Playing with a +1 tomorrow, any tips??

[JohnTwing]

Just keep up with him, if you shoot a few strokes worse than him you'll hit something in the mid-70s

[NM Golf]

Having been a +1 just last year, I will give you my insight. Just play golf with the guy. Realize also that he may not play lights out. He is still an amateur golfer and could very easily shoot overpar. Remember there is a huge difference between a +1 and a tour pro.

As far as learning from him, watch for course management and short game shots. To get down to a +1 you have to be fairly skilled at both. But most important, just have fun.

[JaY_B]

Depends on the guy, Ask him questions about how to play different shots if he seems willing, just remember not to be over awed by him, he is only a fellow golfer after all.

Watch and learn, especially how he handles himself, how he executes different shots, his demeanor on the golf course etc, considering your a high handicapper this could be a really good learning experience for you, be sociable, enjoy it and learn from it.

[golf_junkie27]

I would watch for tempo and pre-shot routine. Take a good look at how he swings his clubs, the effort he puts into it and what he's trying to do with each shot.

His pre-shot routine should teach you plenty about course management. Club selection, alignment, how he addresses the ball will be a good indication of how to prepare for a shot.

FWIW, I have played with two guys, now, that are plus handicaps. What I would suggest is offering to buy them a beer after the round and picking their brain. You can learn a lot in fifteen minutes.

Have a great round!

[bflat450]

Observe what he does, and try to implement his good habits into your habits. Watch how he deals with trouble shots, and club selection on different holes.

[Brady0626]

Try to keep up with him, make it a challenge with yourself to try nad play as well as he does. This is when I usually play my best is playing with one of my 6 or 7 handicap friends.

[SiamGolfer]

Enjoy it, should be a good experience.

Earlier in the year I played with a pro (no handicap/scratch) and his son who was +2.5. Their short-games were different class

[alf174]

How did your outing go?

[elsito99]

Hey guys,


Wanted to share how it went. I was a little off starting because of the pressure of playing with him.


Then settled down, ended up shooting a 92 but had an 8 on the back nine, total blowout hole (water, chunk).

He played really well, shot a 1 over 73, but the wind was howling crazy.

I really looked at his routine, this guy ALWAYS does the exact same thing before each shot, incredible. I am trying to get more and more into that routine.

Another thing that impressed me was the lag putts, within gimmie range from tough spots.

I think playing with guys like this motivates me a lot. I know I can be a very good golfer, he even liked my swing. I just have to get more length from the tee and hole those par putts.


Anyways, all and all a very good experience. I am looking forward to playing with better players more. Hopefully I will break 90 before December which is my 2 year anniversary of starting playing. I think I can do it because I am playing more, first year only played about once a month. Plus I already shoot rounds like 42, 42, 44, so I am really motivated!

[beung]

Here is my advice coming from the other side, I am not a + handicap but I am about a 4.5 currently.

A guy I started to play with a couple of years ago was probably a 25+ handicap. In the two years I have been playing with him he is down to a 13 or so.

What he told me was very interesting, he said he improved by osmosis. I don't give him swing tips or anything to help him get a better swing but what he does do is pay attention to what I pay attention to. Things like the lie, where the trouble is, where is the wind is coming from and other course management type things. Because his swing, although not great, it isn't bad either.

He saves strokes by thinking his way around the hole rather then thinking he can make a shot. He doesn't have the big numbers as much anymore, he's not going to have 7s, 8s, or higher on his scorecard.

[Fraser]

What he told me was very interesting, he said he improved by osmosis.

That's what happened when as a 20 handicap I played with a 1 and 3 handicap player in a junior tournament. I ended up playing superbly, one of my best rounds ever, considering it was a much longer and tougher course than I was used to. Until the last couple of holes I was within a couple of shots of the 3 handicap player on gross! He wasn't quite playing to his handicap but it was pleasing nonetheless.

[ctmurrray]

Here is my advice coming from the other side, I am not a + handicap but I am about a 4.5 currently.

I also play regularly with a better player and have been doing so for 25 years. I think of it as a multi-year long golf lesson. So each round does not revolve around a lesson. but over time I get a few tips, and try to incorporate into my game. I see how he approaches the challenges, where he is much stronger than I am. He has a smooth "effortless" swing and still hits the ball plenty far.

[bogeyhitter25]

Have fun man. And don't be intimidated. He's pretty nasty, but he's human.