Ask the Top 100: Help! I have a tee time with a client and I can't play golf
Dear Top 100 Teacher,
I have been invited to play in a foursome with a client of mine who is a great golfer (and one of my biggest accounts!) I am not a golfer — a fact that I disclosed — but my presence has been requested anyway. How can I prepare for this outing in two weeks?
Jim T., via email
Dear Jim,
Golf is a unique sport in that players of varying skills can play the same course while enjoying each other's company. So you should embrace this as an opportunity to spend a few hours with one of your best clients in a casual setting. He or she invited you, so feel good about your relationship with your client — and don’t sweat your mis-hits. All great players have played with beginners before, so it’s unlikely that you can do anything on the course that your client hasn't seen before.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, find an experienced teacher in your area who can provide a couple of hours of instruction. Explain to the instructor that you just need a few basic concepts that you can remember on the day — and that you’re not trying to learn the game in two weeks! If you have time, invest in a playing lesson. This will help you to understand basic etiquette, where to stand, order of play, etc. Most players really don't care if your technique is rough around the edges as long as you don't walk on their putting lines, stand in their sight lines on the tee or talk during their swings.
Also, be sure to keep up with the pace of play. "Miss it quick" is what you will hear from many good players, meaning don't over analyze your shot. And when you’re really struggling, cut your losses and pick up. You are going to hit bad shots, it's the nature of the game.
Have fun, enjoy the good shots you hit during the round and forget the bad ones!
Good luck,
Jon
Top 100 Teacher Jon Tattersall teaches at Golf Performance Partners in Atlanta, Ga.
Posted by: andyh | Jun 10, 2009 3:18:27 PM
Just make sure you learn golf etiquette in general and keep up with pace of play. It doesn't matter how bad you are, golfers can play with any one. A good rule of them is to pick up your ball at around 8 shots. Smile and don't be too frustrated and just enjoy yourself
Posted by: jimmyjohhn | Jun 10, 2009 9:35:28 PM
swing slow and keep your eye on ball/head down. you'll love the game
Posted by: BobJ | Jun 10, 2009 9:50:48 PM
Figure out what you can do and what you cannot do. Can you hit a 5-iron off a tee? How about a fairway wood? When you play, only try shots that you can hit successfully. If a 5-iron off a tee is the best you can do, then don't try any shots harder than that. Can't hit a shot from the sand? Then put it on a tee. You could even skip hitting the ball off the tee and just start from where your friend hits his drive.
Posted by: Frank Burden | Jun 13, 2009 8:43:31 AM
I agree with taking lessons. Relax and just try to make contact and let the clubs do the work. You don't have to "kill" the ball. Don't spend more than a couple of minutes looking for a lost ball. Bring a dozen and when one is lost, have another in your pocket to drop. Most importantly, have fun, and don't spend the day apologizing for your lack of golf skill. Your client invited you for the relationship. Enjoy the day like you would a walk in the park with a friend.
Posted by: Terry | Jul 24, 2009 12:53:09 AM
I seem to collapse my right side on my down swing wich feels like my hips slide forward if you could help with some drills that would be good THanks Terry.