Golf buddy who hates to loose!

[hkmp5]

My golf buddy who I have been playing golf with for the last eight years just hates to loose and makes excuses and starts goofing off every time I start to get ahead of him ( he has been playing for 20 years and is what I consider a good golfer ) this past spring/summer I have been playing and practicing almost every night and weekend, my game has really come to life and feel I have a good chance to win !

I have known this guy for 30 plus years and he has really helped my golf game ! I consider him a good friend and our wives and familes hang out together for birthdays, barbecues , etc.

Everytime we play and I start making birdies and pars he suddenly has back problems or starts screwing off and throws the game!

last time when we were on 14 and he had no chance of catching me he started putting with one hand and picking up his ball, putting between his legs, laughing e.t.c! after the game I joked around about how bad I beat him " he just laughed and said sure you did but I was only playing with one hand!

Next week my high school buddies that I have not seen in 10 year are getting together for a game and he will be there I would love nothing more then to beat him in front of these guys, not in a bad way but just to prove that I can do it !

Maybe deep down he knows that I have already won but he just cant let it go! should I just drop it and play on or say something to him?

[spyderwerks]

I've played with a couple of guys like that. At first I found it somewhat aggravating, but then later got into the comfort mode everytime they would start their tactics, knowing the real reson behind the antics.

Personally I think golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical game. When you're out on the course and he starts one of his 'episodes', you should make some type of comment like: "...not throwing in the towel already are you?" or " I seem to have that effect on you lately" and just smile very friendly and know he gets the message.

[Dent]

I have a couple friends like that, Its all in jokes but sometimes he really means it. Whenever im leading or I make a good shot he will go "Lucky, Lucky" I just ignore it and play my own game, but if its really bothering you, say something to him.

[letgodsortemout]

Golfers worry too much about other people. Just play the course, who cares what someone else shoots or does. Play any other sport and all you'll hear is trash talk and gamesmanship. Why do you feel you must prove you can beat someone? I'm more worried about trying to beat my best score.