Playing with Better Players??

[Hammertoe]

Hello

2014 saw me move house, job, golf club, town and also become the proud father of a beautiful baby girl.

When I joined the new course I didn't know anyone and only managed to get into a four ball by introducing myself to a gentleman who was playing on his own one evening whilst I was doing the same. He and the 2 other gents he plays with were all also new members, although they have been there a few months longer than myself.

Since joining their group I have managed to get my handicap to 9, they play off 19, 23 and 28 respectively. Their handicaps haven't improved in the 6 months I have been playing with them and neither has their standard of golf, now this may sound terribly cruel but do you think I would be better off playing with other 'better' players?

I know I can push on and go even lower as I am playing some of my best ever golf but I do sometimes find myself becoming slightly frustrated at their play and feel playing with lower handicapers than myself could push me on to be a better player. They are a fantastic bunch of guys and I get on fantastically well with them all, I just sometimes wonder if I want to be the best golfer I can be should I perhaps look for new playing partners?

 

[JustOne]

Some people feel it's better to play with better players, many would swear that it worked for them but I beleive that in golf you are responsible for your shots and should be able to focus accordingly.

That said... there might be a better golfer or two that could give you some valuable advice if they saw your swing or the way you navigate yourself around the course.

It's all in the head really .. lessons with your pro might help if you think you're lacking.

 

[Alex1975]

Sometimes yes. Other times its nice to play with just cool/friendly people.

 

[IanG]

Hello
.... They are a fantastic bunch of guys and I get on fantastically well with them all .....

Cherish that - maybe gently see if any of them would like to improve too and help them along.

I'm assuming that with a new born the chances of getting the time to regularly link up with another fourball is limited. Maybe once the comps start you'll get drawn with a range of players through that route.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Maybe your thriving because of them, as you say they are a fantastic bunch and it maybe the fact you're are in good company you're able to relax and play good golf.
The next group maybe more competetive but could be no fun to play with. Difficult one

 

[CMAC]

Hello

2014 saw me move house, job, golf club, town and also become the proud father of a beautiful baby girl.

When I joined the new course I didn't know anyone and only managed to get into a four ball by introducing myself to a gentleman who was playing on his own one evening whilst I was doing the same. He and the 2 other gents he plays with were all also new members, although they have been there a few months longer than myself.

Since joining their group I have managed to get my handicap to 9, they play off 19, 23 and 28 respectively. Their handicaps haven't improved in the 6 months I have been playing with them and neither has their standard of golf, now this may sound terribly cruel but do you think I would be better off playing with other 'better' players?

I know I can push on and go even lower as I am playing some of my best ever golf but I do sometimes find myself becoming slightly frustrated at their play and feel playing with lower handicapers than myself could push me on to be a better player. They are a fantastic bunch of guys and I get on fantastically well with them all, I just sometimes wonder if I want to be the best golfer I can be should I perhaps look for new playing partners?

is the 4 ball bounce games? if so carry on as friendship and decent playing partners outweigh most things on a course.

To play with better players you could do that in the medals couldnt you?

 

[bladeplayer]

I know I can push on and go even lower as I am playing some of my best ever golf but I do sometimes find myself becoming slightly frustrated at their play and feel playing with lower handicapers than myself could push me on to be a better player.

I just sometimes wonder if I want to be the best golfer I can be should I perhaps look for new playing partners?

YES .. and the fact ur even asking makes me think that you think so aswell , you at least have to try or u will always be wondering . change you partners for a few rounds and see what happens ,

They are a fantastic bunch of guys and I get on fantastically well with them all

Dont lose this tho ^^^ this is hard to find and just swop & change a few comps & see ..

You playing the ICC this year?, same courses as last year !

 

[Robobum]

The playing standard of your partners should have zero impact on your ability or progression.

Players that are distracting via their actions or behaviour on the course can be a negative - they could play off scratch or 28.

 

[John_Findlay]

It's often a good idea to play with better players anyway. Not all of the time but sometimes. Watching and learning can only improve you.

One of my favourite playing partners is fellow forumer Tommo21 who's a very good player. As well as being good company of course. One of his favourite phrases, which I often use as a guide, out on the course is
"Now, what would a good player do from here?"

