So much time and energy is often spent chasing improvement through working on different areas of the game, and nowadays we even acknowledge the importance of having good psychology on the course. However, there is one thing that can massively impact success that is rarely talked about and that is, how to deal with the many different traits of playing partners.
‘Playing partners?’ I hear you say, yes playing partners. The people we choose, or often don’t choose to play golf with, can have a huge effect on our ability to get the ball in the hole. Here are 7 potential playing partner personalities that you may encounter on the course.
1. The Slow Coaches
These are the players that are in good physical health, but they get so carried away with chatting, practice swings, checking their yardages and organising their bags, which means they are never ready to hit their shot! Playing golf means they are out for the day, so why would they rush? Pace of play, ready golf? Those are things that other people must adhere to.
How To Deal With A Slow Coach
You could perhaps keep a gumshield in your bag so you can protect your teeth from the inevitable gritting they will do. Alternatively, you can do your best to lead the way by setting the pace of play you believe should be adhered to. Ensure you are always ready when it’s your turn to play, and the odd mention of being mindful of those playing behind can help. This tactic can potentially make you appear slightly anti-social if you are promptly on your way after each shot, but it maybe the nudge a player needs to get a move on. If that fails, you could always casually mention how Georgia Hall said speeding up her play led to great improvement for her golf.
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
2. The Complainers
Complaining is a condition that this golfer is likely to suffer with on and off the course. They are the human embodiment of Eeyore, but at least he was cute! They are the type of person that could get a hole-in-one but complain it dropped in from the left side of the cup rather than the right side. Nothing is ever right, or good enough for them. If it’s not the weather, it’s the condition of the course, if it’s not the course, it’s the time of day the competition is being held, or the surface of the car park. If there is something negative to be said, they will say it, as it’s a way of life for a complainer and most of the time they lack the self-awareness to even know how they are doing it.
How To Deal…
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