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John West
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 44
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Have noticed a decline in games [I put up as many as I can], but there seems to be a decline in the number available especially at weekends.
Have we lost some players to golf clubs?
Have we lost some players due to recession?
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Kevin Slumbers
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 29
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Hi john
I could possibly anwser this and speak for others to, I have put up various games in the past and have had hardly any response, now i just want to play golf and i dont care who I play with(even if it was an alien from mars) ive always had the impression that some members like to stick to there same groups of players that they like playing with, sometimes I look at the site and feel they should rename it THE CROWN social golfer, if you look at VGS there were only 7 games available when i last looked and maybe TSG may be going down the same route.
I would hate to come across negative but one thing I feel has made me a better player than say 12 months ago is playing with people I dont know.
We all know the saying "I get nervous on the 1st tee because everyone is watching me" but I can say I don't feel that now and that is down to the TSG and also joining and playing in various Golf societys mixing with fellow golfers I have never met before.
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Russell Middlet...
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 387
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Due to work and golf club competition I have hardly put up any games over the last two months.
My summer league games are going to have to be played in a much smaller time period, again due to my participation in the singles and pairs competitions.
At my golf club we have a large number of major competitons being played this month as well.
Then I put myself forwards to play in the Jubilee Cup team and that takes up another Sunday each month.
Once the number of games have reduced I'll post the Summer League games and be able to put up other one-off games.
Russ
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David Pipe
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 57
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I agree with Kevin - I can only play on weekends, and often if there is no game listed, I'll put one up myself after booking a tee time. Sometimes I get no responses at all ... not sure what's up with that.
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John West
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 44
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Hi Kevin,
You may be right.
Although most of the people I play with would normally play the game rather than make sure that they play with only those they know.
In the past we used to get the large events like Pine Ridge competitions created by Frances Pendle attended by 28 or more each time the event was staged. Now you're lucky to get 16.
My thought is that a number of the regulars which even at the peak would only hit 20-25 have most likley joined golf clubs. As a result and as mentioned by Russell, they have so many club events that makes it less likely to need to join or create a game through TSG.
With less members to go round less events will be created and less will attend.
I am not sure of how this can be resolved but we don't want it to be like VGS site as I want to play. I am happy to book events when I am able to play but for the next two weeks I can't and as you can see, there are not many games around on the weekends!
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Roger Akerman
Handicap: 13
East Sussex
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 118
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Hi
I must say that I agree with all the comments so far. But its not just weekend games that are suffering Because all the games that I post are mid week and now some evening games for those that fancy a game after work, and the response is still very poor. It appear that the whole site is slowing down re another thread from Roly on forum topic's. So I say come on every one this is a great site the guys have worked so hard to give it to us so lets all try and get Involved a bit more
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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There used to be lots of games posted by certain individuals (eg NW) The peak of these games were just before the so called credit crunch. I think that as Kevin hints, the novelty of TSG games, was getting new players out together, dealing with those 'new player nerves' without having to join a club where everyone seems to know each other.
I personally have gained a great deal of confidence from playing games with TSG. This has helped my handicap go from 28 to 18 in 2 years. regarding players wanting to only play with people they know, I can understand again this might be the 'nervous of playing with new people' syndrome.
I have tried to get involved with games & groups all over the south & have met some great guys & gals from as far as Portsmouth, southampton, Oxford, Woking, Kent, North London, etc........oh & Bracknell!
Perhaps someone could organise a special event for those who have joined, but not yet ventured out for a game. There could be a weekend event (JW?) & a midweek event (DS?) Perhaps TSG could offer some incentives (Prizes) & we could talk to our regularly used clubs to get a good price........weather getting HOTTER! Let's play more golf!
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Roger Marsland
Handicap: 36
Hampshire
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 41
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From a personal perspective the rapid increase in petrol prices has dampened my appetite/ability to travel away from my local area to play, paricularly at a time of year when the weather is uncertain. I expect to be out and about more during the summer months but will still be more "choosy" than I was during 2009.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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HI Guys I have played with a fair few of the people on here now and when I have been able to get away from work it has usually been a game in the week which is tricky to arrange. If we have enough of the southern mob here able to play in the Hampshire, Surrey, west Sussex area on a weekend I would glady put a game up. I think the season is just starting come alive again. Maybe we should try to post some more over the coming months and try to find some deals so that the prices are equal to a weekday game.....lots of 2-1 and twighlight offers around.
