Fun or serious golfer?

[billethkid]

I play golf for the fun of it. I do not need a handicap to measure how I am doing. And I don't play in anything that REQUIRES a handicap as it is far more serious than I ever care to be about the game.

I am a social golfer and just cannot get very serious about the score. For me it is still being able to get out and play at my age; the company I am with; just enjoying the great scenary in and around TV.

How do you view the game of golf in retirement?

btk

[DonH57]

I'm thinking of trying out golf. Never played before. I intend to go at it having fun and not being really pulled in to be a fanatic about scores and stuff.

[Rickg]

I'm thinking of trying out golf. Never played before. I intend to go at it having fun and not being really pulled in to be a fanatic about scores and stuff.

I have a fused wrist which doesn't do much for my swing and just started. To golf, so I will be just enjoying the game.

[Happinow]

We only golf to have fun. We met a great couple "blind golfing" (that's what we call it when they pair is up with a other golfer) and now we golf with them every Sunday. For us, it's about getting out and enjoy the company and taking in the warm weather and scenery. It just feels good to be outside. Some days we do well and others not so well. All in all, we play against ourselves hoping to improve with each game one way or another. Yesterday our friend made her first birdie on a very difficult hole and my husband made a 25 ft putt from the same hole. It's fun to celebrate the accomplishments with a cheer and a high five! We never keep score. We love the game and never played before we moved here. We try to play 2-3 times a week. We played with someone we knew and he insisted on keeping track of everyone's score. He was a par golfer and we are fairly new at the game. Please....if you are a good golfer and are playing with people who are not, don't make them feel bad by having them tell you their score. It's really none of your business. Keep your own score and let others do as they please. What a way to put a damper on a golf game. Now get out there and have fun!!!

[buzzy]

I play golf for the fun of it. I do not need a handicap to measure how I am doing. And I don't play in anything that REQUIRES a handicap as it is far more serious than I ever care to be about the game.

I am a social golfer and just cannot get very serious about the score. For me it is still being able to get out and play at my age; the company I am with; just enjoying the great scenary in and around TV.

How do you view the game of golf in retirement?

btk

Similar here. But I want to move up to championship courses over the summer, so I can play with my neighbors next winter.

[gomoho]

Fortunately most of the golfers I have played with so far are interested in having fun - not beating you - notice I said most - there's one in every crowd!!! Enjoy the game.

[justjim]

I use to play golf rather seriously but age and physical issues has changed what "game" I had----now when I play----it's for fun. However, it's not so easy to make the switch. I listen to some of the legends of golf (Palmer and Nicklaus) talk about the same issues as they got older and have physical issues. However, Don't put me in their category of skill level! It's great to just be out there.

[ajbrown]

I play golf for fun, I love meeting new people when I get paired up. I love the scenery and just being outside on a beautiful day (read Extraordinary Golf sometime). Yesterday we played El Diablo with a wonderful couple from Canada, great people, great time. At this time in life I am fortunate to be healthy enough to play this game. Last fall a wonderful 'golfing freind' passed away suddenly and I always remind myself of that if I curse a bad shot, asking myself, how much would <friend’s name not required> have enjoyed hitting that poor excuse for a golf shot?

and

I am a serious golfer in the sense that I do have a handicap. I sometimes have the opportunity to play in events that require one, e.g., member guest. I do try my best to play by the rules, especially on any course that I must turn in my score for handicap. I still try to play each shot like a scratch golfer even though the body and amount of practice cannot support that.

Unless I am playing in a tournament or a match, I would never worry about how others are playing with one caveat. In the nicest way possible I hope that all golfers will take 15 minutes to understand basic etiquette, where to stand, when to talk, etc. In my many years playing in TV, I have yet to meet anyone I did not enjoy playing with.

I guess I view my game as someone who takes it seriously and plays for the fun of it….

