Unsolicited advise

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By eboos

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  • 6 Replies
  1. eboos

    eboos
    Whitinsville, MA

    I know that there are a lot of well meaning people out there, but getting unsolicited advise is one of the most annoying things in golf. When I am on the range, I like to work on things, and because I may be working on something, my shots can be a little erratic. Infallibly, the guy next to me will suggest lessons, or some piece of insight that they may think that I am unaware of. Sometimes this may be productive, but more often then not it is frustrating and seems condescending.

    When I saw this happen to another person a few months ago, his outward reaction displayed everything that I had felt but did not say. My advise would be, if you notice a fundamental flaw in a person's swing, do not rush in to save the day. Instead, start a light conversation with the person, and get an idea of what their experience level is. If the person needs help, they will most likely ask, or otherwise indicate at some point.

  2. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    eboos said:

    I know that there are a lot of well meaning people out there, but getting unsolicited advise is one of the most annoying things in golf. When I am on the range, I like to work on things, and because I may be working on something, my shots can be a little erratic. Infallibly, the guy next to me will suggest lessons, or some piece of insight that they may think that I am unaware of. Sometimes this may be productive, but more often then not it is frustrating and seems condescending.

    When I saw this happen to another person a few months ago, his outward reaction displayed everything that I had felt but did not say. My advise would be, if you notice a fundamental flaw in a person's swing, do not rush in to save the day. Instead, start a light conversation with the person, and get an idea of what their experience level is. If the person needs help, they will most likely ask, or otherwise indicate at some point.

    If you see someone obviously struggling - agree that best way is to ease into it and then maybe the person may ASK for help.  The biggest thing I may see at the range is someone trying to take a big backswing and lifting the left foot such that only the toe is on the ground and this person struggles to hit the ball. 

    I've also had those times when I've been merrily rolling along at the range hitting long clubs and then I pull a short iron out and couldn't hit it if I tried (got this issue that, fortunately, doesn't show up on the course).   Called losing one's swing.  Usually what I do is maybe rather loudly exclaim "$^&" I lost my swing.   If someone comes up and tries to offer advice in this case, I'll politely explain that I lost my swing and I already have a drill where I can restore it quickly. 

    Even people that aren't that good at golf aren't really receptive to advice. 

  3. Steve H

    Steve H
    Clearfield, UT

    So let's take it a little further....how about a Father who doesn't know about golf,  out teaching his son or daughter because he wants the next golf champion???  Tell me you haven't seen this before.  It almost makes you want to cringe....

  4. eboos

    eboos
    Whitinsville, MA

    Steve H said:

    So let's take it a little further....how about a Father who doesn't know about golf,  out teaching his son or daughter because he wants the next golf champion???  Tell me you haven't seen this before.  It almost makes you want to cringe....

    LOL. Print out a score sheet from any mini tour and keep it handy for those occasions. Show him that just making a cut 16 deep with 7 under will net him a whopping $900. Then maybe they'll reevaluate the level of skill and commitment it takes v. the payout.

  5. anthony p

    anthony p
    milford, CT

    I cannot agree with you that this is extremely annoying.  Same thing happens In The gym all the time, people who are I. Far worse shape than I are quick to solicit advice.  I try to be polite and hear them out, but its annoying sometimes.  I look at it this way, if for every 10 people who annoy you, you pick up 1 tip froze someone who knows something you're still better off

  6. Ray T.

    Ray T.
    Wilmette, IL

    Eboos,  I've been meaning to mention something about that flying left elbow of yours.  Now if you just...

  7. eboos

    eboos
    Whitinsville, MA

    Greg P said:

    Eboos,  I've been meaning to mention something about that flying left elbow of yours.  Now if you just...

    :P

    lol

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