First impressions on the tee

[Deleted Member 1156]

I once played a municipal course on my own, just as I was about to tee off the pro came out the shop and asked if I would pair up with another single who had just arrived. Not a problem, happy to play with anyone.

Soon changed my mind when he pulled out a club and asked "How do you hold these things?"

 

[HickoryShaft]

The only one I have really had a major problem with is in a society where one guy gave a running commentry about every shot each of us played and how it could be played better, starting on the first tee box and sometimes even while you were swinging the club (He's going driver on this, must be confident he isnt going to slice it!!! / last time you hit the 4 iron you went left wonder if you will do the same here!!!!! / all of the wedges you have hit from this distance have been outside of 20 foot maybe you should be hitting a bump and run (playing partner nearly lost it at that point - lol) )

It ended up being a bit commical but he carried on even though the rest of us in the group all played at least 10 points better than him on the day so his 'help' didnt really justify itself. It seemed he could not help himself even when we pulled him up about it. A kind of nervous tick maybe?

One we still talk about and can thankfully laugh about - especially because I won that day.

 

[North Mimms]

The only one I have really had a major problem with is in a society where one guy gave a running commentry about every shot each of us played and how it could be played better, starting on the first tee box and sometimes even while you were swinging the club (He's going driver on this, must be confident he isnt going to slice it!!! / last time you hit the 4 iron you went left wonder if you will do the same here!!!!! / all of the wedges you have hit from this distance have been outside of 20 foot maybe you should be hitting a bump and run (playing partner nearly lost it at that point - lol) )

It ended up being a bit commical but he carried on even though the rest of us in the group all played at least 10 points better than him on the day so his 'help' didnt really justify itself. It seemed he could not help himself even when we pulled him up about it. A kind of nervous tick maybe?

One we still talk about and can thankfully laugh about - especially because I won that day.

You must have the patience of a saint!

I have played with a lady who commentates on her own game, usually muttering about "weight on wrong foot, not releasing hands etc" after most shots. It is quite off putting and I don't want to start thinkiing about which foot my weight is on if I am hitting the ball ok!

 

[Smiffy]

I played in a company sponsored day once. Teams of 4, betterball stableford. I didn't know anybody else there except the guy I had gone with, and he was in a different group.
Discovered that we had a lady in our team. No problem. I love playing with ladies.
As we stood around the first tee watching and waiting for our turn to tee off, a geezer in the fourball in front oinks one off the tee into the bushes. Went about 50 yards. A few giggles were stifled but then the lady in our team said (in all seriousness)...."I'd love to be able to hit the ball like that". Cushty. How I looked forward to my next 5 hours.

 

[Hobbit]

I've had the pleasure of playing with the odd serial coach. The one that offers advice constantly on every shot, and criticises you when you don't take it. The first couple of holes aren't too bad - the guy is only trying to be helpful. But after a while it gets a little wearing.

The coach plays off 26, and has all the gear inc being dressed like Ricky Fowler on speed!

An example of what I got wrong. The coach advises a 5 iron for a 140yd par 3 because "there's lots of wind up there." I choose a wedge and stiff it to 4 inches... apparently I must have thinned it!!

 

[Crazyface]

Never had a problem on the first tee with anyone, but I'll tell you this....if the bloke who royally hissed me off in a comp this year turns up again to play with me I'll be straight back in the car and home. I still have the urge to ram a 5 iron though his skull 3 months on.

 

[OMAAbound]

As a member of a club in the Middle East we have a selection of visitors ranging from good to bad. But on the instance I'll share two stories with you.

Last year we had a new South African club pro then up, one morning I'd decided to go out before the heat and asked if I could join him. After a warm welcome and exchanging names, details etc etc. I think he thought he was better than he was as he persisted on describing every shot he was going to play to me before hand, so on the first tee he told me he was "aiming down the left with a power fade down the middle" up he stood and snap hooked it clean left OB! Turns to be me and says "must be different now I'm in the northern hemisphere" the next couple of holes after that weren't too bad. Until we got to the 5th, 210 yards par 3, hotel complex left, "I'm going to hit a high fade into the hear of the green with my hybrid" proceeds to double cross himself and puts it straight into the swimming pool cries of "Jesus Christ" "f***ing hell" "we're under attack" were called! Subsequently he didn't last long here.

