots than he does ;)
 
Thanks for all of the advice!

Ended up at a different course due to heavy frost. The new course was fully open but conditions were really difficult. Newbie mistakes such as hitting the ball sweetly on the green and expecting it to stick, instead watching it bounce off the surface and over the green. Must learn to take less club on days like this!

Bad points:

-Badly need bunker lessons. Either underhit it and the ball doesn't move or overhit it and it goes miles over the green. Cost me 8 shots today. Also need to take more time before taking my shot to read the course map so I know what areas to avoid!!

-Since progressing my swing from 3/4 to full, my hybrids aren't consistent enough. Will need to work on this.

-Getting a bit stiff and sore towards the end of the round. Only started feeling sore since the full swing came into my game! Need to get fitter!

Good points

-Irons are amazing.

-A wee birdie today (2 at a par 3) and 4 pars. Good scoring for me.

Overall

Played to an unofficial handicap of 28 and scored 36 points.

Looking at the scorecard, I actually played to a 25 handicap. Considering the conditions cost me 4 shots and the bunkers costing me 8, I'm more confident than ever of reaching 18 handicap level this year.
 
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