Effect of Playing Same Course on Score?

[alf174]

What do you think, does a familiarity with the course improve you score or should you shoot the same at new courses?

For me, absolutely. I only need one or two rounds to know what to expect.

[Dr_Fu_Manchu]

here's

Thanks Big M, I figured this was posted already but I didn't find it in the search.

[Thaddy]

Earlier in the summer I was playing the same 4 courses and my handicap was down around 7.0, but recently I've been trying to play new courses and have also taken some weekend trips and played courses that would never be in my normal rotation. Now I'm probably playing to a 9 handicap.

I generally don't shoot as well on a new course, but iI don't care. I play golf to have fun, not to make a living.

[steve8820]

Tough to say a number it saves....you still have to hit the shots and make the putts. Your example of someone shooting low 80's on one course and not breaking 90 on another can just be due to course difficulty. Length, hazards, etc. vary greatly from course to course as you know.

[tjy355]

I didn't vote because I don't think it is possible to quantify with a number of strokes. Anyway every course is different. I think it is clear that the more familiar a player is with a course the better his scores will be GENERALLY speaking.

[kregan]

At least 4 strokes for me.

I am now playing a 16.9 or 17 handicap. If I go to a new course or one I have played only a couple of times I will shoot around 95-98 depending on the day.