What Do You Tell Somone Who Wants to Take Up the Game, but Shouldn't?

[Buckeyebowman]

You're in a tough spot. FWIW, I've played with guys who have absolutely no aptitude for the game. It was a chore to say the least!

I would tell him no! If he wishes to proceed on that track it will have to be without you. I've known guys (my uncles), who had no other interests outside of work before retirement. They were all dead within 6 months after! Without their work, they were nothing!

If I were you, I'd tell him to never retire.

[Lime Shark]

1) It's not your job to tell him what to do with his life. If he wants to play golf, that's his business.

2) It's also not your job to teach him. At the most, recommend an instructor.

3) It's not your job to play with him either. 

Till he becomes competent, I would limit golf to TopGolf. A few beers and pizza while hitting golf balls.

[ssbn611]

I thought this thread was going to be about how to prevent your wife from taking up the game. 

[uitar9]

If he likes working, he should keep working. If he wants to golf, he should golf.

An hour at the range (with beer) or 2 hours at a par three, hacking around with families will give him some idea if he likes it or not.

I don't mind giving someone who wants to try golf some of my time. I just try to give them some of the basic rules and etiquette , and let them hack to their hearts content. Never talk about swing unless they ask. 

I take my son out once a year and my wife's priest once a year. They like the activity. Never keep score. Never get involved with swing. We just stress keeping pace.

[WUTiger]

On 10/19/2017 at 10:45 AM, Patch said:

If the guy wants to play golf, let him. Maybe even encourage him. He will eventually either like the game, or he won't. It's his choice to stay, or leave the game.  How well he plays is not important. He may get better, or he may not. That's up to him.

One of my best friends at work decided to take up the game after he noticed I play the game. He got a decent set of used clubs (Calla X20 irons, Orlimar woods, and a putter) and took some lessons.

We played a few times the first couple of years, but it never really caught on with him. We play maybe once a year now. He could make the time if he wanted, but half the time our rounds get cancelled because he has to clean the garage or do some miscellaneous paperwork. If he cancels I normally go out and try to pick up a group as a single. 

He and his wife moved to within a mile of an excellent public course, and he says we should go out and play more often. But, I'm not holding my breath. Otherwise we get along great, but I'm not counting on him as a future scramble partner.