New player joining a 3 some

[Leftygolfer]

There is something to being said to having a slow player affect you negitively. I know when I am playing that outside things change the outcome of my rounds. Hence the handicap. I would expect if I am ever in the 1-3 range that I will still play well regardless of slow play. I am sure the pros play mighty well during the pro-ams and they are from what I hear very slow.

But there is no reason you have to be slow and shot 110. You could play just as quickly as someone who shoots 75 but takes there times on the greens.

[Chief Broom]

I always felt a good rule of thumb was to pick up on a hole when you've doubled par. The advice about using cheap balls and bringing plenty with you to the course so that you don't have to spend time looking for a lost ball is also spot on. Looking for lost balls and having to stray far off the fairway is probably the number one culprit of slow play. If the group you are with is moving along at a good pace you don't want to be the one who everyone else is having to wait on. That's where dropping a new ball or picking up makes sure that you aren't holding them up. Obviously you wouldn't be able to use that round for handicap purposes, but considering those rounds as practice rounds is legitimate and a great way for you to work on and build your skill set. Following this advice and making sure you practice good golf etiquette is the best way for you never to feel bad about being paired up with better players or having them look down on you because of your lack of skill. In fact when you do this what you'll find is that as you get to know people who play the course they'll invite you to play with them and be happy to have you tag along.

[Harold]

I guessing 95+% of all golfers aren't going to care about a new players skillset as long as the appropriate tees are used, good golf etiquette is observed, and your skills are appropriate for the course being played. A new player playing even a 113 slope rated course is going to have difficulty. Get into the 120's and higher and the course will have you for lunch.

As others have stated 9 hole courses are a good place to get your legs under you. They are a bit more laid back, generally shorter than 18 hole counterparts and probably could use the business. If you need 18 play it twice!

As a singles golfer 99% of the time here are a few tips that help me:

Keep the intros and talk small and formal until you get a feel for the group dynamics. You will figure it out mostly in the first few holes. Sometimes it's a threesome of buddies or a family and they might be more interested in their world. That's ok because you still have golf to play. Other times it's a two some with another single or three singles. Those are easier to blend in with.

Initially don't comment on anyone's shots. It might look good to you but is a poor one for them. If they think it's good (verbal or non-verbal feedback) though a small positive comment might be in order. Also if they hit a poor shot and give feedback that they feel it's a poor shot don't say anything.

It's only natural to feel a bit intimidated when first starting out but the only way to reduce it is to get out and play. From my perspective the last thing I am thinking about is how someone else is swinging or playing, new or experienced. I'm focused on my game. Most golfers aren't really thinking about your game and once you figure that out a lot of the nervousness and intimidation will go away.