Letting a silent opponent get to you.

[louise_a]

I played in our last shield match of the season today, The Shield is a little league with the winners progressing to a knockout stage. We were playing the team that had more or less already won our league, as long as the didn't get beat 7-0 by us they had it.

Anyway despite being competitive these matches are generally played in a friendly manner, with a bit of chit chat, so I was rather surprised when my opponent today was more or less silent, not even a good shot, when I hit one. When she teed off first she was marching down the fairway as soon as my drive way away.

I don't know whether this was a deliberate ploy, but it did get to me, I was constantly thinking "what is up with her?" I didn't really affect my game even though I lost it on the last, it was more to me missing a couple of putts and her hitting a couple of great shots when I thought I had a hole in the bag, but I did think it was very strange compared to all the other girls I have play in these matches.

 

[Bazz]

Sounds like someone who takes it far too seriously

 

[duncan mackie]

people are different - and that's before taking into account the myriad of possible issues she might have had on her mind!

I know it's easier to say than do but don't let it get to you.

 

[dewsweeper]

I played in our last shield match of the season today, The Shield is a little league with the winners progressing to a knockout stage. We were playing the team that had more or less already won our league, as long as the didn't get beat 7-0 by us they had it.

Anyway despite being competitive these matches are generally played in a friendly manner, with a bit of chit chat, so I was rather surprised when my opponent today was more or less silent, not even a good shot, when I hit one. When she teed off first she was marching down the fairway as soon as my drive way away.

I don't know whether this was a deliberate ploy, but it did get to me, I was constantly thinking "what is up with her?" I didn't really affect my game even though I lost it on the last, it was more to me missing a couple of putts and her hitting a couple of great shots when I thought I had a hole in the bag, but I did think it was very strange compared to all the other girls I have play in these matches.

Should have tried the Lee Travino treatment perhaps.
A reknowned talker, he said his opponents" didnt have to talk,just listen"!
Dewsweeper

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I played with a guy last year in the club champs. He was totally in "the zone" and we were a two ball in the middle of a field of three balls and so waiting on every shot. He never came over to chat about anything and stood by his bag throughout. I just let him get on with it. I found it off putting for the first few holes especially as I tried to make small talk on the first couple. Not sure he was doing it deliberately other than that's his way of playing

 

[matt71]

I was a bit guilty of this on Sunday ! On the 9th hole played some stinking shots and just went within myself and kept very quiet ( maybe an unintentional sulk ha ha)

i did not even know I had switched off from my playing partners when one if them joked matt's fell out with us he does not want to talk anymore!

fely a bit self conscious then and made an effort to join in with the chit chat but it also helped me relax too

 

[chrisd]

A guy at my place is very much a head down and walk, I'm not talking, type. I've played a couple of swindle games with him and frankly I don't care if I never play another. 99.999% of us are never going to be professional golfers and I don't care how seriously you take your game, not talking and no banter is not what I want for a few hours on a Friday afternoon especially from someone who's the complete opposite in the clubhouse.

 

[patricks148]

I played a guy like this in the M&N league a few weeks ago, not a word and didn't answer and of the usual personal questions. It was some sort of ploy, so i just chatted to him even more

 

[shortstuff]

A silent opponent is not unusual. As you play in more comps, and more serious comps, you will come across all types. You really shouldn't expect everyone to be chatty, friendly and give praise to your shots. Sorry, that's just the way it is.

 

[M1ke]

I play on my own, talk when I want, quiet when I want.