Tournament play

[masterhacker]

How early is too early to start playing in tournaments? I have only played about 12 rounds but broke 90 with an 87 last time. Thought about starting tournaments soon because I want to end up playing college golf. I only have a little over a year before it's time for me to part for college. I think getting used to the pressure now would help my game and chances in the long run. Any thoughts?

[geauxforbroke]

How early is too early to start playing in tournaments? I have only played about 12 rounds but broke 90 with an 87 last time.

Thought about starting tournaments soon because I want to end up playing college golf. I only have a little over a year before it's time for me to part for college. I think getting used to the pressure now would help my game and chances in the long run.

Any thoughts?

Start as early as you can. There is such a huge difference between playing well with buddies and playing well during a tournament. But like I said in your other thread, make sure you learn the rules. And while you're at it, make sure you are familiar with proper course etiquette.

[David in FL]

Start as early as you can. There is such a huge difference between playing well with buddies and playing well during a tournament. But like I said in your other thread, make sure you learn the rules. And while you're at it, make sure you are familiar with proper course etiquette.

^^^^this^^^^ Once you know the rules, and are reasonably comfortable with your game, there is no "too" early.

[masterhacker]

Start as early as you can. There is such a huge difference between playing well with buddies and playing well during a tournament. But like I said in your other thread, make sure you learn the rules. And while you're at it, make sure you are familiar with proper course etiquette.

My first few rounds I had trouble remembering things to do that were proper etiquette. But now I have no nervousness playing and pretty much remember what to do haha. But the rules part, I play with people that tell me when I'm playing wrong. And for the most part I play by the rules. I never move the ball (unless on rocks or something), and I play the ob markers too.

[geauxforbroke]

But the rules part, I play with people that tell me when I'm playing wrong. And for the most part I play by the rules. I never move the ball (unless on rocks or something), and I play the ob markers too.

Not to be an ass or anything, but if you really want to play tournament golf, playing by the rules "for the most part" doesn't cut it. For example, moving your ball when it's on rocks is not within the rules. You may move the rocks as long as it doesn't move your ball (loose impediment) and as long as you aren't in a hazard.

As far as playing the OB markers, are you playing them correctly (stroke and distance)? Are you taking a proper drop when in a hazard? Do you understand the difference between a water hazard and a lateral hazard?

Spend some time reading the rules of golf , and read through threads in the Rules of Golf section of the site .

[masterhacker]

Not to be an ass or anything, but if you really want to play tournament golf, playing by the rules "for the most part" doesn't cut it. For example, moving your ball when it's on rocks is not within the rules. You may move the rocks as long as it doesn't move your ball (loose impediment) and as long as you aren't in a hazard.  As far as playing the OB markers, are you playing them correctly (stroke and distance)? Are you taking a proper drop when in a hazard? Do you understand the difference between a water hazard and a lateral hazard? Spend some time reading [U][URL=http://www.usga.org/rules.aspx?id=7788]the rules of golf[/URL][/U], and read through threads in the [U][URL=http://thesandtrap.com/f/3801/rules-of-golf]Rules of Golf section of the site[/URL][/U].

Do you know what would happen if I broke some rule that I had no idea existed?

[geauxforbroke]

Do you know what would happen if I broke some rule that I had no idea existed?

You would either be assessed a penalty (if the breach was known before you signed you card) or be disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard if the breach was later reported.

[Golfingdad]

^^^^this^^^^

Once you know the rules, and are reasonably comfortable with your game, there is no "too" early.

Disagree ... anything before 6:30 is too early.

Seriously though, I totally agree ... learn the rules first (they really aren't that complicated) and then start playing tournaments as soon as you want.  Don't give yourself any expectations at first either.  Just play and learn the ropes.  You don't want to get easily discouraged.  If you shoot, oh I don't know, a 101 or a 102 in your first couple of tournaments, laugh it off as growing pains and keep plugging away.

Good luck!

[masterhacker]

Disagree ... anything before 6:30 is too early. :-P Seriously though, I totally agree ... learn the rules first (they really aren't that complicated) and then start playing tournaments as soon as you want.  Don't give yourself any expectations at first either.  Just play and learn the ropes.  You don't want to get easily discouraged.  If you shoot, oh I don't know, a 101 or a 102 in your first couple of tournaments, laugh it off as growing pains and keep plugging away. Good luck!

That's pretty much why I want to start playing in tournaments. What better way to learn then to play in one? I have done the same thing with playing. I practice on the course. That has seemed to work for me so far.