Going to play my FIRST round on Sunday-tips?

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Bocephus
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6:52p, 6/23/25
AG
Excited to actually get out there and play a round but I know absolutely nothing. Any and all tips would be appreciated. Main goal is to have a good time. Second goal is to not interrupt anyone else's pace of play.

Friend told me that if I'm hitting my 10th or 11th shot on the hole and there's people behind me, pick up the dang ball and move on. Other friend said once you hit twice par, you should consider moving. Gonna play from the whites.

Playing Waterview GC in Rowlett. I do not think we are going to get any rain so not worried about driving on wet spots. I know not to drive on the green. I know the basic etiquette like being quiet, not walking in a putting line etc.

I plan on staying hydrated with water and light beer. I shall tip the cart girls generously. My friend who works out there plays music from a little speaker on her cart. Do y'all play music? I'm leaning towards not doing that. I am bringing 20+ balls per person to make sure I do not run out of balls.

I'm just trying to learn and have fun.
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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MAROON
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7:24p, 6/23/25
AG
Are you playing by yourself or with a group? Pick up after double the score is a good idea if you are holding people up. You might not even keep score as this is all about having a fun time.
What do you boys want for breakfast BBQ ?.....OK Chili.
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Bocephus
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In reply to MAROON • 8:20p, 6/23/25
AG
MAROON said:
Are you playing by yourself or with a group? Pick up after double the score is a good idea if you are holding people up. You might not even keep score as this is all about having a fun time.


Playing with another beginner like myself.
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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G Martin 87
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8:22p, 6/23/25
AG
If it's your first time ever, play from the forward tees. Do not listen to any stupid nonsense from anyone about "ladies" tees. You're there to have fun and learn how to play a round.
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Peter Piper
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8:32p, 6/23/25
If you're not on the green after your 4th shot, pick it up and drop on the green and putt. If your ball is in the rough, move it out to the fairway.

Play ready golf. Buy cheap balls so you don't have to worry about losing them.

Music is fine as long as it's not too loud that other people on the course can hear it.

Nobody cares if you suck; they care if you're slow.
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MAROON
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In reply to Peter Piper • 8:56p, 6/23/25
AG
Lots of good advice here
What do you boys want for breakfast BBQ ?.....OK Chili.
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Legend
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9:18p, 6/23/25
AG
On pace of play, it's important to watch behind you to make sure you are not holding up the group behind you. BUT, pay attention to the group in front of you as well. If you are keeping up with them (i.e. you are teeing off when they are hitting approach shots or on the green, you are approaching or on the green when they are on the next tee box, etc), then you are keeping up with pace of play even if the group behind you may be on you.

Play some holes where you hit every shot and take a score. But, also pick up and move along on others. Hit a tee shot. If it goes 15 yards into the rough, just pick up and drop a ball 100-150 yards out. Don't hit multiple shots out of the bunkers. You can try a sand shot or two, but if you are in a bunker, just pick up (rake the sand) and place the ball on grass and chip from there. If one of you hits a decent drive but the other one doesn't, drop with the good drive. You'll move along because you're hitting from the same place and it can be like a mini scramble.

Just have fun and keep up the pace. If you get paired up with other golfers, just tell them on the first you are a newbie and that you'll do your best to not slow them down. Buy them a beer.

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Bocephus
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In reply to Legend • 9:21p, 6/23/25
AG
Legend said:
On pace of play, it's important to watch behind you to make sure you are not holding up the group behind you. BUT, pay attention to the group in front of you as well. If you are keeping up with them (i.e. you are teeing off when they are hitting approach shots or on the green, you are approaching or on the green when they are on the next tee box, etc), then you are keeping up with pace of play even if the group behind you may be on you.

Play some holes where you hit every shot and take a score. But, also pick up and move along on others. Hit a tee shot. If it goes 15 yards into the rough, just pick up and drop a ball 100-150 yards out. Don't hit multiple shots out of the bunkers. You can try a sand shot or two, but if you are in a bunker, just pick up (rake the sand) and place the ball on grass and chip from there. If one of you hits a decent drive but the other one doesn't, drop with the good drive. You'll move along because you're hitting from the same place and it can be like a mini scramble.

Just have fun and keep up the pace. If you get paired up with other golfers, just tell them on the first you are a newbie and that you'll do your best to not slow them down. Buy them a beer.



Great advice on the bunkers. I had not thought of that. Thank you
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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bagger05
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10:31p, 6/23/25
AG
1. Don't play the whites. The whites are almost 6400 yards which is pretty long for the "normal" tees. At least play the golds and you'll probably have more fun playing the greens which are all the way up. They're 5500 yards which isn't all that short for forward tees.

2. When it comes to pace of play, don't worry about the group behind you. Worry about the group in front of you. Stay caught up to them. You should be waiting to tee off while they're in the fairway and waiting to hit into the green while they're finishing up putting.

3. Waterview isn't a very tight course but there are houses along most holes. So be careful.

4. On a Sunday as a twosome you're almost certain to be paired up with other people so just be ready for that. Most people are cool as long as you keep pace. Don't let the tees they play from influence where y'all play from.

