Golfing w 2 + Index's Tomorrow - nervous as hell!

[deronsizemore]

well i got my wish

Just stay calm and realize that just becuase they are plus handicaps, they aren't Tiger Woods. They have bad days too; more often that you would probably think. Remember, a handicap is there as an indication of playing potential, not average score. So just because they're plus handicaps, don't mistake that for them going out and shooting 68 every time they play. They're human too and shoot some mid-high 70's and even the random 80 on terrible days.

I can't believe the guy at your club was on your ass about you shooting an 80? This is the problem with people when they don't understand how handicaps work. You're a 4, not a +4. I said earlier today in a post, but the USGA says that a golfer will play to their handicap less than 25% of the time. Since it's there to indicate your potential, we'll say when you're playing good, you'll shoot in the 75-77 range and when you're playing so-so, you'll be more in the 78-81 range. Kills me when people know you're a low handicap player and expect you to go out and shoot even par and when you don't, you're sandbagging.

[rebby]

As others have said, just play your game and don't worry about it. Have a good time. You might be surprised to see just how human a + capper really is.

[gogolfing]

Go out and pick your target and swing the club. My experience with better players is that they are focussed on their game and don't care so much what you shoot. When I have played with the assistants from my club it has been fun to watch them and the only time they commented on my shots were when I hit good ones.

Have fun and learn from them would be my advice; I'll pretty much guarantee they will be much more worried about their own game and not on yours if they are that good.

Enjoy.

[enis750]

Just stay calm and realize that just becuase they are plus handicaps, they aren't Tiger Woods. They have bad days too; more often that you would probably think. Remember, a handicap is there as an indication of playing potential, not average score. So just because they're plus handicaps, don't mistake that for them going out and shooting 68 every time they play. They're human too and shoot some mid-high 70's and even the random 80 on terrible days.

this is exactly what i was thinking when he said that sh*t

i was like dude....really??? as he shoots 89, he thinks he king sh*t but u are right, a round in the 74-76 (par 71 course, rated at 70.7) when im on and 77-80 when im off, above 80 im wondering what the hell happenned most people dont understand how caps work and IT IS frusterating to no end im starting to get stoked up now actually all these positive responses has me ready to rip only thing that might hinder the game - my 2 year old baby girl is SICK AS SH*t right now if she has a rough night, i cant leave my 9 month preggers wife to her aid while i golf - just not right any of you fellow daddies out there will understand fingers crossed ..........

[TourSpoon]

If you think about it the guys at scratch plus have just as much if not more pressure on them playing with you since they are assistant professionals and you are an amateur. After the first tee shot you will be in the groove and will playing your game. I played the other day with a scratch and a 4. I hung with them and tied the 4 with an 80 from the tips (0 shot even with 5 birdies and 5 bogeys). Having worked at a course and played with plenty of club pros, I realized that the really good players worry more about their games more than yours anyway. I figured out a long time ago that there aren't too many things that I haven't seen before especially since one of my friends played on Tour for a few months (he was more like a +4/5 and played a different game there was just no comparison) so most players don't intimidate me. I just try to play my game and learn from them (mostly tempo, putts, up and downs). Have fun with your new irons.

[tws1098]

I would be sure you stick to your normal routine, as it will make it feel more like any other round. Also, if you are like me, playing with better players can actually raise your game. I think it is a confidence builder to watch a player knock it down the fairway or stick it to a couple feet. It makes me feel like I can do it too. Just the other week I lost by one in a friendly match play against an 8 capper, because I was thinking about matching his shots instead of doing this or that, or the classic "just don't duff it" haha. Good luck and let us know how it goes if you get to play.

[motteler621]

yea I like playing with good players. I play better when I do and its fun to watch them. I dont feel embarrased really

[CG031]

Good players know when other good players can play. They realize everybody has a bad day. So, even if you have one, no need to worry, they'll recognize you can still play.

Plus, they probably really could care less about your game. As long as your nice, move along at a normal speed, and are fun to play with, they'll invite you out again.

