First Venture into competitive Golf

[JakeWS]

Baring any objections in the next 7 days, I will finally be a member of a Private Golf Club next Friday, and will look to start to play competitive golf.

I understand first I will have to acquire my handicap first, is that by putting 3 cards in when played with someone else?

Then if anyone can give me a brief overview of competitive golf, as I am a complete novice just some general hints and tips on what to do.

Cheers.

 

[Carpfather1]

Best thing to do is just go out play and enjoy there's plenty who will advise you as you go around . Just explain to what ever group of players your with that your new to it all and im sure they'll help you .

 

[ScienceBoy]

Play to your handicap or better in practice first, competitions are fun but don't play too many as it can be a depressing cycle.

If you get a few 0.1s take some time out of competition to find your groove again.

 

[Rough and ready]

If your not sure ask your playing partners on how you stand re rules issues , pointless losing silly shots over misinterpreting something

 

[JakeWS]

I watch a lot of Golf so hopefully should know quite a few of the rules I think, going to ask to be put with nice members the first few times.

However I am very much at the golf stage where I can shoot 90, but can also have a complete meltdown, so will either look like a bandit or a moron depending which way my round goes.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Hopefully the club secretary or pro will assist you with finding games and maybe even ask someone to look after you until you find your feet. Don't worry about it, like driving a car we all had to start somewhere. Relax and enjoy :thup:

 

[JakeWS]

I'm joining with a friend who fortunately is in the same boat, and we've both been golfing for a few years now so are not complete novices to the game, it's just we have never played real comps, only against each other and other friends etc where we have our nice generous "Well we would have found it on TV rule" haha.

 

[Duckster]

I'm joining with a friend who fortunately is in the same boat, and we've both been golfing for a few years now so are not complete novices to the game, it's just we have never played real comps, only against each other and other friends etc where we have our nice generous "Well we would have found it on TV rule" haha.

Where you joining Jake?

 

[JakeWS]

Where you joining Jake?

Wigan

 

[bluewolf]

Not sure if you've met him yet, but there's a committee guy at Arley that I know. Late 50's, glasses, could talk a glass eye to sleep?? Think his name is John. He works over at Gathurst GC. Absolute cracker of a fella, and he'll sort you out in no time. Just make sure you allow an hour for a chat when you meet him

 

[JakeWS]

Not sure if you've met him yet, but there's a committee guy at Arley that I know. Late 50's, glasses, could talk a glass eye to sleep?? Think his name is John. He works over at Gathurst GC. Absolute cracker of a fella, and he'll sort you out in no time. Just make sure you allow an hour for a chat when you meet him

Haha I have only met a few members, the secretary and the guy who did our interview so far, but I will be sure to keep an eye out for him. Just dreading the thought of finding out someone has objected to me now!

 

[TonyN]

When playing with new ppl, take a minute to introduce yourself and explain you are new to the game. Explain that you're still learning the rules and etiquette and would appreciate any pointers in that department.

People will try to coach you on the course, you'll top one 'you lifted your head' you'll fat one 'you were to steep'
You'll slice one 'you're coming over the top' blah blah blah. Some people have great little tips, the best mentors wont say much on the course, if anything.

My tips would be

* Make sure you're ready to play when its you're turn

*Tend, take the flag out and return it for your opponents, wait on or near the green until everyone has finsihsed the hole

* Be careful not to stand too close, directly behind, or cast shadows in peoples eye line or peripheral vision

* Repair pitch marks, replace divots and help your partners look for thier ball when its lost.

*Relax and have fun. Everyone was new once, they'll know how you feel, not every club golfer is an expert, or sets a good example.

Good luck!

 

[LincolnShep]

Tony's tips are really good. I'm about 15 months into my first club membership so I clearly remember what it was like in the first comp.
Arrive in plenty of time then you can watch what everyone else does. There might be a computer terminal that you need to use to register your entry. There might be a couple of 'side' competitions (we have a 2s contest, and a Captain's charity contest) as well as the main comp. If you're there early, you have the time to ask people if there's anything you don't understand.