I played incredibly today! :D

[CG031]

It all depends on what kind of player you are. If you're "scrappy" and not a "long" hitter such as myself, you probably won't make a ton of birdies because even your good rounds consists of a lot of up and down's for par's. If you are a power hitter, or hit a lot of GIR's you probably make a lot more birdie's then us "scrappy" players.

So to label someone how many birdies they should make by their handicap is somewhat foolish.

To the OP: Another question is, maybe I'm an idiot, but how do "adults give you birdies?" I started playing at 14 and I played with random adults all the time at my local course as I'd get paired up with them...they did not "give me birdies." What does that mean?

[live4u120]

It all depends on what kind of player you are. If you're "scrappy" and not a "long" hitter such as myself, you probably won't make a ton of birdies because even your good rounds consists of a lot of up and down's for par's. If you are a power hitter, or hit a lot of GIR's you probably make a lot more birdie's then us "scrappy" players.

Like, say if I go for a birdie putt, and I miss it by a little, they will just count it as a birdie. It's quite annoying, honestly.

[Rob2686]

Like, say if I go for a birdie putt, and I miss it by a little, they will just count it as a birdie. It's quite annoying, honestly.

Then don't let them do it.

When I was 14 I played with my friend and his family, they tried to give me gimmies and I refused them. They were sort of shocked though, and it was casual play. :D

[jojoampt]

Is this thread really happening? Or am I in a dream?

[NotAStick]

Take it easy on the kid. Lots of kids and young teens may take a lot of "gimmes" and under-report their handicap as a result of pride.

Like someone pointed out, if he gets 50% of GIR and "mostly 1-putts" (say, 80%) that means he birdies 40% of holes, which would probably have him winning national junior tournaments.

But on the other hand, criticizing a kid for having a good time golfing is no good either.

Live4u120: Please have fun golfing, but it's really better to be honest about your golfing. Congratulations on getting your first birdie, but you will get more respect by being honest about your scoring, rather than exagerating your scoring.

G'nite!

[Shorty]

Like, say if I go for a birdie putt, and I miss it by a little, they will just count it as a birdie. It's quite annoying, honestly.

Well those people should be ashamed of themselves.

They aren't birdies - and I'm glad that you know it. So.....if you hit a tee shot on a par 3 a foot from the hole do they say "That's an ace son."

[Slim 11]

Like most others, I would have to question the math. But as long as you are having fun and enjoying the game, who cares. You will need to start counting all the strokes though to get your handicap correct...eventually...if you want to go to the next level.

At a 14 hdc, I would say I average a birdie every few rounds...regular pars and not too many blowup holes. I do have a lot of birdie chances though...usually long putts that end up as easy pars.

Don't think you ever answered (OP)...How old are you?

[Cara1975]

I won $60!!!!!

[live4u120]

Like most others, I would have to question the math. But as long as you are having fun and enjoying the game, who cares. You will need to start counting all the strokes though to get your handicap correct...eventually...if you want to go to the next level.

I'm 14, and boy, this thread is just bash town, you really gotta watch where you step, am I right?

[shades9323]

I'm 14, and boy, this thread is just bash town, you really gotta watch where you step, am I right?

It is a good lesson to learn at a young age.

[Slim 11]

I'm 14, and boy, this thread is just bash town, you really gotta watch where you step, am I right?

I hope I didn't come off as if I was bashing you. I just don't quite get the GIR and Fairway stats you posted. But I don't know your game...

I think it is great you got the birdie and that you are excited about playing golf. Also, if the adults you play with give you some strokes here and there, to keep the game fun for you, who cares? Golf is a great game and, like most athletic pursuits, should be played for the enjoyment of it. At 14, it sounds like you have a good game going and, if you stick with it, will probably become a very good player (sounds like you are pretty solid already). People on this site can get a bit hung up on rules and stats, etc. Don't let it bother you. Most the people on here are very encouraging and helpful. Good luck with your game, I am sure there are plenty of birdies to come in your future.

[ScottL]

sounds like that 10 handicap isnt legit like your previous birdies. Im fairly new to golf myself, but what I would suggest is buying that Scorecard program you see up in the banners, and DONT CHEAT! Count every stroke, you are only cheating yourself.

[Slim 11]

Here's the thing that I think people are trying to say, although we may not be saying it in the most delicate way...

If you are posting that you are a 10 handicap and that you hit high percentages of fairways and greens, then presumably this is the info that you give other golfers that you may play with. A 10 handicap seems unlikely if you have only carded one legitimate birdie, so we are assuming that this is a bit of a vanity handicap, maybe not counting all your real strokes, etc. In the end it is your game and unless you are playing in tournaments or for money (where the handicap is utilized) it really doesn't matter.

However, you don't want to be that guy that is telling people how good he is on the first tee and then performing way below that. Sometimes it just happens that way, but....

The guys on the forum are just saying that you should keep good track of scores, count all penalties and strokes and establish your handicap for your own benefit, so that you have an accurate understanding of your game.

A 10 hdc should be posting a birdie at least every few rounds, especially if you putt as well as you have said and hit the fairways and greens like you have said. On the other hand, it is possible that you are just one of the best par saving players around.

Most important, continue to have fun and enjoy the game.