telling a FC they're having a good round

[super hans]

4 over gross walking up the 13th fairway in yesterdays medal, and my mate (FC) says I'm playing really well, and should be in with a shout of winning if i keep it going.

up to this point I knew I had a good score going, but was trying not to think about it.

I address the ball for my approach to the 13th green, and all I could hear were his words - I proceeded to knife my wedge into the long stuff, duff another, get on in 5 and one putt for a double bogey 6.

my face said it all as i walked off the green and he never muttered another word for the last 5 holes - he apologised as we walked off 18 but i told him not to be daft - it wasn't his fault.

now, to be clear, I'm absolutely not blaming him - I played fairly well for the last 5 holes and finished 7 over (which gets me a small cut), but is there a point at which you don't mention to your FC how well they are playing in case it gets in their head?

 

[USER1999]

I would never tell any one that they are playing well, putting well, driving well, etc. Especially in a medal. It's appalling manners as far as I'm concerned. The time for such comments is in the club house, after the round.

 

[williamalex1]

4 over gross walking up the 13th fairway in yesterdays medal, and my mate (FC) says I'm playing really well, and should be in with a shout of winning if i keep it going.

up to this point I knew I had a good score going, but was trying not to think about it.

I address the ball for my approach to the 13th green, and all I could hear were his words - I proceeded to knife my wedge into the long stuff, duff another, get on in 5 and one putt for a double bogey 6.

my face said it all as i walked off the green and he never muttered another word for the last 5 holes - he apologised as we walked off 18 but i told him not to be daft - it wasn't his fault.

now, to be clear, I'm absolutely not blaming him - I played fairly well for the last 5 holes and finished 7 over (which gets me a small cut), but is there a point at which you don't mention to your FC how well they are playing in case it gets in their head?

It's the kiss of death, lucky he didn't tell you earlier.

 

[Hobbit]

I don't mention it unless they ask. I will ask them, after 9, if they want to know their score. Other then that its pointless. Its the end of round score that only really matters.

And if someone wants to tell me my score, I'm not bothered either way. As far as I'm concerned, the only score that has any real relevance is the one after 18.

 

[Alex1975]

Its situational. I always think its petty hard not to know your exact score anyhow, specially if your playing well.

I guess if you really don't want to know, the best thing is to make it clear to the person marking the card early on that you do not want to know during the round.

 

[stokie_93]

In my last comp my FC shot 23 points through the front 9 and I shot 15.
I said at the turn that if he keeps it going and plays solid he's definitely got a good chance of 'being up there'.

In return he said to me 'cheers, it's slowly coming for you so keep going'

he double bogeyed 10 & 11 where as I started birdie, par.

The rest of the back 9 it was like we completely switched swings, he couldn't hit a thing and I was on fire.
He proceeded to shoot 12 points on the back 9 and had a complete meltdown where as I shot 24 points on the back 9 (+1 gross) for 39 points and won the tournament.

I've always not let it go to me - I think i've had 1 meltdown since I started playing but some people just crumble once they know they're putting something together. My frequent PP is guilty of it a lot!

 

[USER1999]

I'm not worried about being told the score, it's comments like wow, you've not missed a putt under 10 foot so you must be putting well. It puts thoughts in my head I really don't need.

 

[Odvan]

In a comp I wouldn't mention it at all, particularly if like me, its an unfamiliar position for them to be in and would use my "well done's" after the next par putt has gone in, etc. If we've checked scores after 9 I'd simply confirm the total and no more.

It was mentioned to me recently as well about having a chance of winning and quite quickly I interjected with a "possibly yeah, but there's a few more holes to go so wouldn't bet on it" kinda sentiment. That was my mechanism to help lose all thoughts and then started talking about the other FCs job. Almost worked... as I lost on count back after blobbing the last! .

Now, in a bounce game, different story all together!

 

[louise_a]

I will not comment on a FC and will only tell them the score during the round if they ask. As I usually know how I am doing I don't mind if someone tells me my score after 9. What I hate is someone saying the dreaded "you're doing well" guaranteed Kiss of death!

 

[palindromicbob]

I avoid this by starting poorly then steady the ship to try and buffer.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Appalling manners to tell someone they are playing well. Blimey. Someone hits a cracking shot and you all walk on in silence? I would not mention a score or if they are in with a chance of winning but to not compliment a good shot seems odd to me. Say it with a smile, we are meant to playing for fun. I'm very happy to hear someone say good shot to me, rare thing mind.

 

[timd77]

One of the lads I play with (I only play friendlies) is a bugger for this. Does it intentionally as a form of banter/gamesmanship. He's highly competitive, knows his score as he moves to each hole and is always asking for everyone else's, we just ignore him or say we'll see after 18, or even tell him to shut up!

It doesn't really bother me because when he does this, I know that he's already thinking he's won and is trying to work out who his nearest competitor is, and invariably ends up cocking it up and losing his head.

Unfortunately he's my brother in law so I'm stuck with him!

What are your thoughts on general praise after a good shot, ie, nice drive, great putt etc?

 

[Alex1975]

What are your thoughts on general praise after a good shot, ie, nice drive, great putt etc?

Its the only way to play, its the spirit the game should be playing in, even in a heavy match play situation.

 

[stokie_93]

Its the only way to play, its the spirit the game should be playing in, even in a heavy match play situation.

agree on this - it keeps me going.

Nice to hear an 'unlucky' after a lip out even if it is frustrating.

I'll always acknowledge a nice shot and it's nice hearing the same back.

 

[patricks148]

i played with a guy who went absolutely bonkers because i told him his halfway score, i wouldn't mind but its was pretty high and no chance what so ever

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Have no probs being told my score regardless of what it is ? Certainly don't see it as bad manners that's for sure

 

[williamalex1]

I always mark my own score in the markers column, in case of arguments later.
The majority of F/Cs I play with keep note of their own score.

Luckily I've not had the misfortune to be told I'm playing well recently .

 

[irip]

If in a medal or stableford i will keep quiet about any scores or comments on their chances, a good shot will always be complimented on and a poor one and i keep my mouth shut.

In a team event i will generally encourage a partner who is suffering and big up any that are playing well, and if an opponent in a matchplay hits a good shot i will tell them its a good shot.

I am out to enjoy the game if someone tells me my score that is up to them its me that has control on my shots and knowing a number makes no difference.

 

[Fyldewhite]

I always know my score so that doesn't bother me at all. It's when folk state the bleedin' obvious for no apparent reason. Usually with the best intentions I suppose but...... I know I'm playing well thanks, I'm trying to concentrate on my next shot but now I'm thinking "why did you say that?" on my backswing!!

 

[Norrin Radd]

i dont need telling what sort of round im having ,i keep my own score and know exactly what i have scored .
when im marking a card and we get halfway round i always ask the person whos card im marking do you want to know your score .nine times out of ten they will already know anyway.