Afraid of Terrible Shots - Play a Round anyway?

I wanted to get some feedback on the issue I have right now. Basically I'm dying to get back on to the course because all I've been able to do is practice my swing for the past week. My problem is that I'm afraid to go get paired with someone or some people and be the one hitting 3+ more strokes on each hole.

To put it into perspective, a couple weeks ago my score on a par 36 public 9 hole course was 81 (I'm well aware that is beyond terrible). Granted, I feel like I have improved my swing motion since then, but having not hit the range or the course recently, I really can't know if I'm gonna be hitting the ball into the next fairway again.

What's your advice?

Start with a few lessons. Practice at the range until you feel like you can make consistant contact with the ball and your confident your shots will somewhat go towards the hole. If your afraid to be paired with someone, go to the course late in the afternoon allowing yourself just enough time to finish 9 before dark, and try to play as a single.

I can't really afford a few lessons right now. But I guess I'll just study some good youtube stuff and practice. I just really wanna get out there and not worry about holding back the pairing.

Lessons really aren't that expensive when you compare a lesson to green fees. I think you would be better served skipping a couple of nine hole rounds and shooting 81 and putting that money toward a lesson. You will be suprised how much a good pro can help you in just an hour.

Play with a friend that won't fret your score or 3+ shots per hole.

Everyone that plays hits bad shots so you are no different than anyone else out there.

If someone that you get paired with complains, tell them to play ahead so that you don't hold them up.....

As a new (and often erratic) golfer I think the best thing I can do when playing on a course is know when to pick it up.  If I've topped three shots in a row, I'll pick up the ball and go mind the pin for my group (friends or not).  I guess that means I won't keep score some days, but that's okay I'm out there to improve.

Picking the ball up on holes when you're out there to improve must be a dumb thing to do since you're not going to get any practice if you pick the ball up.

Who the hell cares? The last time I checked, there are plenty of public golf courses out there and the word public means open to anyone. Honestly, I don't care who I play with as long as they're respectful to me and are good company. Go out there, be a nice guy, and have fun.

If the course is slow and you are with friends, go ahead and keep playing your ball. As Klutten3 says, you're not going to get any practice or good experience if you pick it up. I would only be inclined to pick up my ball if it was really slowing pace of play and the course was full. If you can play at a pace of around 10min. per hole, you are playing at a fairly decent pace, figuring that 4 1/2 hours is basically a standard for 18 (15min/hole).  At that pace, I've been known to hit a second or third ball just for practice from different lies. Also, it never hurts to let a faster group play through. And don't be bashful about asking for help. Your buds may see a hitch in your swing that you don't. AND, if you  play the same course regularly, ask the pro shop when the course is usually slow. I know the best days at my home course for practice rounds vs when to bring out my buddies for a round that counts. Lastly, lessons really aren't that bad. I don't know where you live, but Golf Galaxy will give you 3 lessons with video feedback for around $150. That's only 3 rounds of golf at a decent 18 hole course.

I used to feel the same way when I first started. But then again the first time I played I shot a 61 for nine holes and shot a few 90's in my first year. Either way, who really cares. Chances are you will never see them again anyway and hopefully as mentioned above, they are respectful and good company.

I was in many of the same situations you find yourself in now, first check all the local courses and driving ranges for lessons I was able to find one for three 1/2 hour lessons for 99 bucks, good deal in the grand scheme of things as it hard to figure out by yourself what you need to correct. I started playing a local par 3 and was nervous about holding up other players, the pro suggested double par golf holes, par 3 pick up the ball after 6 strokes unless there is no one waiting on you. I'll be surprised if you dont find the drive to focus and practice more so you can finish without picking up. First time I went to a regular golf course as a single I told the starter I had no issue with whom I was paired with as long as being with a newbie was not an issue for them, his answer - take a look at the guys out there you will not find any pros out they all have issues. main thing is enjoy yourself and not rush, there are basic swing thoughts that need to be routine and not require much thinking but that will come with time. if you have cable watch the golf channel for the golf fix on monday nights and the school of golf on tuesday nights some good info out there if lessons are a problem. big thing is practice practice practice and remember hitting off a mat is different than dirt and grass, mats hide a lot of flaws. its all a learning experience and the only way to learn is to get out there and practice and play. I havent found a sport yet that doesnt require effort and practice and the correct procedures being executed, its a lot like life.

enjoy.

Hey  bud, like everyone has suggested, play your ball. Take your time and play your game. If people are stacking up behind you, allow them to play through. But dont stress out and dont be rushed.

"It must be dumb?" to pick up your ball?  If you are not holding up the pace of play of course hit every shot you can that way you can improve.  But if you're delaying your group (and those behind you) and that's increasing your frustration level it's really the right thing to do.  JMHO, I generally don't categorize people's opinions as 'dumb.'

I only meant that if you're looking to improve your game, picking the ball up is actually quite dumb. If the course is busy then yes, sometimes the right thing to do is to pick it up.

Honestly, there should be a 9 stroke rule for golf, if you take 9 strokes your done, period. That means the max in golf is 162...

If you're playing a round to count towards your handicap you should use ESC (Equitable Score Control) which dictates the maximum number of shots you should take per hole.  It's a a sliding scale system, based on the difficulty of the course and the current handicap of the golfer.