League Play: Pros and Cons?

[LeftyWhiff]

I'm thinking about joining a 9-hole recreational league next season. It will be my first league experience, and I know and play regularly/casually on weekends with a couple of people in this league. I'm a high handicapper (about 25 unofficial) working to improve my game. I'm inching toward becoming a bogie golfer, slowly but surely.

My question: How did the league experience affect your game and/or golf experience? I'd be interested in hearing both positives and negatives. I've heard a little both ways, but would like to get a broader perspective. this could be helpful to other folks as well.   

[boogielicious]

11 hours ago, LeftyWhiff said:

I'm thinking about joining a 9-hole recreational league next season. It will be my first league experience, and I know and play regularly/casually on weekends with a couple of people in this league. I'm a high handicapper (about 25 unofficial) working to improve my game. I'm inching toward becoming a bogie golfer, slowly but surely.

My question: How did the league experience affect your game and/or golf experience? I'd be interested in hearing both positives and negatives. I've heard a little both ways, but would like to get a broader perspective. this could be helpful to other folks as well.   

Leagues are a good way to play regularly. You play the same course in different conditions from spring through fall. If you like the other players in the league, it is even better. You may run across personalities you don't mesh with, but that is part of life.

[RWC]

I joined a 9 hole league this year and have enjoyed being able to have a fixed day to play each week. As a single, it was always a challenge to get to the course and then try and slide into an open spot - knowing that I don't have that concern has been great. Most of the guys I've played with have been good chaps (hopefully they would feel the same about me).  I have seen some improvement in my game this summer but I think that is do more to changing to graphite shafts in my irons and adding a few hybrids.  Give the league a try - hopefully you'll enjoy it.

[windlaker]

I've been playing in a league for about 10 years now.  It's been pretty good.

Most of the guys are decent enough.  It "Guarantees" I'll get out on a regular basis.  Always a chance for some prize money (our league is handicapped).

Really no downside, IMO.

[Zekez]

12 minutes ago, windlaker said:

I've been playing in a league for about 10 years now.  It's been pretty good.

Most of the guys are decent enough.  It "Guarantees" I'll get out on a regular basis.  Always a chance for some prize money (our league is handicapped).

Really no downside, IMO.

I second this.

 

Love playing in a league for many of the reasons already mentioned.

[Club Rat]

I've played in several leagues through the years. Three were men only and one other was a mixed league with employees.

All of them were very fun and a means to play golf regularly. The work league had many beginners and provided them the opportunity to learn the game and was also a great social experience. 

[chilepepper]

i play in several different leagues. Some more serious some more laid back. 

The pro’s - you play with the same group at the same course

The con’s- you play with the same group at the same course

 

[Aguirre]

As long as you like the league, I don't see any "cons" to playing in one. Except nine holes. I hate playing nine holes. Literally the only times I've played nine holes in the last twenty years was with my young nephews at a Par 3 course or holes 19-27. Mother f*** nine holes.

[jamo]

I've been playing in a league for a few years now and really enjoy it.

[windlaker]

8 hours ago, Aguirre said:

As long as you like the league, I don't see any "cons" to playing in one. Except nine holes. I hate playing nine holes. Literally the only times I've played nine holes in the last twenty years was with my young nephews at a Par 3 course or holes 19-27. Mother f*** nine holes.

The ONLY time I play 9 holes in is league...after work.  Almost never time after work for 18 holes.

[RFKFREAK]

I'm curious - I've always been interested in joining a league and although it's too late to join one now for me, how did you start playing in the league you joined?  Did anyone just tell the pro-shop you were looking to join one and they helped out?

11 hours ago, Aguirre said:

As long as you like the league, I don't see any "cons" to playing in one. Except nine holes. I hate playing nine holes. Literally the only times I've played nine holes in the last twenty years was with my young nephews at a Par 3 course or holes 19-27. Mother f*** nine holes.

+1.  It feels...incomplete. 

[Jeremie Boop]

If I weren't playing with my dad I wouldn't be in the league I am. They don't really follow the rules of golf, a lot of pot smoking, slow play, etc. I don't have anything against the guys in the league, I just don't mesh well with them generally speaking. If there were a league that I could join that was more serious about following rules I think the personality of the people in it would probably be more in line with mine. All that said, I echo what others have said, it works out really well to have a set day each week to play. I use league night as a practice round this year, working on my swing and trying different shots because of the relaxed nature of the league at least.