The joys of being a beginner

hades

Just wondering if any of you chaps have any advice or such on my situation

So, i used to play golf as a junior, but stopped at 18 due to the cost of adult membership, but now at the rip old age of 31 i'm back at it.

I have joined a pub society, where i played my first round since my 13 year layoff, scoring a blinding 7 points over 15 holes on a provisional 20 handicap. But since then i have been to the range a few times, scored 17 points in Mahony's Point in Killarney, and a blistering 27 points on the Belvelly Course in Fota. So my game is coming back, slowly but surely.

Next on the cards is lessons, and i'm going to orgainse these today.

Now with me being a hacker, i'm finding it very tough to find chaps to play a round with. I've since joined my local club, and getting someone to play a round or 2 with me is nigh on impossible in order for me to gain a handicap. Once i have a handicap i can play the saturday competitions, but until then i'm screwed and relying on folks good will to take me out, which is in deminishing with the onset of the weather.

What do you guys recommend? I've talked to the club pro, i've gone up the course myself and played a few holes, but it seems, as a hacker, i'm seen as an outcast.

PhilipMarlowe

Contact the handicap secretary / club secretary / captain of the club and outline your position to them and if they are any good they will help you out... set up some contacts for you.
Once you get to play with someone, don't be shy about asking for their number and then you'll build up a network that you can text when you're interested in a game.
If the club has an online booking system then it gets even easier to put your name down with others. If not, ask to be paired up with people by whomever is in charge of this in the shop/office. You have to put yourself out there in the beginning which can feel uncomfortable, as if you're imposing on others, but once you get a few rounds under your belt (and your official handicap) then you'll be away. By the way, the vast majority of club golfers are also hackers so don't concern yourself too much with your ability.

hades

I guess i'm just very conscience of the fact, that one of my shots will be a delightful 4 yards off the tee, and my next could be a corker. Nobody wants to play with that, and its understandable. From my outings with the pub, i have gathered a few contacts, but most i have contacted afterwards are happy enough to just go out when the pub society is playing, or with their pre-existing saturday 4 ball.

I will contact the club and try to organise my 3 rounds for an offical handicap as you mentioned. Once i have that, i've no issue with playing in competitions with strangers. Its just these 3 rounds inital rounds and getting them organised.

I suppose i'm coming at this with all the enthusiasm of a child, and i want to be playing the whole time, if you get me.

alxmorgan

Just a suggestion : let us know what club you joined and one of your friendly neighbourhood boardsies may accomodate you for a round or two.
As far as I know you don't need to be a member of the same club to sign your card for handicap purposes anyway.

hades

Oh sorry, its Youghal.

BUACHAILL

hades wrote: »

I guess i'm just very conscience of the fact, that one of my shots will be a delightful 4 yards off the tee, and my next could be a corker. Nobody wants to play with that, and its understandable. From my outings with the pub, i have gathered a few contacts, but most i have contacted afterwards are happy enough to just go out when the pub society is playing, or with their pre-existing saturday 4 ball.

I will contact the club and try to organise my 3 rounds for an offical handicap as you mentioned. Once i have that, i've no issue with playing in competitions with strangers. Its just these 3 rounds inital rounds and getting them organised.

I suppose i'm coming at this with all the enthusiasm of a child, and i want to be playing the whole time, if you get me.

Dont be so silly, wouldnt worry about bad shots, I have played rounds with scratch golfers who have gone around in high 80's you just get bad days, it happens no matter what your handicap. Your handicap is a lot to do with your ability to get away with your bad ones.

what I would say is as a beginner know your main rules, ethiquette of the game and your positioning on the course. If you do this correctly and dont put others off when they are taking their shots you will have no problems getting people to go out and play with you. People who judge if they want to play with you or not through your handicap are dicks anyway and should be avoided.

Above all else just enjoy it

Ring the club and put yourself into a slot thats free with 3 others and just jump right in, explain your situation on the day and relax and enjoy.

Good luck

alxmorgan

I second that. I'm off 18 and scored 35 points on Saturday and then 6 for front 9 on Sunday. Complete meltdown but it happens.

As BUACHAILL says just know the ethiquette and relax and enjoy.
Better than a good day at work as they say

hades

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated. I have the ethiquette and such down to a tee (bad pun) from playing as a teen. I even bought trousers so i would fit the dress code, :eek:

As it turns out, i find the older generation far more understanding of a hacker, with players my own age, 31, having delusions of grandeur, getting annoyed if they don't hit every shot 100% perfect. I think most forget that we play golf for fun and if you play well, then thats the bonus. Well, thats my philosophy anyway.

NoelAPM

You can play in the tournament for a handicap m8... just dont pay into the tournament. Best way i found to get people to sign cards. i started golf in june after a 8 year break

Murphj7

Mate Im a golfer in Kerry but live in Cork. Just got my handicap. Your a member in Youghal, do anyone know do you have to be a club member there to sign the card? I am willing to play the rounds sometime no problem.

OneColdHand

I'd imagine the club will allow you to play in the weekend competition. Obviously you won't be able to return a score, but you can put your name down with some randomers and they can mark a card for you.

Newuser12345

Agree on above, was in same situation

Stick your name down on timesheets at weekends, dont enter comp anyone will sign a card for HCP purposes

hades

Thanks again for the responses, nice to have a bit of encouragement, along with knowing folks have been in the same boat before.

charlieIRL

hades wrote: »

Thanks again for the responses, nice to have a bit of encouragement, along with knowing folks have been in the same boat before.

Every single one of us were in the same boat getting our handicaps!!

Best of luck.