Newbie in competitive golf

[Davie81]

I only recently joined a club and although I'm looking forward to the new golfing season, I'm wondering whether it's worthwhile taking part in the club medals, competitions etc.

I know a couple of other members who don't play in them that often and I'm wondering should I take the plunge and start playing in them regulary.  I'm a high handicapper who's only been playing for a year and as silly as it sounds, worried I'll look like an idiot playing with better and more experienced members.

Any thoughts or advice are appreciated.

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by Davie81

I only recently joined a club and although I'm looking forward to the new golfing season, I'm wondering whether it's worthwhile taking part in the club medals, competitions etc.

I know a couple of other members who don't play in them that often and I'm wondering should I take the plunge and start playing in them regulary.  I'm a high handicapper who's only been playing for a year and as silly as it sounds, worried I'll look like an idiot playing with better and more experienced members.

Any thoughts or advice are appreciated.

Just keep in mind that they were all beginners once too.  Real players aren't going to be bothered if you take a few more strokes than they do.  Get familiar with the rules and etiquette.  How you carry yourself on the course is more important to experienced players than what your score is.

If it sounds like fun, then do it.  I loved playing competitively, and when I first joined the Men's club at my course, I was just a bogey golfer.  There were always guys in the club who had handicaps over 25.  One thing that competition does is inspire you to improve.

[onephenom]

I think most club members won't care much about you being a bad golfer... they'll care more about having a fun time with you, as that is usually the goal of a country club, even though there are competitions.

[dak4n6]

Definitely yes. There are only benefits - comradery, fun, and most importantly, you're skills and knowledge of the game will increase faster than just playing casual golf. You're around a 26? Yes, it going to be a little rought at first, but the pain to your pride is part of what will make you get better. (Just make sure you keep up with the pace of your group.)

I joined my CC 1.5 yrs ago and have been playing matches and tournaments a lot and in the first 6 months I got almost back down to my old HC after only playing infrequent casual golf for many years. Actually, now I find I need a match of some sort to engage my focus...hope I haven't gone too far in that direction

[el shanko]

have fun and enjoy don't get rattled about playing with low H/C players, they  give advice (small pointers) don't change right then and there, but later, work on it at the range, home or where ever. i recently joined a regular group it is a blast i was teamed up with an older gentleman 73 old that has Parkinson's disease he was great person to team up with. i told him i recently took up golf hell he has been bugging me to play on Thursday morning with him (boss did not like that idea) o well.

[Bump-n-MI]

Originally Posted by Fourputt

Get familiar with the rules and etiquette.  How you carry yourself on the course is more important to experienced players than what your score is.

This ^^^^^

[JxQx]

The big thing to remember is that your going out there to have fun and not worry about your score it will help take some of the nerves away. The other big thing is to always play your game , if you normally are a risk take don't try to play conservitive just because of the tournament. Last year was the first time I played in my club championship and the first round I played was awful because I was so worried about hitting greens that I wasn't making good swings, the second day I figured I was so far out of the tournament it didn't matter and played my usual way and shot the 2nd lowest round that day.

[bkuehn1952]

Before you enter a competition, you should understand whether the event is meant for close-to-scratch players or if it is open to all levels of ability.  If the event is the club championship and not flighted by handicap, you will be in over your head.  You do not want to be the only player with a double-digit handicap.  On the other hand, if the event is flighted by handicap and there is a 20-30 handicap flight, go for it.

As some others have mentioned, be familiar with the Rules of Golf.  Other players can always assist you with the Rules but it is not fair to have no clue and totally rely on the other players.  You don't need to be a Rules expert but you should understand the proper way to announce & hit a provisional, take relief from water and lateral water hazards, how to handle lost and/or O.B balls, etc ...

Finally, when you take the plunge and enter a tournament, try to relax; it will be hard but no one really cares how you play except you.  Be a congenial companion, keep pace and have fun.  The first time you will be anxious, excited and nervous.  After some experience you will lose the anxiety and nerves and enjoy the excitement.  At least that has been my experience.

Good luck!

[Davie81]

Really appreciate all the comments and suggestions on here! Thanks everyone.

Hoping that once the first one is out the way then it'll be easier.

[WUTiger]

I lived down in Oklahoma twice, and the city had three big open tournaments (normally 54 holes) a year.

It took me about a year to figure out how to play in the tournaments.

These tournaments tend to move slowly, so learning not to rush your shot after you've been standing in the fairway 15 minutes is a big thing. Back then, big logjam was A flight, the 10 HDCP crews that thought they were in the US Open.

My most embarrassing experience - I had to take a lost ball penalty and re-hit my tee-shot because I forgot where my drive had landed after a 30-minute delay. In later tournaments, I would run ahead and mark my ball with a red towel if it was going to be the waiting game.

Also, stick to a short "chip and putt" workout the day before the tournament opens. If you hit 150 balls every day of the tournament week, you'll be pretty tired by the final round. (Also, don't hit 150 balls after the round - this also tires you out).

And... be sure to have fun! (It's allowed...)

[RFetters]

Just avoid scratch tournaments and you will be ok.  I think you will find that most tournaments and competitions are either flighted or handicapped in some way,,so just go out and have fun.

[Shortylook]

I'm pretty sure my second game ever at my club was a stroke day. I shot 122. I was nervous/excited for most of the round. The other golfers in my group were awesome, heaps of small tips, helping with where my ball went(bush about 20 times) just made me feel welcome. All they asked for before we started was respect the game an the rules and be a good golf partner. I've been a member for almost 6 months and now I'm part of the furniture. Hell  I've even won a couple of scrounges days. Great game

[boston blackie]

LOL, There has to be losers so the winners will have their prize $.  Just feel as though you are contributing to the pot.

[Shortylook]

Originally Posted by boston blackie

LOL, There has to be losers so the winners will have their prize $.  Just feel as though you are contributing to the pot.

Don't worry, I've been handed the NAGA award 5 weeks in a row. I've got more tees than a golf shop ATM. But I haven't won that award for a couple of months now, I think my game is getting a tiny bit better all the time