I'm thinking about joining a men's league, but not sure if I should. I'm a 22 hcp and not sure what it's like. I don't really know anyone in the league but there are a few around. What are your thoughts?


Thanks

Jeremy

Men's leagues vary a ton course to course.
The quality of players and the league format are different every where.
I'm in a league now where it's straight up stroke play and the low score everyweek is typically under par.
A guy I work with plays at a different course 10 minutes away and hardly anyone ever breaks 80.
I'd call the pro shop at the course you're considering play at and just ask them what the play is like to see if you'd be comfortable.
Definitely worth doing though. Just find the right course.

The good is that you get to make friends while playing and mastering a course. You can also win some cash if there are skin games involved.

While not necessarily a bad thing, playing competitive golf is a totally different animal than casual golf. You need to know the rules because inevitably a situation will arise and your fellow golfers may call a penalty on you so I always have a copy of the rules of golf by the USGA in my bag. I have had some rules explained to me in the past which I am thankful for so it does help to know the rules inside and out.

The thing that happens to me usually is that I play worse in tournaments including men's league compared to the casual rounds with my friends which is simply nerves going into overdrive. Another good thing is that with that handicap, you could win some nice net prizes. I'm also a 22 and it has been beneficial in some events. I would say go for it.

I agree with the idea of calling a couple of courses to get a feel for what the league is. The formats vary quite a bit. Some have a different game each week (2-man BB, 4-man 1 net 1 gross, individual, etc.). And some have a standard game that does not change. Also the level of competitiveness varies quite a bit. Some leagues tend to be pretty casual and some seem like life and death. Everyone likes something different and in most cities there is a pretty wide selection.

I havent joined a league yet. Since golf season is coming to a close and most leagues are already in session. I plan on joining one next year. I hope to find a laidback just for fun league since I am also a beginner (21hdcp)

Trying to talk my wife into playing more and joining a couples league.

Let us know how it goes if you do join one.

Thanks for all of the replies....There are about five courses withing 10 miles of me so I will give them a call. I plan on joining one next year and I'm very excited about it.

Thanks again

I've played in 3 different leagues at different courses over the last 4 years or so. I've stayed in the same monday night league at my home countryclub, then in addition, played with my dad in a league at a local course a couple years and with my buddy in another league at that same course one year. All the leagues I've played in were stroke play with handicaps and then you match scores with each player on the other team at the end. All leagues around me tend to be like that. I'd say at a 22 handicap (for 18 holes) you're fine. Most people in my monday night business league tend to be 9-12 handicaps for 9 holes. There are a couple scratch golfers in league, but not many low cappers at all. My partner's handicap has fluctuated from 1-3 during the course of league and I've been everywhere from a 3 to 6 for league (9 holes) and typically the people in the league think that's fairly impressive, so we're definitely not playing against PGA hopefulls. Honestly, some of the better players at my country club don't play in the leagues anymore. However, I would say most the CC memebers that play most often, do though (if that makes any sense).

Leagues are a lot of fun, and a great way to meet new people. Most nights, I'd have to say at least 50% of the league goes to the bar and socializes for an hour or so after their round too (36 two man teams, so that's a fair number of people)

If they're handicapped too, it takes a lot of the stress off and evens everything out. I don't think I'd ever play in a league that was straight up score. I'd get killed every week, since it would probably mostly be scratch players.

They're fun. Recruit a friend and get into a league that's two man teams. Good times.

Do it.

I joined a league about 10 years ago. I started in "D" flight because I sucked. Last year I won the league championship, I have been in "A" flight the past 4 years.

Don't worry that your not good enough, the whole idea is to have players of similar scores play amongst themselves. We have guys in our league who have never broken 50 for nine holes. They still have a blast and feel competitive because of the handicaps. It's also a great way to assure you "get out" at least weekly. One thing for sure, your golf game WILL improve.

I have met some incredible people who have become lifelong friends through this stupid game. Each year I meet a few new guys (NFG's, as they are referred to on our scoresheets) and most of them are really cool.

Although it's probably too late for this season, call the courses you're interested in and get the leagues officer information. Call the officers and let them know you're interested. (They may even let you come out and play a round this year to check them out) I know we always have a few spots open each year as people move or change jobs. Most leagues are always looking for new members in the spring. They usually have a pre league meeting where dates and outings are set, you can get your information at that meeting. Or just hook up on the tee the first day.

I see no downside to trying a new league. If it sucks, just try another one.

Good Luck!

If you are looking to improve your playing capabilities, I would suggest you also try to find a traveling golf league that plays on one of the weekend days. Playing in a regular league during the week in the evenings is fun but generally you are playing the same course over and over. If you find a league that travels around on the weekends, your chances of improving your game from playing competition on different courses is much better.
Have fun!!

+1 for what all the other posters have said.

I was in a league, that my Father ran, for 15 years. It was the BEST golf (as far as fun) that I ever had. Everything based on handi-cap to keep it fair. We played every other Saturday and topped the season off with a golf weekend at a resort.

The league stopeed in 1995 and I stopped playing also (personal reasons). I just got back into the game this past May and am now in search of another league or men's club. I just like playing when things are a little bit more serious. I love playing with friends, casually, but enjoy it more when it counts for something.