What's a good way to find a regular golf buddy? (Phoenix)

[Azprobe]

I'm looking for a regular partner, but my problem is that I'm still pretty terrible. I've looked into clubs, but they're all shooting 80's and 90's in the tournaments they compete in, and I've basically been too intimidated to mingle ... I'm still taking lessons, but it would be fun to go out and play with someone at my level. All of my friends are either really good golfers or don't play at all, so I haven't had much luck there either.

Has anyone had any luck with Craigslist or what else have you used to find good golf partners?

[buttuh]

All of my playing partners now I've met on the golf course. If you play at the same courses at around the same time, you're bound to meet someone that you will want to play with regularly. None of the social sites really worked for me.

[Danattherock]

I would be wary of meeting folks at online sites like Craigs List. You watched the news lately? Lots of wack jobs out there. I would say go to the local clubs and play with the guys shooting in the 90's. As long as your pace of play is good, there should be no problem. And truth be known, many are no better than you are. Best way to improve is to play with better players. You will learn from watching them alone. Get out there and join in the fun. You will very soon be one of the guys shooting in the 90's yourself.

[ElWagonne]

I've met my main golfing partners by sheer luck, just walking on and bumping into the same guys 2 or 3 times. I've also tried out golfq.com and had a little success.

[billm408]

Ask your instructor- I'm sure he has other students like yourself that would welcome the chance to play with people at their own skill level. You've already got something in common. Do you have a home course? Join the Men's Club- most courses have them.

[lumpuckeroo]

Might try Facebook, they have a new app that Golf Magazine started. You can find people in your area that golf, keep your hanicap, things like that.

[DavidFehertysBike]

I encountered this problem, too. None of my close friends play golf, so i would be often playing alone or encroaching on a regular group that was missing a guy that day. It can be arkward. But if you play at the same course alot, you'll just meet people, eventually.

[mirv]

Might try Facebook, they have a new app that Golf Magazine started. You can find people in your area that golf, keep your hanicap, things like that.

oooh, that's cool. i'll have to look into that! i'm always on the lookout for new people to play with/against.

[TN94z]

The best thing I ever did a few years ago was started playing with a guy that shot mid 70s while I was shooting mid 90s. I think I got so much better just by playing with him and always trying to figure out a way to beat him. He really got me focused on getting better and now I am right there with him...he still has me by a couple strokes, but that is just the consistency factor.

And I second the statement about staying away from Craigslist....

[Damien45]

Well, what's your age range, play availability schedule, temprement? lol I only ask the last part because my dad is recently without his golf group. There was some unncessary rudeness and he has chosen not to play with them anymore. That and he can be...entertaining to play golf with! lol So...hey, if nothing else, I will be in Phoenix next weekend for a month.

[Fat Slice]

1. Go play as a single, you can meet all kinds of people. Some will be cool and will want to play with you. Exchange #s and there you go.

2. Find out who in your other social circles plays golf - you may be surprised! Once in the drowsy bar I lunch at I asked "Who wants to go play golf and blow off the rest of the work day?" I got 2 guys I never knew golfed to come along. One is a semi-regular playing partner now.

3. If you're looking for golf+, maybe..... www.golfmates.com ?

[TKO204]

You might want to check out Cartpath.com . A quick glance showed at least 1 group for Arizona.

[Uber$winG]

In the fear of bringing up some co-dependency issues… I ask: What’s wrong with going it alone? Golf is a solipsistic sport.

[RMD]

Ask your instructor- I'm sure he has other students like yourself that would welcome the chance to play with people at their own skill level. You've already got something in common. Do you have a home course? Join the Men's Club- most courses have them.

Great idea. Also check with your course(s) if they have regulary scheduled blitz. Typically, different skill levels show up, accomodations are made for skill level, stakes are low, and you meet a bunch of people. Some will become good golf buddies. At my club we have a blitz every day except Wednesday...when we have two.

[ks8829]

If your goal is to get better my tip is always play with someone better than you are and this will help you play better faster.

[Azprobe]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to check out cartpath.com now... what's a blitz? Is that just a scramble tournament? I think my local has one of those every Wednesday, but again, man, I'd hate to be the guy that's paired up with me. :)

[HSip]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to check out cartpath.com now... what's a blitz? Is that just a scramble tournament? I think my local has one of those every Wednesday, but again, man,

Try to play with players of varying HCPs - it will make you better. And don't be so sure of that guy hating being paired up with you, he may well make good use of playing with a high HCP. Just remember use good golf ettiquette, play with good pace and

most of all enjoy yourself. Most of the time people will enjoy playing with you. Good luck.