Playing better against someone?!?

[clg82]

I know that is sounds kind of crazy but I find that I play my best golf when I am playing against someone.  Not necessarily competition, but while playing with friends, or even in competition.  Why is this and do any of you play the same way?

[mattshaver]

I know what you mean.  I'm really bad, but I find that I play worse/better to a certain extent depending on the skill of my playing partners.

[TourSpoon]

I almost always play a little better with a group even if I don't know them.  I think I tend to concentrate more and we all know that any lapse in concentration can turn an easy par into a double real fast.

[andymane]

nobody likes to loose! even if you say "this round is just for fun" when the guy you playing with/against nails one down the fairway, sticks an approach, or drains a long put you cant help but think that you have to do the same if not better.

[TheGeekGolfer]

I know that is sounds kind of crazy but I find that I play my best golf when I am playing against someone.  Not necessarily competition, but while playing with friends, or even in competition.  Why is this and do any of you play the same way?

This is perfectly logical and doesn't seem crazy at all! When you play with or against someone, you focus more and most of the time that equates to better overall play.

[alo1984]

For the most part I play better when playing competitive.  WIth exception to a couple of guys who I just really struggle with even though I am actually a better golfer than they are.

[Gngolfn]

It's just my concentration level. Playing tournament or even a few bucks on the line will get my attention. If I'm just out by myself, very rarely will I play well.

[frankteo]

I actually play better alone. I don't know why, but it could have something to do with the fact that me and my friend are always competing to win every round and my focus is just not there.

[golf4fun12]

I have to agree with everyone. I play better when I play with people, especially people I don't know because I concentrate more.

[roggar]

For me I play better when I play with someone who is better than me. That type of person brings out my best golf.

On the other hand if I play with someone not as good as me I tend to play at their level which results in a higher score for me.

[akw512]

I tend to play to my level of competition, good or bad.  I usually like to play with at least one person that is better than me so I can have someone to compete with and try to bring out the best in me

[clg82]

I have a harder time playing against my teacher than i do anyone else.  He is 25 and I am 28 and it is hard to play against someone that bombs it 300 down the fairway everytime without me trying to swing out of my shoes lol

[mihi4]

Competition seems to bring out the best of me, everytime.

I think, that's because I've been into competitive sports since I was 6, I guess.

greetings

michi