Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 2217690)

Speaking of golf, I remember heading out as a single on one of the championship courses one afternoon...I was paired with 3 women, who became very nervous when I showed up. They were obviously beginners, but we all were at one time, right?

I think I scared the crap out of them when I striped my first drive right down the middle (probably the only one that afternoon...:1rotfl:)

We had an absolutely wonderful time! They were a hoot! I don't think I ever had that much fun playing golf! They trash talked better than most of the guys I play with...

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy (Post 2250143)

great story!

Amateurs (all of us) should only play seriously if there is money or trophies involved. . otherwise, golf is all in fun, and a bit of humor is always helpful on the 8th putt. .

Originally Posted by Laker14 (Post 2217875)

In order for me to play with my wife I have to play "beneath" my level, but the common courtesy when doing so is to try to keep points going by hitting shots that are challenging for the opponent, but not intimidating or impossible to return.

Of course, sometimes this is harder than hitting the obvious winner, and a shot I would have easily put away goes into the net and makes me look like a doofus. But that's OK. Egos should be put aside when playing in that circumstance.

Also infuriating is the guy who should be playing a step or two higher, but loves to hit drives at weaker players. Often the weaker player is a player who may not even have the hand-eye coordination to protect his or her face from the shot. I've had words with a few of these guys. It is perfectly acceptable to refuse to be on the court with them. Believe me, everyone in the line knows who this guy is, and he should be shunned until he finds the group where he belongs and isn't dangerous.

Originally Posted by npwalters (Post 2217660)

My wife went through the same thing. At one court beginner play began at 10 but the advanced players that started during open play refused to leave. The people at that particular rec center refused to do anything about it. Some rec centers (Mulberry especially) were good about monitoring it. My wife finally quit PB and took up golf.

Don't give up. State to the line you are a beginner looking for other beginners to play. Maybe, those that are sandbagging will be shamed into shuffling around.



I teach two PCVG beginner groups and I always warn them to avoid the bullies that are too often on the beginner courts. It's a pet peeve of mine.....can you tell? lol

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2250222)

Just a question. Do you think these more skilled players show up for beginner class because they cannot beat someone at their level? I know it seems unfair, but maybe this is the case. They aren't true beginners but are people who need to sharpen their skills. I have no idea. I do not play court sports because of bad knees.