How to handle a sourpuss friend?

[Eracer]

I hear this too many times that I play with a friend of mine (usually after his first sliced tee shot of the day, which of course ruins the rest of his day):

"I suck at this!"

I've gotten so used to it that it doesn't even bother me anymore. I just wish he would do something about it, instead of expecting himself to somehow magically get better. Or at least accept the fact that he sucks at golf, probably won't ever suck less (without some serious swing work), and just get out there and have fun, no matter what happens. Thing is, he has a physical issue related to his cervical spine that has affected his right side. Loss of sensation and coordination, etc. The problem is that he remembers his high school days, when he could shoot in the 70's. And he does have a great short game most of the time. But his full swing is just awful.

He sometimes gets so frustrated that he "quits" in the middle of a round. Starts hitting balls with no thought or swing prep at all (with predictable results), hits putts as soon as he gets onto the green, without pulling the flag, and generally being a whiney little puss. The last time he did that I told him that I was leaving, and didn't want to play with a cry-baby. He did calm down and play the rest of the round, but GAWD that's annoying.

He is my friend, and most of the time he's OK. He does seem to be trying to be more positive out there.

What would you do in a situation like this? Sorry, no multiple choice - I want opinions.

[sandwedge]

Tell him to relax and take it one stroke at a time. You can't do anything about a bad shot you already hit but you can do something about the next shot. Unfortunately this is probably something he will have to realize and do on his own.

I used to get really frustrated after hitting bad shots and get discouraged. I have been reading a lot of stuff on golf psychology now and believe it or not it has helped. Bob Rotella's books in particular. Everybody hits bad shots but it is how you respond to those shots that plays a big role on shooting scores to your current potential.

From what you have said one thing he really needs to do is create a pre shot routine. If he is just getting mad and hitting his next shot without preparing for it then as you said the results are predictable.

If all else fails tell him to quit being a p***y and man up.

[mont86]

I have simular situation...I only golf with this person 2 to 3 times a year..He is too distracting for me to golf with.

[LyleG]

I wont play with negative people.

Come to play or have fun, I dont care. Leave the whining at home though, because I cant stand listening to it.

[SiberianDVM]

The guy that got me started golfing 2 years ago is like this. I finally quit calling him to ask him to play.

There are plenty of other folks out there ready to play who seem to have a good time while playing.

[MCDavis]

Originally Posted by LyleG

I wont play with negative people.

Come to play or have fun, I dont care. Leave the whining at home though, because I cant stand listening to it.

Ditto.

Anyone can get frustrated with themselves, but you let it out and you move on to the next shot...you don't spoil the round.

[JEFF4i]

Move on. It's like being with a girl that whines and sucks at what she does.

Just move on.

[SplooGe]

Originally Posted by JEFF4i

Move on. It's like being with a girl that sucks.

Just move on.

Pure insanity...cause I'd keep her around.

[sidewinder]

SplooGe,

It's not good form to quote someone incorrectly and alter the meaning of their post on purpose, even if it is meant to be funny.

You could of had the same effect by bolding the part you wanted to emphasize without altering the actual text or meaning.

S-

[Pa Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Eracer

What would you do in a situation like this? Sorry, no multiple choice - I want opinions.

Tell him that slice would be ideal if he bowled?

For me it would probably relate to another thread, where I would buy him a beer and tell him it becomes alot less painful if he ties one on. If that didn't work I would likely tie one on just to make it through the round.

[slicerdude]

Eracer, i know exactly how you feel dude, not that long after i joined this forum i had a thread about a guy i played every Sunday, but he would get progressively more moody as the round went on , moaning about his swing, his luck, the coarse, etc, and when he lost a ball, which was a lot, he would search the full 5 minites, and it really started to affect my game, but the majority vote was to stop playing golf with him, off the course he was a neat guy,on the course he was hell, i took the advice and i`m at least 12 shot better off,` so i know its tough.

[cabinessence]

Ask him, "What are you so mad about?" From there it's easy to tie him into knots about unrealistic expectations and his behavior in general.

[SplooGe]

Originally Posted by sidewinder

SplooGe,

It's not good form to quote someone incorrectly and alter the meaning of their post on purpose, even if it is meant to be funny.

You could of had the same effect by bolding the part you wanted to emphasize without altering the actual text or meaning.

S-

thanks for the etiquette lesson.

[footballking732]

Originally Posted by sidewinder

SplooGe,

It's not good form to quote someone incorrectly and alter the meaning of their post on purpose, even if it is meant to be funny.

You could of had the same effect by bolding the part you wanted to emphasize without altering the actual text or meaning.

S-

i disagree... i do it on occasion, and i know many people on this board who do that also..

he is just making fun, no harm done...

[footballking732]

and btw- i suggest not playing with negative people.. they ruin your game.. just find a new partner if he cant be positive...