How Other Golfers Can Affect Your Game: The Good and Bad

We have all played with golfers that affect our game. Sometimes we realize it and other times we don't. Most of the time we don't realize it or only know it when other golfers negatively affect us. Some go as far as to avoid playing with certain golfers or want to play only with a specific group.

There are many ways other golfers can affect our golf game. It can either have a positive way or a negative effect on us. How each golfer chooses to deal with other golfers will also be different. Although there is a long list I could get into I will cover the 2 main ways.

How can other golfers affect how we play?

Attitude -

• Good: When a golfer has a positive attitude it can lead to more fun and better golf shots. A golfer with a positive attitude can hit a bad shot out of bounds and somehow still believe they can birdie the hole. They are out there to have fun and make the best of it regardless of their skill level. They will also be encouraging to your mishits and keep your mind at ease. This leads to having more fun and enjoying the day. It may even give you more belief in yourself leading to better golf shots or more made putts. All in all a golfer with a positive happy attitude will help you enjoy the day more.

  
  

  Tip - Soak it in, enjoy the day, and remember to bring that positive energy on your next round.

  
  

• Bad: Now the opposite is true when you play with a golfer that has a bad attitude. This could be a golfer who gets upset at every little thing, one who throws/slams clubs, or who is constantly making excuses about playing badly. This is the type of golfer who usually ends up with a reputation around the club and one who nobody wants to play with. That negativity can not only lead to you not having fun but lead you to play differently because you want the round to be over even if you've only played 4 holes. You may hurry over your shots and rush putts trying to just keep moving or get away from that golfer. Sometimes, especially when you play with a golfer who throws clubs, you may feel embarrassed to be seen on the golf course with that person. The round will drag out and a 3-hour round may feel like 5 hours.

  
  

  Tip: Try to ignore the antics as much as possible. If you are in the same golf cart as that person try and walk away when you can. For example: If your golf ball is 100 yards from the green grab your wedge and your putter, walk to the green after your shot, and let the other golfer take the cart. The walk will calm you down and separate you for a bit. If possible keep a positive attitude and focus on only the things you can control like your own golf game.

  
  
  
  

Skill Level -

• Good: Playing with better players can help you play better. This is nearly a scientific fact. Better players usually play with confidence and have a positive outlook during their rounds. As you watch quality golf shots it gives you a positive visual that will flow over into your own game. It is along the psychology of visualization to achieve. The other benefit is you can watch and learn from better golfers and what they may do differently that may help your own game. The opposite can be true when you play with golfers that you may be better than. Sometimes that can make you feel better about your own game and boost your own confidence.

  
  

  Tip: Watch the better golfers and learn as much as you can. Do not be afraid to ask them for any tips you feel may help your own game If you are the better player in the group just play your own game, be patient with the others, and do not give advice unless asked.

  
  

• Bad: The one bad side about playing with better golfers is it can sometimes be intimidating. Playing with golfers who may not be as good as you can affect your rhythm which may lead to the possibility of playing to their level. You may hit 4 shots to their 6 on a hole and have to wait for longer periods of time between your shots. Also, some of the less skilled players could be frustrated and have a bad attitude after some poor shots. As I said above about attitude it can affect your own attitude and how you start to play.

  
  

  Tip: Try to not feel intimidated. The better golfers most of the time will not care if you are a 2 or a 30 handicap. If you are the better player be patient with the others. Be helpful when looking for potentially lost golf balls and be encouraging. If you find you are waiting longer between your own shots try and distract yourself and to not think too much about your next shot.

There are plenty of other types of golfers that can affect your game but almost all of them can be covered in the two main categories above. The distracted golfer who is always on their phone or just not paying attention falls under the attitude. The golfer who opens a new beer on every hole can fall under the skill category and sometimes the attitude.

For the golfer who never seems to drive a cart properly is a slightly different issue. This is the golfer who makes you feel unsafe as a passenger because they are driving too close to hazards, making fast turns, or the one that is always trying to look at their phone or distracted by something else instead of looking ahead. This golfer will affect your game in a different way as they can cause you stress. They never seem to know where to drive for your golf ball, always park in the wrong spots, or take off with the cart before you get a chance to grab all the clubs you need. The best way to deal with them is either make sure before the round you are the one to drive, walk as much as possible, and limit how much time you are actually in the passenger seat with them or tell them you are taking control of the golf cart before someone gets hurt.

The best way to handle any golfer you encounter on the golf course is to remember these two things. One, you have absolutely no control over what they do or how they act on the golf course. You can only control your own game and that is all you should focus on. Two, you can choose whether or not you ever play golf with them again.