Different scores with different groups???

[Yukari]

For the life of me I can not figure out why when I play with my regular buddies, I shoot in the low 80's and sometimes in the high 70's. But when I play with my mom, my brother, or other relatives, I can't shoot in the 90's!!!

WTF??? I know it has to do with concentration. But even when I try to concentrate, I just play like 20 handicapper whenever I play with in-laws or relatives???

Does anyone else have a similar problem?

[Gordon McTavish]

Perhaps some form of performance-anxiety?

I know it's not Golf related, but as an example, I feel more comfortable talking to a room full of strangers than a room full of friends or colleagues.

The mind is an inexplicable thing!

[wmiller]

I agree with the above poster: it's probably all in my head. :)

I play almost every week as a single, so therefor I'm paired with all manner different people every week. Sometimes I can ignore the play of other people, sometimes I can't. Or maybe I'm using that as an excuse for just having a bad day? I honestly don't know.

[James_Black]

If I play with good players I play good.
If I play with s**t players I play s**t

When I play with good players I feel I need to pay good.
When I don't play with them I don't concentrate and play terrible

[Big_M]

If I play with good players I play good.

I do that as well, sometimes... but after playing many rounds with my brother-in-law, I getting better at playing my game even if he is working on seeing just how many balls he can loose on one par 5 or if is possible to wear out the grooves on his wedge in one sandtrap.

[WUTiger]

Although I'm a 21+ HDCP, I end up as the most experienced golfer if I play with family and friends who only golf three times a year. I try to make sure the others chip and putt a little, and hit a dozen full shots before we tee off. Leave junk shots on the practice range to prevent slow play.

If I also end up as tour guide - especially if the others haven't played the course before - I reframe it as a social outing rather than a sports event. The next time we play the course, they can take care of themselves.

[Yukari]

Perhaps some form of performance-anxiety?

Perhaps, but I don't think it is all performance-anxiety. For example, I also play a lot as a single and get paired up with all sorts of players. Most of the time, I play well within myself and shoot my usual low 80's.

However, I do think it is 90% mental in that I think I subconsciously not concentrate as much b/c I perceive it as a "fun" round.