Playing in a pro-am? Pro says to focus on these 2 things
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Playing in a pro-am is among the biggest experiences a leisure golfer can have. Teeing it up on a Tour course alongside the professionals? There’s not a lot better.
The expertise will also be an intimidating one. Playing in entrance of golfers of a a lot increased ability degree may cause you to really feel self-conscious. Add in the truth that many pro-ams have followers in attendance and it may be troublesome to calm the nerves.
Most of this anxiousness is solely self-fabricated. Of course you’re not going to play higher golf than the professional, and in actuality nobody in the gallery actually cares concerning the a number of shanks you’ve hit. But typically emotion outweighs logic in your mind, and accepting these truths turns into almost not possible.
PGA Tour golfers play in pro-ams almost each week, so that they’re no strangers to nervous taking part in companions. Count Tour veteran Michael Kim amongst them. In his decade-long profession, he’s performed in loads of pro-ams. Recently, he took to social media to share his two finest suggestions for pro-am individuals.
1. Pace of play
Rule No. 1 for pro-am etiquette is maintaining your tempo. Sure, the course will probably be tougher than what you’re used to, and there could be some blow-up holes on your card — however that’s okay! As lengthy as you retain up your tempo, nobody will bat an eye fixed.
“You don’t have to play super fast since it’s probably backed up,” Kim says. “But we get annoyed when you putt out for double and go thru ur [sic] entire routine.”
If you’re having hassle on a sure gap, there’s no disgrace in choosing up. Be thoughtful of your taking part in companions — particularly the professional — and do your finest to preserve things shifting.
2. Attitude
There’s nothing worse than taking part in alongside somebody with a unhealthy perspective. We all perceive that golf is a irritating recreation, however don’t sulk on your misfortunes. It’s far more endearing to poke enjoyable at your ineptitudes than it’s to break a membership over your knee.
“I cannot emphasize this enough — we DO NOT care how good you are at golf,” Kim says. “We’ve played with absolutely terrible golfers and as long as you follow the rules above, we couldn’t care less what you shoot.”
Don’t take your self too severely on the market. Everyone needs to play properly — particularly beneath the circumstances — however that’s not at all times going to occur. If you hit a unhealthy shot, giggle it off. Enjoy the expertise of being on the market with a professional and decide their mind a little bit. The pro-am expertise is meant to be a enjoyable one. Don’t destroy it with a unhealthy perspective.