Playing with a chopper

[henno]

So, I just joined a club in ernest.

Are new members a thorn in the side of the club stalwarts?

Should I just lay low for a while, or just jump right in and get amongst the weekly comp clique?

Is a loner hacker shooting in the mid-90's about as welcome as a fart in a space-suit?

What's the easiest way to hand in my three necessary cards on a course where I know absolutely no-one?

Don't hold back. This is a 3-month test to see if I am worthy of membership outside of the 6-day corp deal I have at Indro.

[Scottt]

Henno, any member loves a good bloke who's a pleasure to spend four hours with.

If you can routinely shoot sub-100, you're far from the kind of golfer whose lasck of ability makes them a liability to play with.

Put your name down in comp and get your handicap cards in that way, by the time you're done you'll have played with nine members. Stay around for a beer afterwards as much as possible and you'll soon fit right in.

I'd say meet as many people as you can as fast as you can. If you're friendly and follow rules and etiquitte, the only people who wouldn't want to know about you are the blokes it's not worth getting to know anyway.

Of the four clubs I've been a member at, the two most enjoyable were those where I was active in the social side of the club.

Where'd you join?

[PeteyD]

Which club? Jump straight in, most people are good and you learn to avoid the knobs.

[henno]

If you can routinely shoot sub-100, you're far from the kind of golfer whose lasck of ability makes them a liability to play with.

If you're friendly and follow rules and etiquitte, the only people who wouldn't want to know about you are the blokes it's not worth getting to know anyway.

I generaly pride myself on my speed of play and good etiquite. Even on the occasional round I have shot over 100 (101 the other week after losing 5-6 balls. refer: irons left, woods right thread) I still can't remember the last time I was holding up the guys behind, without being held up from the guys in front.

Put your name down in comp and get your handicap cards in that way

That was pretty much the plan. Maybe I can pick the eyes out of the comp sheet and choose similarly (un)skilled players.

Where'd you join?

Which club?

Pacific. So for current members, I'll be the guy in the trees with the stupid shorts!

[Scottt]

Isn't that where DC68 and Iain play?

[virge666]

What Scott said.

Get in there... it is not how many - it is who you spend 5 hours with.

[henno]

Isn't that where DC68 and Iain play?

Yup.

[Jarro]

Get into it henno, play with as many locals as you can.

[henno]

Bring your missus to caddie for a few weeks mate..all will be sweet...

She actually knows a few long-time members. Perhaps that's the "in" for me?

[mikezone13]

Agree with all.. just jump straight in...

I even had a guy playing in my group doing his handicap and he was nto even going to shoot less than 120, but was a nice bloke, whereas I played with a younger guy who thought he was god's gift and said he used to play off 2 and should be gettign a 5 handicap. He spent the whole day chopping it and swearing his arse off and was a right prick to play with.

So in summary, it's not how many shoot, it's how many people will play with you again that matters.

[sms316]

She actually knows a few long-time members. Perhaps that's the "in" for me?

Former "sugar daddys"?

[henno]

Former "sugar daddys"?

Far less interesting. Distant in-laws. Sort of.

[Dazza]

I too am about to jump into the world of comp golf. I've been consistently shooting in the mid 40's socially, so I feel that I'm ready to take the next step.

Long time since I've walked 18 holes, that'll be the real test!

[razaar]

henno I'm predicting that you will fit right in at 430 Pine Mountain Road or anywhere else for that matter.

[dc68]

Isn't that where DC68 and Iain play?

Yeps.... Mate anytime you want a hit let me know. Will you be playing Saturdays? If so what time? I can introduce you to a heap of blokes.

I have about 15-20 fellas that we rotate amongst and 2 of the play off 30+ so don't worry about mid 90's.

DC

[dc68]

Bring your missus to caddie for a few weeks mate..all will be sweet...

Ahem.......... Please do.

[henno]

Mate anytime you want a hit let me know. Will you be playing Saturdays? If so what time? I can introduce you to a heap of blokes.

Sure will. That is one of the main reasons I'm giving Pacific a go. I can already play Indro Sun-Fri, so the key is going to be how this Saturday ballot system works. Perhaps a sly $50 to the Captain wouldn't go astray to ensure a spot.

[Scottt]

Ballot? How's it work?

[dc68]

Sure will. That is one of the main reasons I'm giving Pacific a go. I can already play Indro Sun-Fri, so the key is going to be how this Saturday ballot system works. Perhaps a sly $50 to the Captain wouldn't go astray to ensure a spot.

Mate as I have explained heaps of times in the past you won't miss a game. You might miss out on the ballot but over the course of a week you will get a game due to a cancellation.

Sorry Snotttt I could not be arsed explaining the ballot.

[Dotty]

Go for it, Henno.

2BBB events handy for breaking the ice (even if it is only a side-bet within the group for halfway and/or the first two shouts).
The regular punters soon forget about you wiping a hole, but they'll remember your pars for 4 points.

Enjoy.

[adlo]

Henno, you seem like a funny bastard and I am sure would be good golfing company.

Jump in.

[Iain]

I'll play with ya.

[LarryLong]

My uncle-in-law is the biggest chopper I've seen in my life, but he's hugely popular around his home club and all the blokes are happy to play with him. I think mikezone13 said it best.

[oobsadd2]

My best and worst rounds of golf are with higher handicappers, enjoyment wise that is. If they just play their own game and loosen up then we all have a great time. Sometimes they will make excuses for being a chopper or try and "keep up" which is frustrating. So often the wheels fall off and you spend every hole or two in the long grass looking for balls. Take your sense of humour and all will benefit.

[pom]

Just get out there & have a go. Most of us have been in the same stuation at one time. Only ignorant Bs get annoyed playing with a newbie. Personally I quite enjoy playing with newer players & seeing them improve over a period of time