Anyone here play Golf?

[ForresterModern]

Most golf courses actually frown on "playing through", as it still slows down play in general and the group letting the following group play through in particular, then just drops the same problem on the group following them. Most golf courses will pressure groups to keep pace up with the group in front of them, particularly on weekends and weekday mornings when "playuhs" predominate the tee times. Weekend afternoons and most times weekdays are otherwise pretty laid back by comparison. The other reason is that most beginners don't know about how and when to use the "play through" concept. Lastly it can be frustrating for the beginner to feel pressured to keep up with other more talented and more experienced players in the same group, whether or not they are actually being pressured. I have known several friends and my current wife to get to the point of picking up the ball in the middle of a hole because they felt like they were "holding up the group", and that only heightens their sense of frustration, often ruining what remains of their "game" and the rest of the round. This is probably the biggest reason new players give up the game prematurely, rather than a lack of ability or progress. Hence the reason for my suggestion to hone the beginner's skills a bit on lower stress courses like par 3 or executives where the norm is slow play( kids, old ladies, beginners, etc) and on the practice range. Also cannot say enough about just going to a local public golf course and using the putting green to practice putting----doesn't cost a penny and is excellent focussed practice.

[davedove]

Most golf courses actually frown on "playing through", as it still slows down play in general and the group letting the following group play through in particular, then just drops the same problem on the group following them. Most golf courses will pressure groups to keep pace up with the group in front of them, particularly on weekends and weekday mornings when "playuhs" predominate the tee times. Weekend afternoons and most times weekdays are otherwise pretty laid back by comparison. The other reason is that most beginners don't know about how and when to use the "play through" concept. Lastly it can be frustrating for the beginner to feel pressured to keep up with other more talented and more experienced players in the same group, whether or not they are actually being pressured. I have known several friends and my current wife to get to the point of picking up the ball in the middle of a hole because they felt like they were "holding up the group", and that only heightens their sense of frustration, often ruining what remains of their "game" and the rest of the round. This is probably the biggest reason new players give up the game prematurely, rather than a lack of ability or progress. Hence the reason for my suggestion to hone the beginner's skills a bit on lower stress courses like par 3 or executives where the norm is slow play( kids, old ladies, beginners, etc) and on the practice range. Also cannot say enough about just going to a local public golf course and using the putting green to practice putting----doesn't cost a penny and is excellent focussed practice.

I can see that, and I wouldn't recommend a beginner (and I am certainly still a beginner) going during peak times for that very reason. I always play at off times, because it is less crowded and is often cheaper.

That being said, the recommendation about going to par 3 courses is good advice for a beginner.

I will also say that I am certainly not as serious about golf as some players. Some of the people seem to take it as a personal insult if they have to wait for a slower player. This is supposed to be a game. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors.