First time with stranger.......

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AndrewK

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Nothing untoward about this. Its just going to be the first time i have played a round with someone i dont know. Havent been playing long, since October and i have played about 15 9 hole rounds and a couple of 18 hole rounds. I have only ever played with my mate or solo so maybe i have some rules i use that suit me. If it goes in the rough i am happy to take a drop. If i duff a shot i am happy to retake it type thing. I am learning and i dont get paid to play so i am happy with the way i approach things. I suppose my approach is i dont have any rules, do what makes you enjoy it.

On Thursday i have someone else on the booked tee and he plays off 9.5. I am going to be way off his pace and tbh i dont want to spoil his day as much as i dont want mine to be a pain in the ass.

How does it go on these things? Do i explain i am a duffer and going to struggle? Do i suggest he tees off and just leaves me in his dust? Is he going to be happy seeing me struggle away and waiting for me? Is he going to turn up and be thoroughly pissed off at me turning up?

Im not that bad, i played the same course last week and hit 3 pars in front 9 (45) but i was playing well.
 
Neilds said:
Just relax, let him know you are new to the game and I'm sure you'll have fun and probably pick up a few tips. Not all golfers are like the people on this forum, some are actually human
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Thats what i was hoping. TBH i dont want to spoil someone elses round so was happy to be told a few do's & dont's
 
Neilds said:
Just relax, let him know you are new to the game and I'm sure you'll have fun and probably pick up a few tips. Not all golfers are like the people on this forum, some are actually human
Click to expand...
This, I've played with loads of random's of all ability, I can't even recall any unenjoyable experiences.
 
Don't over think it. Be ready to play, ready golf (y), help to look for his ball if he hits it in the rough, don't sing songs on his backswing 😄.

Other than that, be friendly, as I am sure you would. He is playing his game, he isn't going to be thinking about how you hit it.
 
To me golf is about socialising first and I know a few players like this. I have never worried about playing with a newbie in a social game and have always been happy to advise if asked.

The only things I can advise is know when to talk and when not to talk, watch where they hit the ball (even low handicap players hit it offline) and always help with any search, remember it is 3 minutes to search for a lost ball and be to give up if it cannot be found within that time unless they are happy for it to go on longer, do not assume low handicap players are fast players.
 
Explain you've not been playing long and (assuming you are) appreciate any pointers if there's stuff you don't know, or are not doing.

Watch what he does and look for tips. You'll see a 9.5 handicapper will also make mistakes!😁

Remember. Everyone was new once. No one minds a poor golfer, no one likes a slow/discourteous one😉

If the chap is worth playing with, he'll be pleased to help.
 
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Just tell him you are relatively new to the game; have only played a few rounds but feel OK about being able to get round, but that you'll do your best, and that you'd really appreciate any help he can give in respect of the rules - without him telling you what you should do he can tell you what you can do.

I often play with (very) high handicap players and members of our academy who are working towards their handicap - and I honestly don't mind if they struggle a bit and try to help. My usual words when I tell them I'm a SF handicapper (they always ask) is that I can't tell them much about the golf swing - especially if they are having lessons - but I can guide them on how to get the ball round in a reasonable score without having to play fantastic golf - most newbies think that you have to be some sort of miracle worker to get the ball round in under 80 - I tell them you don't.

If it's not a competition round ask him if you can seek a bit of guidance from him from time to time on course management.
 
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I was fortunate that when I started back playing I played a few rounds with a guy who was a low handicapper. His etiquette on the course towards higher handicappers/ me was excellent. He never moralised, he talked about pace of play, conduct around the green when around players, ready golf. Hopefully he will help you not hinder you.
Don’t put to much pressure on yourself and use your shots.
 
Its too easy to overthink our role/importance within a pairing or group
I’ll assume it’s not a comp or WHS round, there’s no side bet/drinks made on the result and you don’t plan to behave like a pain in the bum… So by definition it’s just a practice/social round for you both, if so:

Your golfing performance etc holds no significance or relevance for him. He really doesn’t care what you score or what rules you don’t follow
(he will care if you don't care for the course though)


Enjoy it as you would any other round and be decent company
 
I joined a golf club for the first time in 2020, aged 49 and knowing nobody locally who played golf.
I soon started playing golf with a small group of other relative newbies and one very good single figure handicapper.
5 years on and 3 of them are my closest friends.
You'll meet your fair share of dicks at a golf club but plenty of nice, normal friendly folk too.
 
Over the years I have played with varying levels of players from Pro’s to elite Am’s and the 20 plus HC’s


99% of the time HC golfers are the more enjoyable to play golf with because they are just trying to enjoy themselves


You will find that the majority of club golfers regardless of HC will have no issues playing with someone new to the game because they were also in that position at one stage

Just explain to him where you are in your golf journey and you will find that most will be as helpful as they can be for you to help you through the round
 
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