Also playing with German once who had about as much patience as a live grenade. Going for the green on a par 5 with his 3 wood, duffed it down the fairway, threw his 3 wood on the floor which snapped, ricocheted up and pierce the plastic screen on the buggy! He was asked politely to leave by security after this!

OMAA

 

[User 105]

I'm pretty easy going so I've never really have issues with people on the first tee. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.

I once got put out with a couple of guys when I was playing in Scottsdale. One had black cargo shorts, black t-shirt and trainers. Tattoo's all up hits arms, legs and neck. Piercings all over his face, shaved head with a spider tattoo at the back.

Honestly, I have no issues with playing with someone dressed like that. Him and his m8 were such a laugh to play with, constantly sniping at each other after every shot.

I can honestly say it's probably the best laugh I've had playing. We were all just wetting ourselves laughing all the way round. Sometimes it was hard to play your shot from the tears in your eyes.

Now compare that to some of the 'correctly' dressed knobs I've had to play with over the years.

 

[cookelad]

Have never and would never refuse to play with someone based on first impression, there are a couple of folks of course that I really hope I don't get drawn with but they're based on experience!

 

[MashieNiblick]

Always wondered what my first impressions would be if I saw Jeev Milka Singh, Jim Furyk and Eamonn Darcy having practice swings by the first tee. Would I think I might have a chance to take the money!

 

[ManinBlack]

Always wondered what my first impressions would be if I saw Jeev Milka Singh, Jim Furyk and Eamonn Darcy having practice swings by the first tee. Would I think I might have a chance to take the money!

You can add Wirichant to that list!

 

[Franco]

I've had the pleasure of playing with the odd serial coach. The one that offers advice constantly on every shot, and criticises you when you don't take it. The first couple of holes aren't too bad - the guy is only trying to be helpful. But after a while it gets a little wearing.

The coach plays off 26, and has all the gear inc being dressed like Ricky Fowler on speed!

An example of what I got wrong. The coach advises a 5 iron for a 140yd par 3 because "there's lots of wind up there." I choose a wedge and stiff it to 4 inches... apparently I must have thinned it!!

I am 68 and been playing for less than a year. I am the only senior novice in the club and I am sure that there are number of members whose hearts sink when they are drawn to play with me. On the other hand, I occasionally draw one of the high handicap seniors who is convinced that he is a outstanding coach and will comment on my game throughout the match. It is all part of life's rich pattern.

 

[John Boy Saint]

I sometimes get nervous on the first tee when I am playing with a lower handicap player for the first time as you wonder what their tolerance levels will be especially as only playing the game for nearly 5 years I can still launch an absolute stinker off the tee and follow that with another up the fairway or out of the rough.

One day I was playing with a friend who basically hits a ball and you see a little blue flame out the back of the ball as the afterburners light up, as the course was busy we were pushed onto our least preferred course which tee'd off adjacent to the clubhouse patio area, which was packed as the spring sunshine was putting on a good show. My friend took the first drive as I trembled at the thought of teeing off with a large audience, he took his usual full swing and duffed it just past the ladies tee, much to the vocal dismay of the crowd. I struck lucky and launched a gem off the tee, as I put my driver away, I could just hear the comment, "that poor bloke is in for a very long afternoon".
After the first 2 holes my mates bits of wire warmed up and I was rinsed for the rest of the afternoon, but the guys supping ale in the sun looking on had already had my mate down as a bloke most of them wouldn't want to be paired with.

 

[cookelad]

Have never and would never refuse to play with someone based on first impression, there are a couple of folks of course that I really hope I don't get drawn with but they're based on experience!

That'll teach me to talk about it drawn out this morning with the one everyone wants to avoid!