Intimidating feeling!

[rob_golf1]

Not to sure if anybody else has experienced this, but does anybody else get a feeling of intimidation or being looked down upon within the world of golf?

I regularly feel this especially when going into my local Direct Golf branch! Many of the sales assistants are helpful and friendly, but there are one or two who seem to just look down their nose at you, or talk to you like a complete idiot,when you ask for their advice!

Being a young golfer, 19 years of age, I often feel looked down upon at my local course, when either walking into the pro shop, or standing at the tee with a group behind!

 

[ScienceBoy]

Not at my club, very friendly atmosphere.

I came in without a handicap, made friends instantly with people of all handicaps. Ended up playing with a regular group containing a 3, 6 and 24 handicap.

Either you feel it because you expect it but its not real

OR

You act in a way that makes others behave that way

OR

You are just unlucky and you have fun into people who act that way.

Solution? Be confident whatever the situation

 

[gripitripit]

The weekend shop staff at AG @ Kingsway in Cambs wind me up. They follow you around the shop as if you are going to run out with loads of stock despite telling them that you are fine and just having a look..Not intimadating in the slightest but bloody annoying...!!! They are 19-21 year old and think they know it all..!!!!

 

[ScienceBoy]

I shall remember that, I am moving to Cambridge very soon. Not sure of which course I want to join yet...

 

[johnboywalton]

I am a real novice and learning everything slowly, when i go into a golf shop etc. i just have a laugh and be honest about my lack of knowledge and experience, and i must say everything so far has been a pleasure. I know my issue is not the same as yours, but i can only agree with Scienceboy and try and be a bit more confident in this situations.

 

[SG86]

Sod them mate, they are weekend staff who normally hold a h/cap of around 15 but when asked say something in the region of 7.

If your looking at a TM Burner driver they will have the R11TP, if you want to try the Nike CB they will have the Nike Blades - it's a sales technique - nothing more.

When I worked for AG I had a 8 H/cap had "one of those myself actually" for everything if it looked like I was going to sell it.

I walked into a "PRO" shop recently and was told by the salesman than a Ping Black dot was +2 degrees upright and that becuase my handicap is in the mid teen that I won't be able to hit a blade. It's a tosh.

SG86

 

[TheClaw]

I totally agree with you actually. Most of the people I've encountered in shops treat you like an idiot. They seem to be so used to daft customers looking for golf clubs that will somehow give them a better swing that they apply the same attitude to everyone.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

You should never feel intimidated in your own club. You're paying them to be a member and so they should be treating you properly and if not find another one to join. Our club has a great 19th hole and welcomes newbies, youngsters like yourself and visitors and although the humour can be fierce you are free to join in.

As for golf stores, again you are paying good money and so deserve good service. Sadly in my experience AG in particular see youngsters and new players as fair game and will often try and steer them to the four brands with biggest mark up (Nicklaus, Wilson Hogan and Yonex) or to the most expensive gear the customer is looking at

 

[Shaunmg]

You know this may just be in your head rather than reality. It could be the shop assistants own lack of confidence that comes across that way. Remember Sports Direct want you more than you want them

I think it would be very unusual for people at the golf club to look down on you, quite the opposite. I think most older guys such as myself, enjoy helping the younger lads with advice. Even if we know naff all ourselves. Once you get your feet under the table at the club I’m sure your confidence will grow

 

[jamstorr86]

I must say I have had the complete opposite experiences with both my club and local shops.

I played a round yesterday at the club I recently joined. I was introduced to the club caption who offered to take me out and give me a few pointers. Had a chat with the pro and such. Felt very welcome.

At my local AG, I often have a bit of banter and chat with the lads behind the counter. I am even cheeky enough to ask for discounts when buying club and such, and I always seem to get one. I bought a trolley bag other week, and saw a trolley for sale going cheap. I said to the guys,'will you knock of £10 if I get both the bag and trolley' and they said yup if you don't ask....

Maybe this is that north/south devide thing. Here in Yorkshire everyone at the courses I have played have been friendly.

 

[Alex1975]

There are not many golf shops I can go where the staff are more geeky about golf equipment than I am so I am going to have to say no to this one.

@OP are you new to golf?

 

[rob_golf1]

Glad to see im not the only one that feels this way!

Nope, im not new to golf, I started playing at about the age of 12, and took it up as a real hobby about 3 years ago. At the age of 19, perhaps they do look down on me slightly, being young etc.