First Group Out

[GB72]

In the competition on Saturday I am in the very unusual position of being in the first group out and I have to admit that I am finding the prospect quite daunting. With all the talk on here, and at my club, about pace of play, suddenly I am in the group that is controlling the pace for the whole competition. I want to play my own game but with a clear course ahead and the thought of holding up the whole field I can see myself rushing shots etc.

I am hoping that we may have a few early birds who have headed out before the tee closes for the comp but as I am off at 7.20 I am not overly hopeful.

Anyone else been in this position and has it affected your game?

 

[G.U.R]

Our Comps, if they are individual Comps are played in three balls and so therefore you have two others who will let you know if you are playing too slow. Pace of play is usually dictated by how long it takes to find each ball after each shot. Tee's are usually 8 mins apart for three balls and that is usually sufficient to get everyone in play.

 

[JustOne]

...and has it affected your game?

Not at all, just walk quicker (there's no one holding you up), then you'll actually find you have even more time over the ball.

 

[Birchy]

I play early quite often and its the best place to be. Nobody holding you up at all and you will be round in no time.

What can the group behind say? You've lost 18 holes on the group in front?

 

[Curls]

It is only your perception that you will dictate the pace of play for the whole field. All it takes is the group behind to lose a ball/have a slow hole and you will have daylight behind you. Worst case scenario if you feel your group is moving slowly and the group behind are being held up then just let them through. After that I wouldn't give it another seconds thought, personally I'd love to be out in the first group!

 

[CMAC]

Not at all, just walk quicker (there's no one holding you up), then you'll actually find you have even more time over the ball.

...this....plus its all 3 of you that dictates play not just you.

 

[pokerjoke]

Yes and no.
Being out first is great.
No sand on your line
No pitch marks
No spike marks
No shoe indentations
All good,just play your own game.