Being invited to play with better golfers can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. You might worry about holding them up, embarrassing yourself or slowing the game. In reality, most good golfers are happy to play with anyone who keeps pace, follows the etiquette and is good company. And playing with better golfers is one of the best ways to learn.
What better golfers care about
- Pace of play. Read pace of play.
- Etiquette: standing still, staying quiet, not walking on lines. Read golf etiquette 101.
- Course care: repairing pitch marks and divots, raking bunkers.
- Good company: a positive attitude.
They rarely care about your score.
How to keep pace
- Be ready when it's your turn.
- Play ready golf in casual rounds.
- Pick up when you're out of the hole in a casual or Stableford game.
- Play a provisional if a ball might be lost. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
- Limit practice swings.
Choosing tees
It's fine to play from different tees from your partners. Choose the tees that suit your distance. Read which tees should I play?.
Managing nerves
- Arrive early and warm up. Read first tee nerves.
- Focus on your own game and routine.
- Don't apologise for every poor shot; it draws attention to it and adds pressure.
- Accept your level: you're not expected to match them.
What to learn
| Watch | What you might learn |
|---|---|
| Pre-shot routine | Consistency and commitment. Read golf pre-shot routine |
| Club selection | How they choose targets and clubs |
| Course management | When they play safe and when they attack. Read golf course management |
| Short game | How they chip, pitch and putt |
| Attitude | How they react to bad shots |
Ask questions between shots, not when they're preparing. Most good golfers are happy to share advice, but don't ask for a full lesson.
Being good company
- Introduce yourself and be friendly.
- Compliment good shots.
- Help look for balls.
- Offer to buy a drink afterwards. Read golf traditions and customs.
In competitions
In handicap competitions, you're competing fairly thanks to the handicap system. Focus on your own score. Read your first golf competition.
Frequently asked questions
Will better golfers mind playing with me?
Most won't, as long as you keep pace and follow the etiquette.
Should I play from the same tees as better golfers?
Not necessarily. Play from tees that suit your distance.
Can I ask better golfers for tips?
Yes, between shots, but don't ask for a lesson unless they offer.
How can I keep up with faster golfers?
Be ready, play ready golf and pick up when you're out of a hole in casual games.
The bottom line
Playing with better golfers is an opportunity, not a test. Keep pace, follow the etiquette, play from the right tees, relax and watch how they play. You'll learn plenty and probably enjoy the round more than you expected. For more on social golf, read how to find golf partners.