DQOTD: Waiting to hit disparity?

[Midpack]

I've joined a senior league and I've truly enjoyed playing with everyone new so far. The pairings change every week, and players don't get to choose - I'm fine with that BTW. But ages range from 60 to 90, I'm 63. I find myself waiting to hit, to the apparent dismay of others in my group who could hit. I hit 250+ off the tee, my playing partners have ranged from 125-200. If I'm 200 yards from a green I have to wait, while my playing partners would not. I liked the guy a lot, but I was waiting to hit and one 85 year old on our second hole together volunteered 'they're a long way off.' I do not know the course yet,  but I said 'so I should hit?' and they all nodded yes. I switched from a 3i to a 5i and still dropped it 10 yards behind the foursome ahead...

I don't enjoy waiting either, so I get anxious, and I'm sure I'll mishit a few which makes me look like I didn't need to wait.

I understand they don't want to wait, but I don't want to layup every time they're waiting on me. Probably no good answer, but I thought I'd ask.

Edited May 23, 2017 by Midpack

[DaveP043]

If you use a laser, I'd get a distance to the group ahead, and use that to define what you do.  "They're 200 away, and I hit my driver about 230 most times, I better wait".  Using actual numbers may make it easier for them to understand that you're not just being overly optimistic.  Other than that, you'll have to learn their habits, and in turn they'll learn about you too.

[Jeremie Boop]

I have run into this in the past playing with people who don't know me. At this point everyone I play with knows my game well enough that sometimes even they will stop me from hitting if they think I can reach people in front of us. I think that's what you'll find. Give the new people you are playing with time to realize your length and they'll not give you a hard time about waiting in the future. It can be a painful and sometimes embarrassing, if you mishit after waiting, period of time though.

[DaveP043]

6 minutes ago, Jeremie Boop said:

 It can be a painful and sometimes embarrassing, if you mishit after waiting, period of time though.

Yeah, that's the worst, but it happens to everyone once in a while.

And you ARE long, someone needs to keep you on a leash.

[David in FL]

@DaveP043 has a great recommendation.  In time, the other players will come to know your game.  Beyond that though, all I'll offer is that safety trumps all.  Take care that you aren't talked into hitting when it's not safe to do so.

I run into the same situation when I play as a visitor in my 82 year old dad's Friday league.  I've gotta say though, it's fun to be referred to as that young, long-hitting, flat-belly for a change.

My golf buddies call me Popop.   

[Golfingdad]

4 minutes ago, David in FL said:

In time, the other players will come to know your game.  Beyond that though, all I'll offer is that safety trumps all.

Perfect advice here.  It's temporary because before long, all of the regulars in your league will get to know you, and I suspect, start hoping to get paired with the "big hitter."

I also know the anxious feeling, @Midpack, as I sometimes play with my father-in-law at his retirement community country club.  But I also have the luxury of having him there to explain to the old people that I can hit it farther than them. ;)

[rehmwa]

Stop working out, drink more shakes, pull your shorts up to your ribcage.....your shots will shorten up nicely and soon you'll fit in with your new, cool, crowd.