 

[splashtryagain]

Play with your mates - hcp does not matter!
Unless you want to become one of those cat 1 weirdos who will only play with other cat 1s as the plebs ain't good enough and just get in the way - foolish folk!

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

I'm a firm believer that playing with better players is a great opportunity to learn from them whether it be their swings, course management, demeanour or whatever. The important thing though is you have to apply what you learn.

You could carry on playing with these guys but also look to play in a few scratch opens as well to mix it up a bit?

 

[Merv_swerve]

My personal opinion is yes, try to get rounds in with much lower handicaps than those fellas.
I have dropped my handicap over the last few years and I would say a big part of that is down to the guy I've been playing with. He has dropped from 10 to 6 in the same time and I'm down to 10 from 24. Some of the best rounds I've played were in drawn comps with single digit players. The momentum takes over and the group just rides it and the scores from everybody are even. And mostly over the year, the desire to improve and get better scores with my pal have been key for us both.
If those guys aren't overly fussed about hcap improvement, play with others who are and push each other. It will make a difference.

 

[richart]

I'm a firm believer that playing with better players is a great opportunity to learn from them whether it be their swings, course management, demeanour or whatever. The important thing though is you have to apply what you learn.

You could carry on playing with these guys but also look to play in a few scratch opens as well to mix it up a bit?

I know a scratch golfer that seems quite happy playing with a 7 handicap hacker.

 

[richart]

Hello

2014 saw me move house, job, golf club, town and also become the proud father of a beautiful baby girl.

When I joined the new course I didn't know anyone and only managed to get into a four ball by introducing myself to a gentleman who was playing on his own one evening whilst I was doing the same. He and the 2 other gents he plays with were all also new members, although they have been there a few months longer than myself.

Since joining their group I have managed to get my handicap to 9, they play off 19, 23 and 28 respectively. Their handicaps haven't improved in the 6 months I have been playing with them and neither has their standard of golf, now this may sound terribly cruel but do you think I would be better off playing with other 'better' players?

I know I can push on and go even lower as I am playing some of my best ever golf but I do sometimes find myself becoming slightly frustrated at their play and feel playing with lower handicapers than myself could push me on to be a better player. They are a fantastic bunch of guys and I get on fantastically well with them all, I just sometimes wonder if I want to be the best golfer I can be should I perhaps look for new playing partners?

I hope you are not trying to get out of playing with me and my high handicap mates.

 

[Old Skier]

One of the reasons I like drawn comps. You play with golfers of all standards and I feel this helps everyone.

 

[Tommo21]

It's often a good idea to play with better players anyway. Not all of the time but sometimes. Watching and learning can only improve you.

One of my favourite playing partners is fellow forumer Tommo21 who's a very good player. As well as being good company of course. One of his favourite phrases, which I often use as a guide, out on the course is
"Now, what would a good player do from here?"

Cheers......That's your free game at Dunbar secured John. Anyway, I don't mind who I play with. My usual group are all low cat 1 golfers, but I also play with guys that are much higher and I usually give them a leg up, I like to see them improve. Playing with better players can be quite daunting to some guys, but once you get used to it, it's a breeze. I would say playing with better players can be a big help.

 

[williamalex1]

Enjoy your game with these guys , but variety is the spice of life also golf .. You can still learn somethings from higher h/c players . Don't become a h/c snob .:thup:

 

[srixon 1]

We have a swindle at our place on a Sunday and the handicaps can range from +3 to 20 something. Balls are drawn out of the hat so the group's are always random. Sometimes I am the low handicap player in the group and sometimes I am the hacker of the group, but it matters not, at the end of the day we are there to play the best golf that we can, and enjoy it, regardless of whom we are paired with.

When I first started I used to enjoy playing with better players because it made me concentrate more. Maybe that is what the OP is thinking of.

 

[Martin70]

It's all about enjoying the people you play with for me.
But also if you can get a few rounds in with better players as well then that is perfect.

 

[Jimbop90]

I'm definitely more motivated playing with people better than me. I think that's a fault of mine tbh.