First ever medal tomorrow

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I think theres been a thread on this but couldnt find it doing a search.

Pretty nervous even though I keep trying to tell myself its just another round of golf and I've just about got used to teeing off in front of groups in the roll up.


Any tips most welcome - I seem to remember someone mentioning always picking up penalty strokes. Are there any silly infringements which are easily forgotten and probably wouldnt be mentioned in a non competitive round. (eg must be careful marking my ball as have a habit of nudging it very slightly - a couple of mm - as I put marker down.)
 
Relax and enjoy!

Things like marking ball are important try not to nudge it forward 'elliot Saltman!' :-).
Consider hitting a provisional it's a long lonely walk back should you not find your ball if you end up in the cabbage.
Play one shot at a time and try forget you've got a card in your hand just play as a friendly albeit putting everything out.

Of course finally report back to us all how it goes!

Have fun Enjoy!
 
Play your most comfortable club off the 1st tee, even if it's a 4 iron it will settle you down knowing your next shot is from the fairway. Then enjoy
 
elliot Saltman!'

Had to google that - yeah will concentrate and make sure it doesnt happen - dont want to be getting banned before my "career" even starts:D
 
Lots of good advice so far.

A lot depends if you are playing with your usual crew or with people you don't know. If the the latter it will be a bit harder. Just tell them it's your first one.

If it is a medal (rather than a stableford) hitting a provsional is a must. You have to hole out if you want to return a score and as said above it is a long walk back.

If you are taking a drop let your playing partners know what you are doing and why, then they can advise you if necesary. Don't be afraid to ask in a situation you aren't sure about.

Get a rule book if don't already have one (should be free in the pro shop or club house) and read through the quick guide at the front. Keep it in your bag. Check the local rules on the score card.

If you are still playing winter rules make sure you mark your ball before lifting and cleaning it and remember, when it's replaced it is in play.

Be careful of other people's lines on the greens.

Keep a careful count for the guy whose card you're marking.

Golf wise, just play your normal game but to keep the high numbers of the card, take your medicine and avoid hero shots. Try to put the bad holes behind you.

Also, be aware of the pace of play. Easy to get absorbed in your game. Usual stuff -marking cards on next tee, being ready to hit, leaving trolley in right place, etc, etc.

Everybody has been in the same situation. No one will mind if you hit a bad shot, have a bad hole or shoot a big score as long as you are good company on the course. And remember, it is only a game.

Let us know how you get on.
 
Just remember to breathe - I always forget that bit on the 1st...

Enjoy, and keep breathing!

Google NLP peripheral vision which helps me calm nerves - when I remember to do it. I look at the tree tops as I walk to my next shot...

Good luck.
 
just relax and play your normal game,unless your with someone who is stuck up their own arse it is fun and you should have plenty of banter and don't get yourself all worked up lets face it your chances of winning are slim so just enjoy and never forget its just another game of golf!
 
Stay focused
Relax and get rid of any tension in your shoulders
turn up in plenty of time for your tee time - or you will be DQd
Dont go out and practice on the course before you play - or you'll be DQd again!
Dont NR - keep going.
0.1 being added back to your handicap DOESNT hurt

most of all - enjoy the company!
:fore:
 
Forget how anyone else is playing and play within yourself.

I.e It can be intimidating playing with a low handicap who bombs it and there will be a temptation to keep up. Dont fall into this trap.....play to your own handicap.

Try and keep count of the strokes, if there is any doubt ask.
 
sign in. fill all your card in including your signature and date. have a warm up if at all possible, meet folk, chat to them and chill.

Don't be afraid to take the easy club option.

make sure you're aware of your partner's score but don't mention his total unless he asks.

give plenty compliments when due and be careful on the greens for others' lines, who's to putt and get the flag etc.

It's a great way to meet some interesting and weird characters that make up a club!
 
Enjoy yourself would be my only advice.

All about relaxing and swinging easy.

Stress, pressure, anxiety will cause the forcing of shots and in a medal this is not good.

Start off with a smile and swing easy.

Ash!!
 
Enjoy! Even the butterflies on the first tee!

Probably worth mentioning to those you are playing with that it's your first Medal, so may need some help on some things - but only when you ask. Though remember that you can't ask for advice, simply things like 'what are my options?'.

And while it's a Medal, remember that handicap is a Stableford, so a disaster on a hole may not be a disaster for handicap.

BTW. Moving your ball when marking it is not a Penalty - as long as it's replaced correctly.

Good Luck
 
A lot of people in roll ups get nervous on the tee,so your no different
its just human nature.
My tip is dont get involved in other peoples games,if hes spanking it miles
dont try to outdrive him.
Fairways and greens always beats rough and semi rough.
 
Thanks guys and gals - plenty of sound advice there.

Teeing off at 1023 so depending on the beer situation will report back tomorrow afternoon.

Cheers
 
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