Playing with better players v those 'still developing'!

[nowtfancy]

The last few rounds I've played really well (for me) and 2 out of the last 3 rounds have been personal best scores at different courses.

In these rounds I've been the highest handicapper, which I'm sure has helped increase my aims/expectations and overall attitude/standard etc.

Playing tomorrow as part of a bigger group, which includes a couple of 3 or 4 game a year types - cracking lads, good company & well behaved etc, but just don't have the time or inclination to practice/play more often & get better.
Also a couple of the lads' kids, 11 & 13 year olds who are just getting into it.

The last thing I want to be is a 'golf snob', and I will enjoy the game & the company, but I also want to continue to improve my standard, how do I manage both of these things at the same time?!
I know the last couple of times I played with this crowd, while we were all taking it seriously, there was a bit of dragging me down (score wise!) to their level!


I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way - I'm really looking forward to the game (as always) & the company, but I also want to shoot a decent score!
(have I mentioned I haven't broke 90 yet?!!)

 

[pokerjoke]

Theres no doubt in my mind playing with golfers that are lower handicappers than me helps my game.You can learn a lot just by watching.As for playing with these guys that are worse than you and dont take it so seriously as you,just enjoy and dont take it too seriously yourself,taking that pressure off may help you break 90 for the first time.

 

[USER1999]

This is just the one game. Why worry? There will be plenty of other days when the golf is more important. Sometimes it is more about the fun than the golf.

 

[Macster]

Socially - I'll play with anyone, and love it.

Medals/Comps. - I always pair up with better players, helps me focus and score.

 

[bluetoon]

Also found that playing with low handicappers helped my game, Although played a few times with scratch and + golfers and these guys are just intimidating. Play a completely different game to the rest of us.

So yes, play with someone better and watch how they manage there game round the course.

Its funny, that reminds me. When i played with the scratch golfers noticed how few times they hit the driver off the tee's, there main focus was to place the ball around the fairways and not just smash the life out of it.

 

[RGDave]

I can't think I've got better/worse from playing with any type of player(s). I got into the game alongside a few mates who all wanted to improve, not just hack it round.
However, it seems sensible to play with people who are serious about their game if you are too. That might mean avoiding social gamers I guess?
On a weekend teed up for a comp, I'll play with anyone. My game stays the same.

 

[Bratty]

I recently played with two beginners. And I mean absolute beginners.

They've both been having lessons, and he kept being told by the other, "remember the practice swing thing the coach said" each time. So then took 4 practice swings before EVERY shot. Which didn't seem to help.

It generally took him 3 - 4 shots to reach my first (and I'm not a big hitter).

We had to stop to let a few groups through.

And we played 5 holes in 2 hours! Finished 9 inside 3 hours, but decided to go in for drinks after 9.

I was on 19 points and playing well. Reckon I only wasted 4 shots in total from lack of concentration.

So I didn't mind all the slow play and looking for balls, as he was starting the game and needed encouragment rather than hurrying up.

But the guys in front of us (our group though) were saying they'd have struggled and didn't know how I'd done it.

 

[HickoryShaft]

Funny thing is that if you try and play with better players to help improve your game maybe they are thinking the same and want to be out with better players and not you.

I actually relax and play better with people who are higher handicap than me (not that this leaves many to go at) as there is no pressure but at the same time I feel learn more if I can play with better players.

All in all I think that in comps and serious games as long as you are not 'holding someone back' (taking 3 shots round the green and getting a 6 when they get a par 5 does not really delay anyone) then its fine.

If its just a social game its all good and will probably play better if more relaxed anyway.

Golf isnt just about a good score - its also about having fun afterall (although sometimes you wouldn't believe that if you saw me hacking )

 

[nowtfancy]

Funny thing is that if you try and play with better players to help improve your game maybe they are thinking the same and want to be out with better players and not you.

yeah I know I tell them that every time I take their money


And cheers everyone else, I'll definitely enjoy it, I don't play golf often enough, or see my mates often enough not to !
I've just been so frustratingly close to my next golfing milestone that I want to give myself the best chance of ticking it off as soon as i can!

I think in some ways (because at my standard it doesn't happen very often!) being the better player in the group brings a bit of pressure of trying to show the way, and these lads know i've been playing fairly regularly, and had lessons, so they expect a lot from me!

 

[EZprophet]

Sounds like youve got to figure out why you play better with better players, and try to take it out to the course with you every time you play... Because you cant just blame how badly you play on the people you are playing with!!

Do you concentrate more with better players? Are you focusing more on technique with better players or maybe less on technique? Do you get more nervous? Are you more relaxed/less relaxed?

Figure out what it is and then find a way to use it to your advantage.

Myself personally I know that if I get too riled up and excited when I play then I get too aggressive with my swinging and I play bad, so I try to stay calm and not get too excited when I hit good shots etc and I then generally play better...

 

[Jabba]

I played in a society game with 2 guys, both off 28 who had a total of 7 stableford points between them ! I only got about 30 points because I spent so much time looking for their balls all day but it didn't matter.The guys were great company and we had a good laugh. Enjoy your day and if you do play well regard it as a bonus.

 

[Mongoose]

Playing with those more experienced and able in any endeavour is a way of learning, golf is no exception. The important thing is to observe and learn but try not to try and keep up with them as it may well drag you own game down.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It depends what is important tomorrow. If its a society type thing then the laugh is more important than the golf. Plenty of other weekends to be Mr Competitive in a medal and try your heart out. Let tomorrow be what it'll be and if you play well great and if you leak a few shots cest la vie