What to do when players wont play through?

[Mark_G]

Had an interesting afternoon today, my friend and I were two minutes late teeing off and a four ball followed us straight off, (two minutes max behind us). Anyway these young guys were good, (really good) and were soon putting lots of pressure on us. I wanted to let them play through but my friend insisted we keep going, (hes a lot faster than me, but my game went to pieces as I was rushing everything and really felt pressured). At the 7th I finally had enough and slowed down enough to speak to the chaps, and asked them to play through, they declined saying they were perfectly fine, and not to worry about it, we asked them to let us know if they changed their minds. After that my game totally changed, knowing I could relax and enjoy my golf, I suddenly started to hit shots well and play a lot better. Any way we stayed in front of these guys and it was great to watch them, there shots were really something, they were a joy to watch. We finished the round an hour faster than we had ever done it before, keeping the same pace that we had set in the first six. These young chaps were very courteous, polite and respectful to a couple of non handicappers, a credit to their club, upbringing and golf. Why cant all youngsters be like that?

 

[brendy]

Were you only a two ball? Surprising that a fourball, regardless how quick they were, were able to keep up.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

A lot of youngsters get a bad press and a lot of clubs still see juniors inparticular as a nuisance. A lot though are seeing them as valuable commodity and pushing their progress which is great to see. It's always good to see youngsters playing the game usually with no feel and a lot of natural feel. At least you've learned that you really don't need to fret about your own pace. If you can't go anywhere and others are pushing you, just relax in future and concentrate on enjoying your own game

 

[Mark_G]

Yes, only a two ball, but I scored 118 (44 on first 6 feeling pressured) and my friend scored 103, so not that difficult to keep up.

 

[Mark_G]

Thanks Homer, I have enough to worry about without putting more pressure on myself. I think my club must promote to youngsters as its quite common to see them around, today I saw two 6 or 7 year olds out with their fathers, playing golf.

 

[JustOne]

I wanted to let them play through but my friend insisted we keep going

As long as you offered them to play through at the first opportunity then you did the right thing... however your mate sounds like the typical golfing KNOB that often ruins rounds for everyone.

If you aren't very good (and know it) then always keep one eye over your shoulder just in case and always try to keep up with the group in FRONT (if there is one).

Well done to you for at least asking them if they wanted to play through.