Related to the above if you're only two, I'll come play with you. I can show you the ropes, answer your etiquette questions, and it'll prevent you from being paired up with total strangers (at least we know each other on the internet). Waterview used to be my home track and I haven't played it in forever. We can all play the green tees and have a jolly old time.
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Milwaukees Best Light
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11:17p, 6/23/25
AG
Have you been to the range? Have you been practicing somewhere and this is just the first real round? Hopefully the answer is yes, and I suspect it is, but I gotta ask.
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Bocephus
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In reply to Milwaukees Best Light • 1:41a, 6/24/25
AG
Milwaukees Best Light said:
Have you been to the range? Have you been practicing somewhere and this is just the first real round? Hopefully the answer is yes, and I suspect it is, but I gotta ask.


Yes to both
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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wangus12
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7:40a, 6/24/25
AG
Quote:
4. On a Sunday as a twosome you're almost certain to be paired up with other people so just be ready for that. Most people are cool as long as you keep pace. Don't let the tees they play from influence where y'all play from.
You will also be shocked to find that most golfers are just not very good at it. I've played a decent amount of rounds on DFW public courses and only once or twice have I've been paired with people that actually broke 100. Have fun and keep up pace of play and you'll be fine.
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El Sucio
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In reply to Bocephus • 8:51a, 6/24/25
Like previously mentioned is pace of play. Don't fall behind the group in front of you. But also very important is that you will probably hit a lot of fat shots and take big divots, make sure to repair the divots with sand. Also, super important is to take care of the putting green. Do not drag your feet on the green to where it affects the putting conditions. Fix any divots that you see on the green whether or not you made them. Also, when you are in the bunkers, make sure to rake the sand and when you walk out of the trap tap your shoes so that you don't leave sand on the putting green. Golf is a great sport and you'll be able to play for years. Most important is to have fun and don't get discouraged.
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Obi Wan Ginobili
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9:28a, 6/24/25
For your first time golfing, keep picking up your ball and drop it where your group is if you are struggling badly. You can still hit every shot they do, just don't take 3 shots to move the ball 150 yards. No shame about it, golf is just really hard.
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mavsfan4ever
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In reply to bagger05 • 9:35a, 6/24/25
AG
bagger05 said:
Related to the above if you're only two, I'll come play with you. I can show you the ropes, answer your etiquette questions, and it'll prevent you from being paired up with total strangers (at least we know each other on the internet). Waterview used to be my home track and I haven't played it in forever. We can all play the green tees and have a jolly old time.
This is a great offer. For your first time, I would try to go with a group of 3 or 4, both for your sake and the sake of people you may be paired with. I know I would not want to be paired with randoms for my first round (even though most everyone would likely be cool as long as you keep up pace of play).
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bagger05
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In reply to mavsfan4ever • 9:38a, 6/24/25
AG
And as someone else said the people you're paired with will probably suck anyway.
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oldflyer
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9:49a, 6/24/25
AG
My wife just played her first round of golf with me. She is not hitting the ball solidly as of yet. I disregarded the tees and set her up 100 yards from the flag. That is something you might consider.
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boy09
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In reply to Peter Piper • 9:59a, 6/24/25
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Jawn Dough said:
Nobody cares if you suck; they care if you're slow.
This cannot be overstated
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DG-Ag
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10:21a, 6/24/25
AG
Take a good supply of balls and don't spend an inordinate amount of time looking for a wayward shot.
You're from down South,
And when you open your mouth,
You always seem to put your foot there.
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RK
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10:22a, 6/24/25
AG
Quote:
If you're not on the green after your 4th shot, pick it up and drop on the green and putt.

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DG-Ag
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In reply to oldflyer • 10:22a, 6/24/25
AG
oldflyer said:
My wife just played her first round of golf with me. She is not hitting the ball solidly as of yet. I disregarded the tees and set her up 100 yards from the flag. That is something you might consider.
I don't play much anymore, so when I'm with friends we kind of just play a scramble. I don't play my own ball for the most part. Takes a lot of the pressure off and makes the outing much more fun.
You're from down South,
And when you open your mouth,
You always seem to put your foot there.
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Milwaukees Best Light
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10:53a, 6/24/25
AG
Oh, and next time you play your first round of golf, try a Tuesday morning, or, even better, Tuesday afternoon. Course will be empty so you can hit 18 shots per hole. Sunday morning is busy usually.
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Bocephus
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In reply to Milwaukees Best Light • 11:02a, 6/24/25
AG
Milwaukees Best Light said:
Oh, and next time you play your first round of golf, try a Tuesday morning, or, even better, Tuesday afternoon. Course will be empty so you can hit 18 shots per hole. Sunday morning is busy usually.


I scheduled for Sunday afternoon so we would miss the morning people
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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Bocephus
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In reply to DG-Ag • 11:03a, 6/24/25
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DG-Ag said:
Take a good supply of balls and don't spend an inordinate amount of time looking for a wayward shot.


