Well, the pro wasn't exactly encouraging.  But I guess it depends on what you want to gain from the experience.  Compete for the 'ship (or a flight)? - sounds like it's probably not setup to give you a run at that.  Meet some new people? - maybe.  Build some personal mettle by forcing yourself out of your comfort zone? - yeah, may be a good opportunity for that.  Have fun? - honestly it doesn't sound like it sets up to be much fun (if it was me). 

For me - I'm all for meeting people and pushing myself in competition, even when I know I'm outclassed in the talent or experience categories.  But I'd have been a little discouraged by the pro's response, and with the fun factor feeling near zero, I'm not sure the other two would be worth it.  I'd probably save my money for rounds or instruction.

If you think you'd end up having a good time, while maybe meeting a few potential partners for down the road and getting the benefit of pushing yourself a bit, I'd say go for it.  But I don't think it'd be gutless at all to skip out.  I also wouldn't give a flip about 'considerate'.  To me, considerate = being a guy people enjoy playing with (pace, attitude, etc.)...nothing to do with my abilities vs. the field in a tournament that's open to all entries.

If you play, it would make for a great blog posting! 

You never get back a round you didn't play.  

No way. You’ll get slaughtered out there!!!

Sarcasm at its finest. What do you have to lose?

9 hours ago, CarlSpackler said:

No way. You’ll get slaughtered out there!!!

Sarcasm at its finest. What do you have to lose?

Oh yeah. Sounds like it would be a miracle to avoid DFL. 

The real concern is that I don't want to put the guys I'm grouped with at a disadvantage. If these guys are all sticks and my group is forever waiting on the old hacker, that's no good.

It is surprising to me to hear that so few high handicaps play these events. I guess Miami Shores is just a different sort of place than Kittyhawk was. No big men's association (like KHMA) means us hacks are just out there on our own.

Definitely NOT gutless if you pass on the opportunity.  On the other hand, if you embrace the challenge and look at this as just one more experience to collect, years from now you will have some good stories.

6 minutes ago, bkuehn1952 said:

Definitely NOT gutless if you pass on the opportunity.  On the other hand, if you embrace the challenge and look at this as just one more experience to collect, years from now you will have some good stories.

If I take the plunge that will be the mindset for sure. It will be for the experience.

14 hours ago, BamaWade said:

To me, considerate = being a guy people enjoy playing with (pace, attitude, etc.)...nothing to do with my abilities vs. the field in a tournament that's open to all entries.

That's kind of the point. 

My pace is just fine for average duffers. What I'm worried about is jamming up guys that never miss fairways. They'll be standing on the green waiting to putt for birdie and I'm trying to pitch bogey over a bloody sand trap.

I don't want to be that guy those guys don't want to be paired with.

If you play ready golf, they won't care how you play.   I say "Go for it"

Ah heck. You guys are probably right. I'm not slow. Just bad.

Checking my ego at the door, getting ready for a world-class shellacking and signing up this evening.

Plus side is that it is two rounds early in the morning before it hits 100 degrees outside.