[Dayzee]

Hubby and I have been playing golf for many years. Our top priority is to have 'fun', but we are, and always have been, very competitive with each other - no matter what the sport, golf, bowling etc. Now days we enjoy pairing up in a 'best ball' format and setting little (or big) goals - like scoring par on an executive course. When we play with other couples (that we know) we sometimes play the women against the men. Last week the ladies won - the men had to grill the burgers after. If we are playing with 'new friends' it's an easy-going round, sometimes not even keeping score. This year we registered for the GHIN handicap system. Even though we don't play the 18 hole courses often, we have enough scores to maintain a handicap. This allows us to participate in The Villages Golf Club outtings outside TV. It's a great way to meet and enjoy the company of other golfers.

[OnTrack]

. and

I am a serious golfer in the sense that I do have a handicap. I sometimes have the opportunity to play in events that require one, e.g., member guest. I do try my best to play by the rules, especially on any course that I must turn in my score for handicap. I still try to play each shot like a scratch golfer even though the body and amount of practice cannot support that.

Unless I am playing in a tournament or a match, I would never worry about how others are playing with one caveat. In the nicest way possible I hope that all golfers will take 15 minutes to understand basic etiquette, where to stand, when to talk, etc. In my many years playing in TV, I have yet to meet anyone I did not enjoy playing with.

I guess I view my game as someone who takes it seriously and plays for the fun of it�.
My sentiments exactly.

Especially the etiquette part.

Whether a serious or "just for fun" golfer, learning the basics on how to keep things moving and not back up the whole course....should be required.

A test before being allowed to play maybe? :D


.

[ugotme]

As ajbrown basically said - BOTH!

I enjoy the game.
Maintain a handicap (though never played in anything requiring one).
Enjoy being competitive mostly with myself - hence the handicap.
On occasion play a friend for a $2 Nassau.

Get frustrated but enjoy the game and am right out there again 2 days later.


:boom:

[BobnBev]

I'm not a golfer, but I might try. Is there a place where I can just be alone, and play at my own pace? I don't want to have to pay for this, or for that, or to use my cart. I don't want to worry about holding others up. I don't want to have to buy special shoes or gloves or even clubs, is this possible??????

[OnTrack]

I'm not a golfer, but I might try. Is there a place where I can just be alone, and play at my own pace? I don't want to have to pay for this, or for that, or to use my cart. I don't want to worry about holding others up. I don't want to have to buy special shoes or gloves or even clubs, is this possible??????

Any driving range/practice facility.

.

[buzzy]

You could go to an executive course after 7:00 when the starters have left for the day, but you may run into groups doing the same thing.

[Mikeod]

I agree with those who say both. I used to play seriously,competitively, but this game will tear your guts out if you take it too seriously. Now I only comptete with myself, striving to get better, but not agonizing about it. I want to play the best golf I can at my age and with my infirmities.

When I'm on the course, I play with people with a mix of abilities and we have a great time. We congratulate each other on our good shots and keep quiet when we hit a clunker. The only advice I ever give on the course is when I see someone not caring for the course or unknowingly using poor golf etiquette. A gentle reminder or comment usually suffices.

[mainlander]

Of the games I have played there, I found myself playing in two categories actually. A more serious(read competitive) grouping. This is a game where many compete with themselves to improve their game as well, imo. The second type is more enjoyable to me now. I believe "Gracie" summed it up nicely; something to the effect that there is no score keeping, keeping the game moving foreward for your group and others on the course, leaving the grounds better than when you started and just enjoying everything around you and the moment.

[LittleDog]

I play twice a week with my wife on the executive courses. We keep score but realize that some days your "A" golfer shows up and some days your "D" golfer shows up. Thats to be expected and in the schema of life golf is relatively unimportant. We don't keep others scores nor do we ask them what they shot. We take it as it comes. Twice I week I play on the Championship courses. Usually I play men's day and in all the times I have played I very rarely have seen super competative golfers. Most of us, even though we are in a tournament, don't get aggravated with a poor round. Thats one thing I like about the Villages. No club throwing although there is some cursing. I also play with a neighborhood group for $5 a man. We play various formats and once again no super competitive types although there are some good golfers in the group. By the way I'm not a good golfer but do enjoy the game and the sometimes good shots that a pro would like. :BigApplause:

John