I seem to play worse when playing with my mates

[cliveb]

Whether it's a friendly bounce game or a qualifying comp, it seems that when I'm playing with my close circle of regular playing partners, I perform worse than if I'm playing with others (who I may know quite well and be friendly with, but are not in my "inner circle"). My guess is that I just relax too much as there's no subconscious pressure not to look like a prat, join in the banter, and lose focus/concentration.

Is this a common thing or do others find the opposite - that they play better with close friends?

 

[road2ruin]

Whether it's a friendly bounce game or a qualifying comp, it seems that when I'm playing with my close circle of regular playing partners, I perform worse than if I'm playing with others (who I may know quite well and be friendly with, but are not in my "inner circle"). My guess is that I just relax too much as there's no subconscious pressure not to look like a prat, join in the banter, and lose focus/concentration.

Is this a common thing or do others find the opposite - that they play better with close friends?

I find exactly the same thing. In important comps I actively try and avoid a couple of friends purely because my attitude changes when I play with them. I know this is a failing on my part but I struggle to take it as seriously!

 

[Norrin Radd]

quite the reverse ,i always try harder to beat my mates as the bragging rites are where its at in our group.
as we all fish together as well the rites continue to that as well.

 

[connor]

I'm the same if I play with the lads I grew up with my scores are terrible. One of my other golfing friends seen my score and even said I know who you played with last weekend.
We either don't take it seriously enough or it turns into a hitting contest unintentionally which destroys my game. I try to stick to older chaps than myself or steady players as that's when I seem to play my better golf.

 

[Craigg]

A couple of weeks ago I was 4 up with 4 to play and giving my mate a right ribbing! All of a sudden I'm 1 up with 1 to play and not so friendly. I put every ounce of concentration I had into that last hole and beat him. Phew. Can't be losing to mates. A half would have felt like a win to him that day! :whoo:

 

[bladeplayer]

OP is common enough id say , i think it can happen you relax too much and dont concentrate enough

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I can see where the OP is coming from. I play in a great roll up most Saturday and Sunday mornings, and the banter is fierce and it perhaps detracts from concentrating on the task in had. Different to being drawn in a medal with two players you've not met and not wanting to show yourself up