when do you play better?

[tlewsadder]

do you tend to play better when you are playing with people who are about your skill level, above your skill level, or below your skill level?

[sonicblue]

I definitely play my best when playing with other good players. I find it infectious to watch someone use sound course management, and get inspired when you realize that scoring well doesn't require heroic shots, mammoth distance or pin-slapping approach shots.

[allin]

I play best with people at or somewhat better. I play the worst with people much worse. Looking for balls and the extra waiting is something I let disrupt my concentration to often, especially if they ask for help or why you do things a certain way. When introducing someone to golf I prefer to walk with them and not play. Unfortunately most courses won't let you do that.

[lamebums]

At or slightly below. If they are slightly better I end up going Tin Cup and trying to save one shot and losing five or six instead. If they're much better I get demoralized and come home with a string of triple bogeys.

[FortAsel]

I allways plaeyd better when I wanted to learn from other guys in my group. That means I always play better when I'm playing with guys that are at my level, or that are better than me. Sometimes, when they put me to play with high handicapers (really high), I tend to try and kill them, not physically, but beat them by at least 30 shots difference... and when that happens I feel like I'm Tiger, lol

[cbe_golfer]

Neither. My play this year has had its own curve irrespective of whom I was playing with.

[TourSpoon]

I tend to play better with people that play ready golf and follow course ettiquette and rules. Playing with unduly slow people really throws off my concentration.

I like to play with people that are near my skill level, plus or minus doesn't really make a big difference.

[907golfer12]

I play better with people better then me. This summer I played with one of our club pro's and I started out with 4 pars. When I play with better people I just strive to play at their level.

[Ben]

  TourSpoon said:

I tend to play better with people that play ready golf and follow course ettiquette and rules.

That's a good point. I don't mind playing with someone that's bad, so long as though know to keep a flow going. All I need is a good rhythm to the round and I'll usually score pretty good.

[golferbabu]

I always seem to play better when I am playing with people that are better than me. It used not be that way, better players would intimidate me and I would try to hit the same club they used, but once I learn't how far I can hit each club and played my own game I tend not to let other people bother me whether they are superior to me or inferior in golfing ability.

[Finn07]

At the same level as me basically

[tlewsadder]

when i first hit the tee box with players that are better than i am, it is a bit intimidating. after thefirst hole i am relaxed and play a lot better. i end up focusing on my game only, trying to keep up with them and rying to learn from them.

when playing with players that are high handicappers, i often find myself watching them and trying to disect there swing and game and it totally take focus off of my own game.

to make a long story short, i am trying to learn to play the same in all situations, being consistant.

[donkba]

i play better either with someone worse than myself, as i do not feel under pressure to perform well like i do with better players or the same as me as i can compare myself to them

[powerfade]

I feel I play better when surrounded by better players however my 3 best rounds this year included each of the scenarios. I like to consider that a vote for consistency.

What I absolutely despise is being the best golfer in the group then allowing myself to play poorly or 'at the level of my competition'. That tells me I may be focusing too much on them instead of the real game - me vs. the course.

[Miney]

I usually play better when people are at the same skill level as me or a bit below. A group of mixed people is always good since i dont like being under too much pressure..

For some reason i always seem to play good when im not in a good mood which is probably the opposite to most other people. I think once i hit a few decent balls it calms me down and i just play that way for the rest of the day..

[Shindig]

I play best when I'm with people who keep the pace going and who are fun to be around, whether friends or total strangers. Whether they shoot 59, 159, or anything in between doesn't matter to me.

[torrejuan]

I agree with Tourspoon and Ben. Just keep pace, and I'm fine.

[moshdirtjumpr]

I play better when I am with people better than me. I just started playing golf about 6 months ago. I have gotten alot of help from my father in-law, and his dad and brother. I have actually had game where I went out and kept up with them. They all have been playing for years. It seems like when you go out with someone that is not a very good golfer, it is harder to get focused. Due to lost time looking for their balls.