Trying a new approach to comps

My first swing at a golf ball is usually on the first tee. Far too often in the past I have been warming up in the nets only to start shermaning, pulling, slicing, whatever and that has ruined my mental game for a few holes. All because "it's only a warm up" attitude. Similarly, practice putting greens are rarely the same as the greens out on the course, so why bother?
 
I'm in the first group this Saturday 7:30am.
I will enter the carpark at about 7:20am.
Its not a comp. Social 4-ball.

If it were a comp I'd probably arrive 7:10 to 7:15am.
Gear out of the boot, put shoes on, lock car, go in to pro-shop and pay entry fee, say "Hi" to chaps I'm playing with and walk up to 1st tee. All done at a leisurely pace.

Doesn't really matter what time I play, the pre-game routine is pretty much the same.
This is more my style. Not the early start, but no point warming up much. Last time I tried that I shot a 98 gross. Won't make that mistake again in a hurry!
 
It may well work @IanM - I found I play better either totally relaxed whether that’s solo or with people I like, or I don’t know at all (match/open) and it’s not a conversational round.

It’s playing with members I vaguely know or know of, and there’s that attempt on either side to be slightly social, where small talk is slightly forced….where I play the worst

So in practice, that’s with random members in comps 🤣
 
I don’t really know if it’s pre routine or time of day. I have had success showing up just in time without my shoe laces tied and after preparing on the driving range ..
I can only put success down to expectations. Which I will try to lower and be realistic about my abilities.
Also just not put hazards in play - for me those are the fairway bunkers and rubbish lies at the front of greens. Green side bunkers are fine, compared to these lies..
 
i did try that a few for months when i wanted to break the chain of turning up no warm up, or hitting balls. it was a disaster, went back to just rocking up. i was much more relaxed and had less expectation.

Rocking up just worked for me
 
Hopefully this’ll work out well for you, maybe I’m just cynical, but golfers must be quite unique in thinking they can just rock up and be ready to do an activity for 2.5-5hrs with no warm up.

Yes it works for some, but I’d suggest your body will be thankful for a warm up, even if your game isn’t.
 
Hopefully this’ll work out well for you, maybe I’m just cynical, but golfers must be quite unique in thinking they can just rock up and be ready to do an activity for 2.5-5hrs with no warm up.

Yes it works for some, but I’d suggest your body will be thankful for a warm up, even if your game isn’t.
That’s the ex squaddie in you we both know, we can’t do any physical activity without a warm up that’s harder and longer than the actual sport or exercise about to be undertaken and with a man with pristine hair telling us we’re weak!
 
Last edited:
Don't get me wrong. I do often have a warm up - grab a couple of irons and swing them half a dozen times. That's all though. Don't want to wear myself out before I even start the game. 😊
 
Just do what helps you enjoy your golf

Saturday we normally have the first 4 tee times , we mainly turn to at 6:30 , quick putt whilst chewing the fat and then down to the tee to laugh at each other

Comps it’s the same - get to the club pick card up , a few putts and away we go
 
Top