Etiquette Paraniod now!!!

[Bug Bunny]

Let me start my own thread here and know in advance, I'm seeking friendly helpful advise. First, a lil background, I started playing July last year, save three months for a cold wet winter. My best score to date is 89, once, but I routinely shoot mid-90's. I shot a 95 the other day but had my best ball striking day yet. Apparently, by all the posts in the other thread, I'm spoiled at my course. Even when I consider it JAMMED, I get through a round in under 5, usually 4.5 hours. When no one holds me up, I play my round in about 3.75 hours. I almost exclusively play alone because of a work schedule that sometimes frees me up at a moments notice. So, here's my questions. . . .

I can only think of three times I've played through a group. Just really enjoy being out there and the time the group in front of me allows me to have to think about every shot. Also, in chipping and pitching, I hit my first ball but if I'm paying behind a group, usually hit two or three others as well (always play the first one). This has really sured up that area. I've never been hit into. Never been paired up with a stranger, and never had a confrontion on the course.

So, here's my question, in June wife and I are taking some kids down for a senior trip to Destin. I want to play Kelly Plantation. But I don't wanna look like a jackass. . . not from my play (I'm fine with that, don't apologize for bad shots, just kinda enjoy every moment. . . most times, lol), but from being in a different environment than my course. It will just be me playing, however, my wife will ride along and look pretty. When is the best time for me to book? I'm thinking first thing in the morning.

What advise do you have for a mid-90's guy on a nice course like this who apparently has NEVER played a busy course?

[Gioguy21]

be respectful of those around you, take your time...if someone's up your arse let em play through but keep your normal pace if possible. a new course shouldn't dictate how YOU go about your round...if people are in front of you that's out of your control. You should do just fine...

[DavidFehertysBike]

Well at a resort type of course you might be ok with the pace you like to play. Most of the other players will probably be in the same boat with you skill wise and probably want to get a full experience for their money, too. I wouldnt about it at all. But if youre really concerned, try a late afternoon start, like around 2pm. Traffic might be lighter.

[Teklabz]

and expect to be paired up I'd venture!

[Meddle]

Early in the morning will definitely be the best time to book, it's also really nice getting up early and golfing first thing. From what you said it sounds to me like you will be fine, don't worry to much about it. You will probably get paired up, but in my experience the vast majority of golfers out there are really nice guys on the course, and a pleasure to play with. The biggest thing about playing with other people is not offering them advice, not knocking back 3 foot putts because it's a "gimmie", stuff basically I'm sure you already know.

[Bug Bunny]

You will probably get paired up. The biggest thing about playing with other people is not offering them advice, not knocking back 3 foot putts because it's a "gimmie", stuff basically I'm sure you already know.

Yeah, I like holeing everything out anyway so that's an easy one. Also, I'll sure not be giving advise to anyone. Just wanna enjoy a great course and the company! No I'm sorries for my bad shots but will definitely buy the first round after the round if he's a decent guy!!!

[sean_miller]

. . . will just be me playing, however, my wife will ride along and look pretty

That part right there - don't do that. Ask her nicely to find something else to do for 5 hours.

[treebound]

Call ahead and ask, some courses don't allow ride-a-longs so your wife might have to pay for a round as well as having clubs for her on the cart even if she doesn't play.
As far as walking on solo to a new course? Just be nice, play your game, and match the pace of anyone you might be matched up with.

For playing through a group while solo? How about offering/asking to tee off with them then play ahead after the drives. That way they won't be overly inconvenienced by having to wait for you to clear the driving area of the fairway, and by the time they get to the green you'll be long gone. No real delay for them, a friendly play-thru by the solo player.

Just some thoughts.

[Bug Bunny]

That part right there - don't do that. Ask her nicely to find something else to do for 5 hours.

Why not? She rides along all the time. Snaps pictures, plays on fb on her phone. Her idea to ride along. Sure not saying no!!!

[Bug Bunny]

Call ahead and ask, some courses don't allow ride-a-longs so your wife might have to pay for a round as well as having clubs for her on the cart even if she doesn't play.

Just called, it's $25 for a non playing rider so that's taken care of. As far as playing through, I'd rather just play behind a group. Certainly will be in no hurry and will give us that much more time to enjoy the course. Thanks again for the opinions.

[sean_miller]

Why not? She rides along all the time. Snaps pictures, plays on fb on her phone. Her idea to ride along. Sure not saying no!!!

I'm not sure how to spell that whip-crack sound, but I'm making it right now. Phone ahead and ask. Don't be surprised if there's a pause on the other end of the line.

[Meddle]

I'm not sure how to spell that whip-crack sound, but I'm making it right now. Phone ahead and ask. Don't be surprised if there's a pause on the other end of the line.

My wife has come along with me on a number of occasions, she pulls my bag and considers it going for a walk with me. Nobody minds, nobody has given me dirty looks. The guys at the pro shop actually ask how she is doing (she was pregnant at the time). So what sean_miller is saying hasn't been my experience either.

[treebound]

Sounds like you've got it under control. Enjoy the day and have a good round.

[Bug Bunny]

I'm not sure how to spell that whip-crack sound, but I'm making it right now. Phone ahead and ask. Don't be surprised if there's a pause on the other end of the line.

Not hen pecked here man. Just pecked by the right hen! I get my alone time when I need it but enjoy spending time with my wife also. Gotta be tough not sharing this opinion!! haha And I did phone ahead and the guy was super nice. Said it was no big deal at all!!

[zeg]

I'm not sure how to spell that whip-crack sound, but I'm making it right now. Phone ahead and ask. Don't be surprised if there's a pause on the other end of the line.

"wha-pish" is the spelling, IIRC.

As long as the clubhouse clears it, I don't think there's any problem with a spectator. Sounds like you've cleared it with them, so go ahead. If she is snapping pics, of course, make sure she's not firing the shutter during anyone's backswing!

[sean_miller]

Not hen pecked here man. Just pecked by the right hen! I get my alone time when I need it but enjoy spending time with my wife also. Gotta be tough not sharing this opinion!! haha

I love my wife (and her company) dearly, and although she loves me too, 4+ hours spent on a golf course drives her bonkers even when she's playing (she prefers 9 hole rounds) let alone tagging along. I suggested this once while on vacation. She laughed, then I laughed. The only reason she'd tag along is if there was nothing else to do. There are always other options. Maybe my opinion is based on the fact the courses worth playing around here don't allow non-playing walkers (or riders).

[Lefty22]

That part right there - don't do that. Ask her nicely to find something else to do for 5 hours.

BS - If she wants to go and you want her there than take her. There's no reason to not let her ride unless you just want to be away from her for 5 hours.

To boil it down we're essentially saying "Babe - I'm asking you nicely to get lost for 5 hours on our vacation while I golf because I'm scared of what the other guys might think."

[Fairway_CY]

I agree... if she's happy to be along... let her go. I'd kill to have my wife go out to the course with me once in awhile. I have to practically drag her by her hair to get her to even visit the RANGE with me. The ONLY time she's seen me play golf was in Jamaica during our honeymoon. She drove the cart... I rode alone, and the (mandatory) caddy stood on the back. It was a nice time. If she's happy being out there... go for it!

CY