Thinking of playing my first tournament(16)

[v1c70r]

I have been playing golf for about 6-8 months. I had played competitve baseball my whole life and had shoulder surgery. While rehabing I found golf and fell in love. Right now I cant get enough of it.

I want to play in a tournament that is in a month but am nervous. Nobody in my family plays golf or any friends. Just me. I taught myself everything I know and am nervous about golf etiquette and rules. I have never played with any strangers before. I have only played by myself. I try to watch the Tours on tv to learn about rules and the way they handle themselves on the course.

Do you have any tips or websites to learn about proper etiquette. I do not want to do the wrong thing and make a fool of myself.

[holeinon3]

I think it's a good idea! If you are a competetive person and you want to play some more competetive golf then go for it! Maybe tell your playing partners the story you just told us on the first tee, I'm sure they will make you feel more comfortable about it all. Good luck!

[tws1098]

I think it's a good idea! If you are a competetive person and you want to play some more competetive golf then go for it! Maybe

I agree with this.

[Rugger]

I have been playing golf for about 6-8 months. I had played competitve baseball my whole life and had shoulder surgery. While rehabing I found golf and fell in love. Right now I cant get enough of it.

Go for it man. Best way to learn is by doing.

[richard]

I agree, give it a shot. What's the worst that can happen? A little embarrassment? Learn from it and move on. Most people on the course will help you out if you have any questions. Once you start playing, you'll feel a little more comfortable about it. Good luck!

[James_Black]

I'm nervous about playing my first tournament at my new club on tuesday!

Good luck, just relax on the 1st teebox and have fun. Maybe you'll win a prize or two!

[Cornbread]

I have been playing golf for about 6-8 months. I want to play in a tournament that is in a month but am nervous. Nobody in my family plays golf or any friends. Just me. I taught myself everything I know and am nervous about golf etiquette and rules. I have never played with any strangers before. I have only played by myself. I try to watch the Tours on tv to learn about rules and the way they handle themselves on the course. I do not want to do the wrong thing and make a fool of myself.

It sounds as if you need to do some additional rules research and also get out and play with others prior to attempting a Tournament. Their is no way you will play well if you have all this stuff on your mind plus being nervious. Do an Internet seach for 'The Rules of Golf'. They may also be posted on the USGA Website.

As for etiqutte... most of that left the consumer game long ago.... the majority now a days don't repair their ball marks, are loud and obnoxious, rude if you get in their way, and don't respect the course nor fellow players. Give them some alcohol and it only gets worse.

[v1c70r]

Yeah I am 16 so it would be a junior tournament. I picked one out at a really nice course about a month away. I have no clue about rules so I will try to learn some.

I do have a divot repair tool I use and am usually i a good mood and dont get too frustrated. I just enjoy chasing birdies lol.


Edit-Btw do juniors carry their bag or use a push cart? I use a clic gear 2.0 when I play but may need to start carrying to get used to it.

[billysandy]

1. Be still and quiet and make sure you won't be in the corner of a players eye when they are playing a shot.
2. Always mark your ball, even if it isn't in the way of another player's putt
3. pitchmarks, divots and bunkers all need replairing replacing and raking
4. mark yours and you opponents score after every hole - i have asked for a whole 9 holes of scores from a playing partner before by just forgetting and it was fairly embarrassing
5. Golf is a social sport - make sure you make conversation where appropriate, but don't talk whilst they are setting up for a shot ect
6. the person with the best score on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole.
7. let your playing partners know what ball you are using at the start of the round, and what ball you are using if you ever lose one.
8. Be complimentary of goood shots, but don't try and reassure them if they play bad shots - chances are they will be pissed off already, and know the mess they have made of the hole
9. longest putts go first, as do longest shots from green
10. finally, make sure you are organised before going onto the tee. - tees in pocket, ball marker, pitchmark repairer, ball, glove on or pocketed, scorecards swapped and relevant info filled in

[James_Black]

Yeah I am 16 so it would be a junior tournament. I picked one out at a really nice course about a month away. I have no clue about rules so I will try to learn some.

My course is really hilly so most use a push cart.

A lot of them might carry their bags at your course, it doesn't matter really.

[CG031]

lol no one uses a push cart in a tournament. everyone carries with a stand bag. just learn the rules and be cool with your opponents and you'll have fun. Don't be an a-hole or anything to them, it's a gentleman's sport, if your nice they'll enjoy playing with you and you'll have fun out there. just try to be calm and collected, don't get too riled if you arent playing that well.

other then that you should have a good time out there.