Playing with a +1 tomorrow, any tips??

[elsito99]

First time in my year and a half in which I will play with someone this good.

I generally play with my buddies who started with me but I always beat them by 10-15 strokes.


Any tips on how can I make the most out of this experience????


I am really excited to see him play. Hopefully something will rub off and I break 90.

[mutadayen]

Yeah, play your game at your own pace. Just because he's a +1 doesnt mean you have to try to play like him. Play your own game at your own pace and i'm sure you'll even impress yourself...

[Dub]

There is always the old adage, "Play your game, not his"....however in this case I don't think it applies.

You've been at the game a very short time and have made much more progress than your normal playing partners.

You'll certainly learn more about the game from playing with better players. Most single digit handicappers that I've ever had the pleasure of playing with played a very boring game in that they routinely hit fairways and greens and were conservative with the long lag putts...giving themselves easy leaves. Lot's of pars and only an occasional bogey.

Boring golf....not a lot of exciting recoveries from the woods or water hazards, deep rough, etc. No swashbuckling....just smart golf.

Find out how he's so consistentent and see if he'll offer you some pointers and things to work on. Learn his course strategy.


Have fun and stifle the yawns that may come from watching him card par after par.

[Soup Fan]

My only advice:

DON'T PLAY FOR MONEY

[Smallville]

Watch and learn.

Ask alot of questions.

Ask for advice if he seems like he wants to give it.

Pay attention!

[alf174]

My only advice:

Unless its for NET scores and then you'll get a decent chance, especially if he has an off day.

Gotta agree, play your game, not his.

[elsito99]

Thanks for the answers guys.


I think mostly I will focus on routine, tempo, course management and recovery from disaster shots(not that he will have many).


I am really excited to see what it takes to shoot a round in the 70's or possibly 60's!

[Franco!]

Try and feed off of his energy.
If he's having a good day, you'll be able to do it and you'll play a lot better.
That's what always happens to me when I play with someone good.

[kafka01]

My only advice:

Why not? I always play for money against better people without taking strokes - not for substential amounts, but for a little bit on the line and be it a lunch afterwards. It helps me improve. I play the worst if i dont feel challenged (in casual rounds - no tournaments - no monies on the line) - then i just dont make anything at all.

What others said before - play your game. He will probably hit some bombs out there - dont try to copy it (i know i often fall for this if i play with really good players), it just kills your healthy tempo and you can kiss your round good bye

[iacas]

Watch and learn.

Yep.

Ask alot of questions.

Nope. Don't pester the guy.

Ask for advice if he seems like he wants to give it.

I don't like "ask for advice if he seems like he wants to give it" either because any of his advice would likely be a swing fix or something, and you don't want to be doing that during the round. Ask him at the end of the round if it looks like he has something to tell you.

[jking]

Not nearly the same situation, but a couple of years ago my boss needed someone to complete a foursome and asked me to join them. They are all probably 5 handicaps and at the time I was probably an 18-20. To make matters worse (or better, depending on your point of view), we were playing on a new "high brow" course that had opened up in the area. So here I am, playing in a group with my boss, with players who are a lot better than me and on a "big time" course which I had never played. Luckily it was a last minute thing and so I didn't get a lot of time to think about it and get nervous. Somehow I was able to relax and enjoy the day and not expect too much. I just concentrated on hitting one shot at a time and it all turned out well. When it was over my boss even complimented me on my play. The weird thing is I think he actually meant it.

[mellojoe]

Try and feed off of his energy.

Its always the opposite for me.... I play bad and bring everyone with me down.

[Smallville]

iacas-

I was figuring he knew the guy since he knows in advance he's playing with him and he didn't mention that it was a competition of some kind. Right on about the advice though.

[Harold]

I was going to say Watch and Learn but don't ask questions but was beaten to that. However, don't comment on his shots either like "Great Shot" unless his body language or comments really clarify it as such. Our definition of a great or good shot is different from a +1.

[elsito99]

iacas-

You are right, I do know him and he offered before hand to give me some tips. I already told him I don't like people giving me swing advice during a round, so he said it would me more pre shot thoughts,etc.

He will play from the blues (7,100 yards) I will play from whites (6,200 yards) but he will still be ahead on most holes as he averages 288 with the driver, while I average about 230 or less depending on the hit. He supposedly wants to turn pro in the near future so I will make the most out of it.

[elsito99]

I was going to say Watch and Learn but don't ask questions but was beaten to that. However, don't comment on his shots either like "Great Shot" unless his body language or comments really clarify it as such. Our definition of a great or good shot is different from a +1.

Yeah I was thinking about that, generally when I play with my buddies and we stick in the green close its a great shot, with a +1 it could be just an ok shot, not within 6 feet lol.

[elsito99]

My only advice:

I never play a round for money, but I like to play close to the pin, as I have a genuine chance of beating him since I am a good iron striker and he is playing from the tips.

probably like $2-5 max per par 3

[jking]

I never play a round for money, but I like to play close to the pin, as I have a genuine chance of beating him since I am a good iron striker and he is playing from the tips.

Yeah, I say if you can stand to lose the money, go ahead and make the bet. You're either going to lose money you expected to lose anyway, or you'll come away with a story of taking some bones off a +1.