Who's the boss?

[Slab]

On the other thread about letting groups through there was a few replies that made me think that some players attribute some kind of seniority or leadership ladder to the players in their 4-ball (other size groups are available)

Like when a player defers to others as to whether they can let a group through (almost seeking permission rather than cooperation because if declined then they might not do anything further) Maybe because one player is/was on the committee/past captain they are regarded with a different status, maybe just those with strong/domineering personalities. its the kind of thing we see in the workplace all the time but does it transfer to your groups on the course? How does it change for a drawn comp rather than your regular groups

When you play (either with folks you know well or not) do you notice any 'leadership/seniority structure' in the group and where do you typically sit in it & are you comfortable there, does it cause any issues?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

The people I play with are generally ridiculously polite so no one looks to dominate. If anyone makes a suggestion we largely agree to it unless it is nonsense. We are an easy going bunch, not looking for confrontations 😁.

 

[AmandaJR]

When out with Ladies I'm usually the boss. Partly they prefer it that way and seem to think it's the role of the low handicapper plus I'm more aware of what and who's around and whether it's the right thing to let others through or start in front on the 1st tee. Also you get statements like - "well they're a 2 ball and as a 3 we have no standing"!

 

[Tashyboy]

Someone i once played with who is the longest playing golfer of us players was the self acclaimed boss. Unfortunately he was the slowest player. At times it could be painful waiting for him to choose a club and play a shot. Oddly enough i dont know the last tume we held someone up since he hasnt been. One player can make that much difference.

 

[duncan mackie]

Absolutely consistent with any other group of men partaking in any activity- someone will think they are the boss, someone will act like the boss and someone will be the one turned to when the chips are down; rarely do these cross over!

 

[Deleted member 23344]

I play with a number of different guys and, like me, they are all easy going ... none of us lead when playing, it’s all done by consensus. I’m not sure any of us would enjoy playing with a dominant person who was intent on leading the group.

 

[Doh]

I tend to play with like mined people so easy going good sence of humour and generally good company. People who want to take charge all the time don't interest me.

 

[Grantley1988]

I’ve seen on countless occasions when a member of the group in front asks there playing partners if they should let us through. On more than one occasion I can tell from body language that it’s a no!

Ridiculous if you ask me. I would expect faster players to be let through even if it’s the owner of the course playing infront.

 

[Jacko_G]

I’ve seen on countless occasions when a member of the group in front asks there playing partners if they should let us through. On more than one occasion I can tell from body language that it’s a no!

Ridiculous if you ask me. I would expect faster players to be let through even if it’s the owner of the course playing infront.

You just need to read between the lines on other "pace of play" threads and you see that there are people who clearly believe that the pace they play at is the pace that the course will play at.

Etiquette and education is the way forward.

 

[upsidedown]

Believe it should be the lowest handicap who takes responsibility for the group to ensure they keep up with the group in front , so by inference are they the boss ?

 

[nickjdavis]

Generally....as an Ex Captain, current committee member and long term member of 18 years standing, my playing partners generally defer to me for leadership.

Why they do this I just don't know.

Maybe I was a better Captain than I thought I was!!!

 

[clubchamp98]

Believe it should be the lowest handicap who takes responsibility for the group to ensure they keep up with the group in front , so by inference are they the boss ?

I know some low chaps I wouldn’t put in charge of a bag of sweets .
Most golfers are drawn to like minded people, and pushy ones end up on their own or with other people like themselves.
Letting someone faster through is just common curtesy imo ,but some people don’t have any.
It’s like being at home my wife let’s me think I am the boss.

 

[jim8flog]

I always let the others decide provided they agree with what I said in the first place

 

[clubchamp98]

Generally....as an Ex Captain, current committee member and long term member of 18 years standing, my playing partners generally defer to me for leadership.

Why they do this I just don't know.

Maybe I was a better Captain than I thought I was!!!

Well you obviously earned the respect of your peers .

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Believe it should be the lowest handicap who takes responsibility for the group to ensure they keep up with the group in front , so by inference are they the boss ?

I now have a vision in my head.

"What's your handicap?"
"3"
"Oh, me too. What's your exact?"

 

[User20205]

Never heard of the boss of a 4 ball before...seems to be more of democracy when I play. I don’t really get why the lowest should have more sway or why I’d defer to a comiittee member?

 

[User20205]

Generally....as an Ex Captain, current committee member and long term member of 18 years standing, my playing partners generally defer to me for leadership.

Why they do this I just don't know.

Maybe I was a better Captain than I thought I was!!!

It’s a round of golf not operation overlord 🤣🤣🤣🤣 leadership wtf!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Never even considered anyone being or having to be "boss". Anytime there has been an issue, especially in terms of pace and letting people through it has been a joint decision. Does a group actually lead a leader?

 

[cliveb]

The only time I know who's the boss is when I'm playing with my wife

 

[Robin Hood]

The only time I know who's the boss is when I'm playing with my wife

Agreed - my wife tells me when I can be boss 😂👫