The fear!!

[Parmo]

Mooning All,
I got a round in yesterday and for the first 9 played with a couple of fellas I don't know. My game was shocking and was like a total novice and just didnt want to embarress myself anymore, the second 9 I was alone and shot 39 this seems to happen all the time when I play with "better" players or people whom I think are better, but if its a hacker I play like Tiger!!

I was just wondering if the fear of playing with strangers fades and if anyone else suffer (s) from this fear?

 

[ricardodaintino]

I don't worry about playing with others on the course but I do know what you mean.

On the longest drive competition at the gold show there were about 50 people watching and I crapped it!!! I then proceeded to hit the ball about 350 yards... straight up at the roof!

Gives you some idea what kind of pressure the pro's must feel in a tournament!

 

[Imurg]

It does fade. I used to be like that years ago. I think as you improve and become more comfortable with your standard of play you will relax a bit.

You were probably trying too hard, trying to (subconciously) impress your playing partners, trying to show that you can play this game.

A lot of Pro's often say of their Pro-am partners that they try too hard and end up playing poorly.

just chill out and play your game - don't worry about what others think.

 

[Tommo21]

The only thing to do is play with as many people as pos, after a while it won’t matter. A bit like medal play, play as much as pos, especially with different people, and it becomes second nature. I can still play shockers but that can happen anytime with anyone.

At the two clubs I’m at some of players play their medals at the same time slot every single time. They usually play with the same people and to me that doesn’t help when they’re outside their comfort zone. Then you get the old saying…I’m okay until I get a card in my hand.

 

[Twire]

Sounds like you're trying to hard, just try and relax (easier said than done)

I'm lucky in the fact that my game usally goes up a notch when i'm playing with better players.

 

[davykyle]

I agree with what's been said. I think its just a matter of putting yourself in that position many times, playing with strangers and eventually you'll get used to it. The only problem with this though is that you've no excuse when you screw up !

 

[HogansAlley]

A friend of mine is similar, he's far too bothered what other people think of his game. I couldn't give two f**ks what anyone else thinks of my ability and I'll happily play alongside anyone of any standard, that's what's great about the game. Providing your etiquette and manners are sound playing badly is nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to everyone.

 

[TWM]

I will be partnering two better players tomorrow in a Texas scramble. I have no fear (today) and I usually play better when I am with better players.

I guess I am tempting fate.

 

[Parmo]

This is the reason I joined the club, but it does seem the same people play eachother week in and out, but over the holidays I will try and get a couple of rounds in and join other groups.

Once again fellas you have helped greatly.

 

[Smiffy]

I remember the first time my Missus (then my girlfriend) came to watch me play. I was going to kill the course, was going to play like Seve, I really wanted to show her how good I was.
I played like an absolute Jodrell......couldn't hit a bloody thing, my mate beat me 7&6 I think and I scored about 20 Stableford points (if that!).
I've got used to her walking around with me now, and it doesn't bother me. I'm not out to impress so relax and play properly.
But that' what "pressure" does to you

 

[theeaglehunter]

I love the attention. I wouldn't say I play better but it doesn't make me play worse, the one thing I don't like is an audience on the first tee. Anywhere else on the course and I enjoy it (we had about 50 people around the tee/green of one par 3 once and I made a birdie which was one of my favorite golfing moments so far) I just can't nail a drive on the first when being watched. If you do feel like this through out the round I wouldn't play with 'better' players until you are more confident. Like most of golfs issues- it is all in the head. Believe in yourself

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It does sound like you tried too hard to impress. Mopst people (certainly at my club) aren't too bothered who they play with and willingly let singles join in. As long as you have a pretty good understanding of the rules and etiquette and aren't rude etc they don't mind. Most players are nervous when playing with strangers but once you have played with them a few times and become known it will be just like playing with your mates. Most people don't mind if you hit a few bad ones as long as you don't swear, throw your clubs or give them crap about being able to shoot 70's normally.

 

[shanker]

Relax Parmo. It's normal to be nervous when playing with strangers, especially if they are better players. However, most golfers find that it brings out the the best in them.

 

[Herbie]

I too had the fear, then it went away, then it came back and then it went and stayed away, now Im just too miserable to be frightened.

 

[Parmo]

I too had the fear, then it went away, then it came back and then it went and stayed away, now Im just too miserable to be frightened.

lol thanks Herb, I shall over come this and win at least one comp this year, though I still have to understand the formats which still confuse me except stroke play.

 

[Fore]

In the future when you play with someone less capable than yourself, do you imagine you will be anything other than supportive and willing to give encouragement to them and maybe think they must be nervous because you are there.
You will probably go out of your way to try and help them relax and enjoy the game if you can. The same thoughts occur to other people too.
If somone makes a bad shot, I either think that was me not so long ago, or i'll probably do that on the next hole.
I don't think 'what an idiot'.
When i am on the first Tee and suffering from the nerves that go with it, i generally aim to under acheive by just keeping it straight and make it beyond the footpath to the fairway. Any extra distance is a bonus and once away from the Tee i tend to relax a bit. Sometimes i am amazed at how well this actually works.

 

[TonyN]

I prefere playing with better players, its brings out the best in me I think. I used to be the same, nervous around others. I am confident in my ability now though so dont really suffer this kind of fate, if i play crap, its just one of those things I guess.

I think its very easy to try and play someone elses game, without even knowing it, taking on shots you wouldnt usually. As long as you play within yourself and dont try anything your not confident at, you should be ok.