I'm bringing 42 balls for the two of us
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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Milwaukees Best Light
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In reply to Bocephus • 11:06a, 6/24/25
AG
Bocephus said:
Milwaukees Best Light said:
Oh, and next time you play your first round of golf, try a Tuesday morning, or, even better, Tuesday afternoon. Course will be empty so you can hit 18 shots per hole. Sunday morning is busy usually.


I scheduled for Sunday afternoon so we would miss the morning people

Great choice. Have fun. Look forward to your report.
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DG-Ag
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In reply to Bocephus • 11:07a, 6/24/25
AG
Bocephus said:
Excited to actually get out there and play a round but I know absolutely nothing. Any and all tips would be appreciated. Main goal is to have a good time. Second goal is to not interrupt anyone else's pace of play.

Friend told me that if I'm hitting my 10th or 11th shot on the hole and there's people behind me, pick up the dang ball and move on. Other friend said once you hit twice par, you should consider moving. Gonna play from the whites.

Playing Waterview GC in Rowlett. I do not think we are going to get any rain so not worried about driving on wet spots. I know not to drive on the green. I know the basic etiquette like being quiet, not walking in a putting line etc.

I plan on staying hydrated with water and light beer. I shall tip the cart girls generously. My friend who works out there plays music from a little speaker on her cart. Do y'all play music? I'm leaning towards not doing that. I am bringing 20+ balls per person to make sure I do not run out of balls.

I'm just trying to learn and have fun.
I would go with the 3 over par rule. Beginners, IMO, should never get to their 10th shot on a hole. Doesn't do anyone any good.
You're from down South,
And when you open your mouth,
You always seem to put your foot there.
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98Ag99Grad
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11:52a, 6/24/25
AG
Quote:
If you're not on the green after your 4th shot, pick it up and drop on the green and putt.
Looks like I've found a new par 5 strategy.

OP- have fun. Its a great game you can play for the rest of your life. Looking forward to hearing how it went.
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zgolfz85
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12:40p, 6/24/25
AG
welcome to hell
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JoCoAg09
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2:09p, 6/24/25
AG
Whew. When I saw the title, I thought you were playing your first round ever and doing so from the tips. I'm glad that's not the case.
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DG-Ag
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In reply to JoCoAg09 • 2:29p, 6/24/25
AG
JoCoAg09 said:
Whew. When I saw the title, I thought you were playing your first round ever and doing so from the tips. I'm glad that's not the case.
Ha ha - thought the same thing!
You're from down South,
And when you open your mouth,
You always seem to put your foot there.
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zgolfz85
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2:35p, 6/24/25
AG
my legit advice would be to try and squeeze in a first round on a local par 3 practice course before you take to the real thing on Sunday. I don't live in DFW anymore, but I think there's still one off Renner near Plano/Richardson border. I'm sure there's plenty more around town though. Probably not realistic to squeeze it in, but if you can, it will at least give you the feel of hitting shot to shot and basic course etiquette, etc.
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Sword543w
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3:23p, 6/24/25
Don't try to "kill" the ball( trying to hit it as hard as you can), you just want to keep the ball in play. Advancing it 50 yds at a time is better then shanking every ball ob. That being said, your gonna hit bad shots, but as long as you keep pace, have a good time, and stay hydrated, you should be good.
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Bocephus
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In reply to Sword543w • 3:53p, 6/24/25
AG
Sword543w said:
Don't try to "kill" the ball( trying to hit it as hard as you can), you just want to keep the ball in play. Advancing it 50 yds at a time is better then shanking every ball ob. That being said, your gonna hit bad shots, but as long as you keep pace, have a good time, and stay hydrated, you should be good.


I took beginner golf at A&M (a short 27 years ago). I'm trying to find that happy place where I don't swing the club hard and the ball just goes straight. Remembering not to grip the club too hard has helped a little.
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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DG-Ag
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In reply to Bocephus • 4:14p, 6/24/25
AG
Bocephus said:
Sword543w said:
Don't try to "kill" the ball( trying to hit it as hard as you can), you just want to keep the ball in play. Advancing it 50 yds at a time is better then shanking every ball ob. That being said, your gonna hit bad shots, but as long as you keep pace, have a good time, and stay hydrated, you should be good.


I took beginner golf at A&M (a short 27 years ago). I'm trying to find that happy place where I don't swing the club hard and the ball just goes straight. Remembering not to grip the club too hard has helped a little.
You find that place, you let me know, okay?
You're from down South,
And when you open your mouth,
You always seem to put your foot there.
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Bocephus
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In reply to DG-Ag • 5:10p, 6/25/25
AG
DG-Ag said:
Bocephus said:
Sword543w said:
Don't try to "kill" the ball( trying to hit it as hard as you can), you just want to keep the ball in play. Advancing it 50 yds at a time is better then shanking every ball ob. That being said, your gonna hit bad shots, but as long as you keep pace, have a good time, and stay hydrated, you should be good.


I took beginner golf at A&M (a short 27 years ago). I'm trying to find that happy place where I don't swing the club hard and the ball just goes straight. Remembering not to grip the club too hard has helped a little.
You find that place, you let me know, okay?


Why the hell could I do it at 22 but not now that I'm so much smarter and wiser?!
TAMU ‘98 Ole Miss ‘21
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