Asking 'Category 1' golfers for advice..

I have played off a category 1 (5.4 and below) handicap for the past 12-13 years. I have had some special rounds, along with some absolute disasters. For some players, I may be one of the better players they have ever played with.

No matter where I go, I will be asked about my golf. I can be asked a range of questions from; "So, what is it like to be a fantastic golfer?" to "So, if I always slice it, how do I stop that?". As much as I appreciate people valuing my opinion, I do wonder how am I meant to answer these questions without; A. Sounding like I am arrogant, waffling off into a 20 minute story of how bad luck has cost me my chance to be world No1. B. Asking them after 6 pints to swing a pool cue in the pub. Imagine the damage!

The most popular situation I find myself in, is when I get paired with someone I have never met before. I introduce myself on the first tee and start the round. We go through our golf CV's, learning each others handicap, past & present golf clubs, hometown, wife & kids names, job & answers to other obligatory questions.

It may not happen then, but I know its coming. "Well. If you can give me any tips about my game, I would appreciate them. Just let me know where I am going wrong in my swing". It's one of those moments, where I turn around to see if there is a qualified teaching professional playing with us.

As a category 1 handicapper, it is assumed you can fix someone's game. The message I am trying to get across is that technical pointers from non qualified players (Like myself), is like taking legal advise from someone you met on an all inclusive holiday in Benidorm. I may see things during the round where I can help, like seeing a right handed player who moves the ball left to right, tee up on the left hand side of the tee box every hole. I may say "How about you tee up on the right hand side of the tee box and start one down the left, to give you more golf course to hit". The best advice I always give, is to find a qualified professional and book a course of lessons. The desperation for Golfers not to spend £35 every 4 - 6 weeks on a lesson, is one of life's phenomenon's. One day the average golfer will realise that "The best value for money in golf is not materialistic, it is knowledge and hard work".

I have spent enough time around good golfers to know, they will help where they can. If you want my personal advice, I would use good players as a chance to learn how they get round a golf course and handle situations. Some of the best advice I have given players, has been to do with course management.

I will continue to be asked how to fix someone's swing, I will continue to not have a clue. Hopefully one day someone will ask me, "What was your thought process when playing that hole?".

Thank you for taking time out of your day to hear about 'Asking category 1 golf for advice'. This Blog post is not designed to discourage players from asking me for advice, But to advise you on what you should really be asking.

Want to continue the conversation?

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. I would also be interested to hear the best & worst pieces of golf advice you have been given.

GOC