Playing with other players can be a lot of fun – but it can also be a little intimidating at times. Whenever you hook up with golfers you don’t know, you could be the best golfer in the bunch… or you could be the worst.
Being the best is certainly more comfortable, but how do you handle it when you’re actually the worst?
This happened to me recently. My son was planning a practice round for a tournament and asked me if I would like to join. Any chance I get to play with him, I’ll take it.
As it turned out, the “regular” players we were scheduled to play with didn’t show up. So I found myself playing with three of them the best young people in the country. It was a little intimidating, but still a lot of fun.
Here are some suggestions if you ever find yourself in similar situations
1. Don’t play slow
This is rule number one. If you can do that, you’ll be fine.
You can make more shots than they are, so efficiency is key. Move quickly on your ball. Choose your club now. Keep your setup and routine simple and consistent.
You can also anticipate what club (or clubs) you might need and grab them as you return to the cart. You won’t always know exactly what you’ll need, but when you do, this little habit can save valuable time.
2. I know when I get it
If you are not on a tour, keep pace with the group. This may mean occasionally picking up your ball and moving forward to stay in position. No need to hit a few extra shots while others are waiting.
The same goes for placement. After your first shot, you can choose to grab to keep things moving. You may not post a “real” score, but you can still enjoy the experience of playing alongside the best players.
3. Choose the right time to socialize
One of the best parts of golf is the people you meet. A fun circle often comes in a good conversation. Just be aware of the time. Cutting the group forward or walking off the green to the next tee are great opportunities to connect without slowing down the game.
4. Keep trying
Throughout the round, just do the best you can with your game. Ideally, you have a basic understanding of your tendencies and how to make small adjustments. Use the experience in the course as a chance to improve and self-correct. With the right mindset, you can even end the round playing better than you started.
5. Use it as motivation
Playing with great golfers can be incredibly inspiring. They often make the difficult look simple.
In my years of teaching, I have noticed that the best players are usually the ones who work the hardest. It looks easy because they have earned it.
