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possibly my first open, need advice

big_eck

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Joined
May 15, 2013
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after finaly getting my handicap i can now enter comps, my club has an open on saturday and i really want to enter, its pretty busy with booking online and there is a few spots free but it means joining a 2 ball, i dont know if this 2 have been paired together or if its 2 players that play together all the time, am i likely to be shunned? i know it sounds daft but i really want to play
 
I put my name next to anyone, don't worry about it and just go for it. I've never been shunned yet.

I don't have regular partners in comps just put my name down at a time that suits, great way to meet people and 99% are good friendly guys. Go for it and enjoy!
 
Phone the pro shop, tell them you'd like to play and ask them to put you in and they'll pick a tee time and let you know who you are playing with. Normally they'll pick somebody who'll help and not intimidate you especially if you're new to the game.

As for the competition, my advice would be to plan your way around and take note of where you have extra shots. It's important on the more difficult holes to use your handicap and the extra shots you have as most people fall foul by trying to do too much and get in trouble by trying to hit a difficult shot when two simple shots using your handicap will do, (e.g. 210yd 3 wood off the floor to a green on a narrow fairway, (recipe for disaster for high handicap player), V PW PW or 8 iron SW).

Make it easy as you can, keep it simple and best of luck
 
Stick your name down and go play. In my experience, limited though it is of opens, most people are there to enjoy the company as much as the golf. Of course there are a few exceptions but you won't know until you find out.
 
Update, played and came 33rd in front of 23 nr scores but I finished on a very tricky day with really high winds and plenty rain
 
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