Golf Forums - Can high/low handicapper golfer play together ?

Being interested in the "golfing mind", I would like to ask if TSG members think they play better when playing with others of the same ability, or do they perform better when the are the "best" player in a 4-ball ?

Do high handicappers feel intimidated if they play with low handicap players ?

Hi Brigitte.

As a mid handicapper my preference is as follows:-
1st - similar standard.
2nd - higher, as long as not slow.
3rd - lower, can sometimes be intimidating.

More important than handicap though is personality/mindset. I much prefer to play with others who are not solely focussed on their own game particularly if they are beating themselves up (you know the ones!). I also like to play quickly and find slow partners of any standard frustrating.

Best wishes.
Roger

 I like to play lower handicaps then me and for 2 reasons:

1) i personaly try harder and like being the underdog
2)I wacth what they do and learn from it. 

having said that id play golf with anyone (well maybe not everyone lol)

 All depends on the occasion and the nature of games.  In social golfing I believe that a mix of handicaps works well for all and each have their own part to play.

Low handicappers - probably get least from the mix though, but can play a game without undue pressure, in the ideal world they could help to keep te game moving forward and it is always nice to see how they manage their way around a course.   I would caution others trying to achieve results that are not within their own capability.  For example trying to emulate the lower handicappes might not be good for your game as a beginner or improver...until you have mastered the technique.

Mid Handicappers, should by now have their way of playing established and can play without pressure,  Focussing more on the mental aspects and enjoying the game.

Higher Handicappers are always a welcome addition to fourballs, as they often display those flashes of brilliance that make life interesting.

So saying though, I believe that it is more the mix of personalities that make a 4-ball work well or not.  Being aware of what others are doing/feeling will always make for a better experience.  Take advantage of lower handicappers when you can, ask for advice if it is freely given, don't offer advice unless asked.  

Observe the etiquette as much (if not more) than the rules, and remember that it is a game to be enjoyed.  

Here's a story, when I first started playing proper golf courses the first one cosen (which shall remain nameless but I am paying there again this morning) was under new management, no course maps, no local guides.  My novice partner and I were a little lost so we waited for the low handicap group behind to ask for directions (allowing them to play through seemed a good idea).  Wihtout prompting one of that goup boldy strode to the tee, placed his ball with flourish, turned around with a smug look ans said 'this is the right direction, just follow me...' then snap-hooked into the heavy rough...   I followed that advice for a number of years.

Bottom line though, is that there will be occasions when it won't matter what the handicap mix is - people and personality will either gel of not,,, and if you like to play quickly - it can be frustrating to be with a much slower player, if you like to be quiet and reflective, the more demonstrative person may just put you off...

You will all be able to find the ideal mix, usually by trial and error...

My ideal mix

1* low handicapper - as it can be inspirational watching 
 2* mid (similar) handicappers - from which to gauge my own performance on the day
1* higher handicapper - to remind me that we all started somewhere

Personally I quite enjoy mixed gender games as well  - sometimes the on course behaviour is better...

And of course I don't mind at all, any game is a good one with high and low points, I do prefer a more peaceful approach though (not for me the smashing of clubs into the ground)...

Just remember, all golfers had to start somewhere. It is important what  you yourself put into your game that counts. Not every one has the same capabilities.  But the main thing is we all love the GAME!

 I agree with Ed it all about the company you play with these days,as long as you are in good company handicaps don't matter.