Who should I NOT play golf with?

I have been going to the driving range for about six months now and have just recently started actually playing on a nearby Par-3 executive course. As a beginner my question is simply this: Who should I completly AVOID playing golf with?

In other words, how do I find a good "golf mentor" or "golf partner" and avoid the pushy, arrogant, impatient golfers who I always seem to get paired-up with?

As a beginner, my biggest challenge is finding the "right" people the play with.
Any advice on this matter...

Stay at the par 3 till your game improves. Golf is a individual sport if you want advice ask a pro. Keep a good attitude, dont get angry, keep up with the group in front and you will attract fun players.

Remember that the secret to GOLF is ............. there is no secret, except hard work.

First: If you can, find a good golfer to play with. You'll pick up a LOT just by watching them play.

Second: When you're paired up, explain that you're an absolute hack or rookie. They'll either ask to go ahead of you, or they won't care.

IMO, there's no-one you SHOULDN'T play golf with, except maybe the guy that offers unsolicited advice after just about every swing... but then, he's probably an absolute hack, too!

Thanks "Mr. Lowpost"! I have always found your advice to be really helpful.

I absolutely LOVE this game. However, as you know, everyone has an opinion as to what exactly you are" doing wrong". And sometimes, as a beginner, it can be a bit anoying to be contantly receiving advice from what seems like everyone on the planet!

Is there any way to politely tell people to just "hush-up" without apearing too ungrateful?

Agree with lowpost.

play with players you have fun with and avoid the ones that annoy you. If you play public though, you never know who you will get paired up with. Playing with better players will help you. However, sometimes better players try to avoid playing with beginners as it can be a distraction if the pace of the game changes. Honestly, the worst part of playing with beginners is around the greens. The problem is that by the time they putt out, the group behind you gets close and you feel as if you have to rush a short putt

just tell them if they give you advice, "That may be something I could try on the range but if I think about that now my swing will just get worse" and if they are a good golfer then maybe ask them a little course management advice or general questions about the game, not swing mechanics. Example for course management, you are 210 yards off the green and will not get there in one shot so you play 2 wedges because it will take 2 shots anyways and keep the big numbers out of play. ANd, If they have a good swing you could discuss swing theory/mechanics with them on how they try to swing and what they want to accomplish in the swing, not necesarilly what is going wrong in your swing. But try to understand the physics and not incoperate just yet.

You could say 'Thanks for the tip, but I prefer to tinker with my swing on the range'.

You should try to play with lower handicap golfers to learn the game. But, you had better know all the etiquette required to insure you don't interfere with their game. No talking when the player is getting ready to hit. Know where to stand when the player is hitting. Be ready to hit when it is your turn. Don't walk in the other players putting line. You can play bad and still play quickly if you keep your head in the game.

Most lower handicappers have no problem playing with higher handicap players if the higher handicapper understands the nuances of the game.

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Imagine how boring golf would be if every shot resulted in a hole in one. Perfection is over rated.

Thanks for the advice. It has all been really helpful!

I've also heard that hiring an instructor for a few "playing lessons" on the course is also a good way to learn the game by allowing a begginner (like myself) to take more time with someone who is patient and willing to give sound, positive guidance.

Mr. LowPost (or anyone else interested in responding), any thoughts on paying for a few "playing lessons"? Are they worth the extra expense (about $75 per lesson)?

In the spring, many golf courses have group golf lessons for beginners. The first lesson is normally devoted to course etiquette. Because you are part of a group, the lesson cost is much less. Usually around $20.00.

I've had playing lessons as part of a course - definitely worth it so that your pro can see how you swing away from the range (for many of us there's a distinct difference).

If you can find a friend who's a reasonable golfer, ask him / her if they'll go out on a practice round with you - and make sure you treat it purely as enjoyable practice, playing some generous preferred lies if you want and playing 2 or 3 "short game" balls if the course isn't busy; a few beers is normally all my mates want.

I would largely advise a playing lesson, if only for the experience. Now, that said, I would also advise you save the money if you have no interest in changing the way you play golf.

From my own personal experience:

I pull driver on almost every hole. Not good strategy. I try to draw the ball, fade the ball, try flop shots - all shots I 'can' do, but shouldn't. I try the miracle shot rather than the safe one. Now, a playing lesson will tell me these are all bad ideas - but I already know this.

To wit - since the course closed (to the public), I'll often head out with 6,8,PW and a few balls, and play. And yes, oddly enough, I play better with just 3 clubs than I do with 14 (I putt with my PW, and usually 2 putt). The lesson? Course management is very, very valuable. So take a playing lesson, if you're willing to change the way you play golf.

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I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.

OMG Barrister I'm hearing you. I've just started playing and the guy I'm paired up with is always giving me helpful tips. He means well but sometimes it's easier to focus on one thing for that day. I find what has helped is he will say one thing and after that, if he tries to keep giving me advice and I get really frustrated, I just say, "Thanks, but I've got a bit of brain overload right now and would really like to just focus on blah blah blah". Then, if you need anymore help, just explain that you'll ask.

Hi Mr Lowpost, does that mean that it's ok to go onto the course with a 3, 5 wood, PW, SW, putter, lob wedge, and then 7-9 irons, because at the moment, that's all I'm using.

Smoates, that'd be fine. I'd try to do it when it's slower, that way you're not holding anyone up. (That's also when I head out with just a couple clubs).

I know a lot of rookies that like a 'half set' (odd numbered irons, a couple woods and wedges), because it clears up the club selection problem.