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David Smith
Handicap: 36
surrey
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 73
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Hi all,
I think for those of us with memberships when it comes to playing other courses its got to be one we really want to play ..
but on the plus side will be looking to join alot more of the weekend games (7day crown member).
I do also play other clubs.
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David Smith
Handicap: 36
surrey
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 73
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I know I havent listed much this month just gone as work has got in the way ( GRRR! ) surrey crown will be back with a vengence in june .. think maybe time to get someone (RR,NW) anyone involved in listing games with me , as in joint captain . maybe even slip jobs a weekend and a midweek captain ?
happy for any help .. it still is as its always been ... about great golf days and a good turn out
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Robin Butler
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 54
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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I agree with most of the posts here, but for me, and I believe many like me, golf has become quite expensive, taking into account not only green fees, which are £28-£30 at weekends, but the cost of travel etc., £50 incl. a day is the norm, and on my pension, which has been squeezed dramatically, I have to be very circumspect when I decide where and when I play. Crown Golf does help in that for a flat rate, I have the option of playing as often as I like at several courses in my area.
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Roger Akerman
Handicap: 13
East Sussex
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 118
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Alan I agree that the cost are taking a toll on our pensions, you are lucky to have crown courses near you the nearest one to me is a 50 mile drive and with the cost of fuel it makes you think twice about where you play these days. I do belong to a club but also I enjoy playing different course, Or Did
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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Roger, the Open Fairways deal is very good too, can save bundles...but you always need to be a twosome at least. If you havent done so , have a look at their website, via the Daily Telegraph...they publish several prices....I have gone with a 12 month deal, where they give me a 3 month free trial...cost if I remember correctly was £49
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TheSocialGolfer
Handicap: 36
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 782
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If you're interested in Open Fairways then quote 'TSG' when you get a quote as TSG Members get discounts with them
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david rae-clark...
Handicap: 36
west sussex
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Guys Hi,
Very interested in the trail of comments.,yes aim one of those " New People " who have joined the site, but, as yet have not taken the plunge and had a day out with any groups.
I think the comment raised about being on the tee with a group of new people does play a big part in taking that first step!! we are all creatures of habit and very rarely like to step out of our comfort zones, but in saying that we all had to start somewhere ! so i will be looking out for some games that are close to where i live .
Regards
David
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Russell Middlet...
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 387
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Playing with 'New' people will help to improve your game.
As you say, if you're playing with the same group every week then you might feel uncomfortable when playing with people you don't know.
Once you have joined a few games you will lose these nerves and just concentrate on swinging the club.
I play the majority of my club competitions plus I joined the Norman Plum and Jubilee Cup teams. These two competitions are played against other clubs.
Nothing more nervous than standing on the first tee of an away course with lots of people watching you, strange how it doesn't bother me at all now!
Russ
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Robin Butler
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 54
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I've just posted a game for Thursday 15th July if anyone is interested. At present its at Selsdon Park in Croydon but am willing to change it if someone has a better suggestion. I tried St Andrews but tee times were full for that day, some other competition or something!
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Ian Mullins
Handicap: 20
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 378
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I agree with Russ, playing with lots of different people has really improved my game. I was playing off 20 for years but since joining TSG, playing new courses and different players this has tumbled, at one stage earlier this year I was playing off 14!
As for being shy at posting games and even joining games, dont be, you'll soon get over that and see that we're all pretty normal and we all here to enjoy the beautiful game.
Good Luck!
Ian M
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John West
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 44
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Hi David,
I agree with Ian and Russ.
Remember we all started for the first time on TSG at some point so we all know what it is like to turn up for the first time at your first event.
Everyone on TSG is friendly and we all have a common goal, to have fun playing golf.
I always try to introduce a first time person to the rest of the group at the events I set up. You will never remember everyones name but once your in a two/three or four ball it is easier.
This site needs new people like you, it needs to retain those already here. Remember without us, TSG doesn't function.
So play............
Don't forget you can always set up a game........we need event creators as well!!
Welcome and good luck,
John.
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