How Seriously Do You Take Golf?

[Mr Puddle 17]

Mod note: this topic now exists here:

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I have read dozens of threads and posts, and rarely read anything funny, which made me think. When I play golf it's generally with blokes that laugh all the way around the course. We constantly take the Micky out of each other, and if we don't play well (which is most of the time) it doesn't bother us. I know a few people who get angry when they play badly, or duff a shot, but I tend to steer well clear of them. You see, I know I am never going to be a world beater, and I know I am never going to make a living from it. To me it's just a game, and if I take it too seriously, I am sure I won't enjoy it.

So, what about you?

Edited November 18, 2020 by iacas
Updated with link to new, better topic

[iacas 10,103]

Tough to joke online. You’ve only ever made racist and anti-kid comments so we can not even say you’d but fun to play with.

Right? 🙂

[Mr Puddle 17]

27 minutes ago, iacas said:

Tough to joke online. You’ve only ever made racist and anti-kid comments so we can not even say you’d but fun to play with.

Right? 🙂

Admittedly I don't have a politically correct bone in my body, but the people I play golf with are from the same generation, so we tend to share the same sense of humour. I get the impression humour is very different this side of the pond 

[Esox 16]

Back in the day when I was a very good player, I took it quite seriously.  Now back in the game after a few debilitating injuries and 22 years off, I have very low expectations, so every good shot is a small victory, and poor shots are simply accepted. It's a lot more fun this way as I play with my 20 yr old son who just started mid summer and is improving by leaps and bounds. I try to help him with his course management, but he often prefers to attempt the heroic shot, just because it is so satisfying to make, and he really doesn't really care if he muffs it.  That attitude would have mortified me decades ago. Now I find it entertaining.

[boogielicious 2,896]

8 minutes ago, Mr Puddle said:

Admittedly I don't have a politically correct bone in my body, but the people I play golf with are from the same generation, so we tend to share the same sense of humour. I get the impression humour is very different this side of the pond 

Not at all. You seem to have misconceptions about everything outside your circle. I would suggest being more open minded instead of relying on preconceived bias. We have a ton of fun playing golf here. I’ve played with Erik and a few others on this forum. Very fun guys with great senses of humor. We all really enjoy golf. That is why we joined (or created in Erik’s case) this forum.

[bkuehn1952 855]

2 hours ago, Mr Puddle said:

I have read dozens of threads and posts, and rarely read anything funny, ... To me it's just a game, and if I take it too seriously, I am sure I won't enjoy it.

So, what about you?

I am not sure the frequency of posting jokes or telling humorous stories directly relates to one's attitude on the course.  I take my golf seriously and also find ample opportunities to laugh on the course (usually at myself).

[dagolfer18 85]

I’m pretty serious about my golf. When I play well, I go home satisfied. When I play poorly, I go home a bit frustrated.

On the course, I’m a bit more relaxed. If any of you ever play with me, you’ll realize that I’m a very easy person to get along with. I love to talk and joke in between shots, but once I pull a club and get over the ball, I’m all business, focusing on the shot at hand.

Edited November 14, 2020 by dagolfer18

[Edsland 20]

I was a scratch bowler, yet I had fun and could laugh at myself. In golf im no where near as good but I feel I have the same attitude about enjoying the challenge. 

[GolfLug 619]

I think I work towards improvement of my swing, my game, keep abreast of professional golf, support this forum, play 25 ish rounds a year, couple of three travel games and keep a GHIN. Outside of work and family (not in that order..), nothing has my heart like golf.

But just like you a shoot plenty of shit scores and laugh it off. Love my buddies and enjoy my time with them even when I spend more time looking for my (and their..) balls in the trees than playing from the fairways.

Edited November 14, 2020 by GolfLug

[Mr22putt 91]

5 hours ago, Mr Puddle said:

I have read dozens of threads and posts, and rarely read anything funny, which made me think. When I play golf it's generally with blokes that laugh all the way around the course. We constantly take the Micky out of each other, and if we don't play well (which is most of the time) it doesn't bother us. I know a few people who get angry when they play badly, or duff a shot, but I tend to steer well clear of them. You see, I know I am never going to be a world beater, and I know I am never going to make a living from it. To me it's just a game, and if I take it too seriously, I am sure I won't enjoy it.

