The snow is melting, which got me to thinking about golf, which got me to thinking about playing golf, which got me to thinking about what makes me most nervous about golf: Playing w/ people you've never played with before.
Anybody else hate this? The idea of having to "prove" yourself to somebody new is just so annoying/uncomfortable. The first tee is the ultimate first impression; duff it or slice it and the walk to your ball is miserable. Your playing partners think you are awful, which you very well might be. But maybe not. You might go on to shoot 75.
I am a decent player, but I pretty much always downplay my ability anytime I play with someone new. Then I end up having no confidence and I play like a total schmuck.
Golf ... what a crazy game sport.
It's worse when you are playing a white man's game and you don't want to embarrass your race. Even the most well intentioned withe dude says something to really make me uncomfortable. I've been asked at least half a dozen times about how I have been influenced by Tiger Woods.
As for the first tee thing, several times I have told myself that I am going to hit an iron off of the first tee to minimize embarrassment. I did it once, the first time I played at Sand Creek Station, a group of six BTW and I knew one other guy. I laced a 5 iron, still felt stupid.
Also why do guys like me who shoot in the 80's and 90's play the tips? I hate that crap, I don't get paid to play golf, what the eff do I have to prove?