I played with a +1 and the +2 8 time club champ at my course, and the head golf pro once, all in the same foursome we were. I was real nervous on the first tee (and not to sound stupid but i was really hungover, lol) and i played only 9 holes with them, and they were fun to play with and said they were impressed with my game. I shot 40, nothing great, but the club champ said he wants to play again soon.

[Shorty]

well i got my wish

What a complete load of bullshit. As if a genuine 4 handicapper would give a crap about playing with a couple of genuine + handicappers. Seems to me that you're scared because your handicap isn't a genuine one based on competition play and you know you'll look stupid. For heavens' sake, I play regualrly with a genuine scratch player who regualarly breaks par and anothe guy who's off 6 who is around par reasonably often. I only play competition, never "social" - that's just the way it is in OZ. The idea that a real 4 handicapper would feel out of sorts is a joke. The other thing is... why would they give a crap about how you play anyway? The only thing you've got to fear is holding up play looking for balls...but if you're a 4 why would that happen? And there is certainly no shame in going around in 80 even if you are a genuine 4. What's the problem?

[Stretch]

Always with the negative waves, Moriarty, always with the negative waves.

[Shorty]

Always with the negative waves, Moriarty,

I would much rather reply to posts with reasoned responses instead of the predictable:

"Congrats man" or "That's awesome man". Negativity aside, does it not seem strange to you that a person who claims to play off 4 a) is nervous about playing with a couple of + handicappers b) doesn't realise that they won't care how he plays? I'm actually a very positive person, but I suppose I react negatively to BS.

[enis750]

I would much rather reply to posts with reasoned responses instead of the predictable:

wow shorty tell me how u really feel..........

to reply to your post, the reason i am a little nervous, is because i have never seen a + play and no my index isnt fudged, but it is from social rounds AND a few tourney's, i have only played 3 tournys this year IMO a vanity cap would only be tournament entries, as you have to enter all scores bro in those tourney's i scored anywhere from 85 to 74, so i can play anyways....... its 4:17 and im off to the course my little girl had a decent night, so wifey gave me the green light will report back later

[melchior]

Best of luck!

[brgolf]

What a complete load of bullshit. As if a genuine 4 handicapper would give a crap about playing with a couple of genuine + handicappers. Seems to me that you're scared because your handicap isn't a genuine one based on competition play and you know you'll look stupid. For heavens' sake, I play regualrly with a genuine scratch player who regualarly breaks par and anothe guy who's off 6 who is around par reasonably often. I only play competition, never "social" - that's just the way it is in OZ. The idea that a real 4 handicapper would feel out of sorts is a joke. The other thing is... why would they give a crap about how you play anyway? The only thing you've got to fear is holding up play looking for balls...but if you're a 4 why would that happen? And there is certainly no shame in going around in 80 even if you are a genuine 4. What's the problem?

Gawd as soon as I started to read this topic I expected an attention seeking post from you.

wow shorty tell me how u really feel..........

Yea tell us how it goes, I look forward to hearing from you.

[enis750]

well i am happy to report my round - a SOLID 73!!!!!
yeeeeehaaawww!!!!!!
i played really well, only mistake was a double on 3, then the rest of the round went mint
and i was the low score of the day by 1 and i won $15 too...didnt even realize we were playin for coin!!!!
the one pro didnt play his best though and the other never showed up

i was as confident as i have ever been

happy to also report my index is now a 3.8 after this round!!!!

[bplewis24]

Great news. See, nothing to worry about, right?

Always with the negative waves, Moriarty,

lol...

Brandon

[rebby]

Nice round. Congrats on the solid play!

[enis750]

Nice round. Congrats on the solid play!

thanks Rebby

was a big confience boost for sure in the last 2 weeks i have played some solid golf, going from a 5.7 to a 3.8 the ol theory is true - play more than you practice i have only practiced twice in the last 2 weeks, but golfed a total of 11 rounds it seems to start paying off

Great news. See, nothing to worry about, right?

yea i guess so hey!!??? hahah!