So, what about you?

I'm a serious golfer...BUT...I LUV the trash talk with the boys and getting to their heads when they act like a bunch of babies or having meltdowns when they aren't playing well...I'm pretty good at not getting fazed out when one of the tools I often play with says stupid things when I'm at address.

[Sandy Divot 131]

Very seriously, but very relaxed, if that makes any sense? I try hard on every single shot, but like to talk and laugh between shots, and regardless of how I play, once it's over, it's over. I'm fairly competitive, but it's competition me vs the course. I'm always trying to do the best I can, but I don't have a temper.

[iacas 10,103]

12 hours ago, Mr Puddle said:

I get the impression humour is very different this side of the pond 

No, you've always said stupid things about "this side of the pond" or "you guys over there" and stuff. It's really, really old, tired, stupid, lazy…

[mcanadiens 555]

15 hours ago, Mr Puddle said:

You see, I know I am never going to be a world beater, and I know I am never going to make a living from it. To me it's just a game, and if I take it too seriously, I am sure I won't enjoy it.

For golfers in general, it runs the gamut. Some are happy for a day out and others grind over everything. I think the population of this particular forum runs towards those seeking to improve, so you have a bit less here of the jokes and what-not that you and your buddies enjoy on the course.

Maybe I'm more like you. I try to do the best I can, but I'm dealing with a seriously short deck from an ability standpoint. I got to keep my expectations in check and enjoy the game the best I can. .

There isn't a wrong approach.

Edited November 15, 2020 by mcanadiens

[Mr Puddle 17]

6 hours ago, mcanadiens said:

For golfers in general, it runs the gamut. Some are happy for a day out and others grind over everything. I think the population of this particular forum runs towards those seeking to improve, so you have a bit less here of the jokes and what-not that you and your buddies enjoy on the course.

Maybe I'm more like you. I try to do the best I can, but I'm dealing with a seriously short deck from an ability standpoint. I got to keep my expectations in check and enjoy the game the best I can. .

There isn't a wrong approach.

A well thought out post, with no aggression. Perhaps others could take note. 

I would love to improve, but am at an age where my golf is likely to go one way. My handicap has risen 3 shots in less than two years, and the WHS has just given me yet another shot back. I actually know people who would give up golf all together if that had happened to them. A guy I play with has just had his handicap adjusted from 22 to 36, but he hasn't figured out yet if he is happy about this or annoyed. To be honest though, he is a pretty rubbish golfer. We played Stableford the other week, and he hadn't managed to get a single point after 8 holes. He gave up and went home, the poor sod. Like you say, it's about what you enjoy, and what you want out of the game. For me it's company, exercise, and fresh air. I have only ever played golf a few times with people who take the game very seriously (both good and bad) and go out of my way to avoid playing with them again. I must emphasize though, even though I don't take the game very seriously, I do believe in good etiquette and respect of ones partners. 

[iacas 10,103]

2 hours ago, Mr Puddle said:

Perhaps others could take note. 

No. You’re the troll and the racist and sexist and a few other -ists.

[boogielicious 2,896]

3 hours ago, Mr Puddle said:

I'm sure you will feel better once you have your period out of the way. Has anyone ever told you how hostile you are. This is only a golf forum you know, there is no reason for your aggressive behaviour. 

You continue to demonstrate that you have zero understanding of what constitutes posting within the forum rules. I have warned you, repeatedly, and yet you still do it. It is like dealing with a 3 year old. Grow up.

[Cantankerish 103]

I love a long, drawn-out challenge with a winding, unmarked road full of forks and dead ends.  I realize that those words appear sarcastic, but I mean them sincerely.  If I were not frustrated by the difficulty, I would be off to try something else more challenging.  But I prefer to embark on the road with friends.  The alcohol is not usually my cup.

[RetiredOldMan 25]

I try and play the best I can. 

However, it is a game. 

At 74 years old, that's what I like to do. 

My group makes smart remarks all the time. 

Again, it is a game to be played for fun. 

Alcohol is not involved at all. 

Retired Old Man