Do RANDOM pairings RUIN your 4 ball?

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[@1.5golf98]

First time golfing in Europe, I was shocked as an American that my brother and I were not paired up with 2 others. We actually waited at the first tee box for a little while before being told to tee off. In New Jersey, the starter will read from the Book of Incantations to resurrect someone from the local graveyard if a 4th doesn't come along. 4 will tee off, no exceptions.

[@underparigolf]

Brilliant 😂

[@Steve-a-Reno15]

Amen, love NJ

[@chriswinn3612]

Love this

[@chrisaraujo4634]

I live in NJ and can vouch for this lol

[@manchesterpkyle]

My local club has a million guys booking 4 and only 2 showing up, there are no remaining tee times as a result. Only way to get a tee time is to book like a month out, or show up and play the walk on lottery. Just checked, there is a single tee time available for 2 at 1:50pm on a Saturday. It ruins the ability of others to make a plan to play and robs the course of revenue.

[@donaldpadgett1204]

This is very common in America, especially at public courses. If there are open tee times just assume you're getting paired up. Less common if you book 3 of the 4 spots, but if you only book 2, just assume you're getting paired up.

[@paulbrusuelas6706]

I was thinking this happens to me all the time, but then again I live in Alaska and there are only 4 full sized courses within an hour drive. I just assume that if I don't book the last tee time of the day that I'm going to be paired with someone.

[@Chaz1724]

“You never know what these partnerships can blossom into” As a solo golfer I’m always getting paired with randoms, there is no blossoming happening 😂

[@mv2992]

im very often the random guy they pair up with you. give us a break would ya.

[@eoinm5758]

No harm joining in it's their problem not yours in Ireland this is how golf works great way to meet new people and have good craic

[@fillupinchrist07]

this seems so odd that this is a complaint where in the US you will always be paired up with others if the course is busy. Its feels strange when you do get to go out alone. i dont always like it but sometimes you meet some great guys/gals

[@chromaticsoundco.7664]

As a younger golfer that usually plays early in the morning, I’ve enjoyed meeting a lot of older chaps who share some wisdom and banter. I think the complainer may be a bit of a tosser

[@davidc.4305]

This is extremely common in the United States on public courses. In fact, I am that lone stranger most of the time as I play solo. I’m almost always paired with other people and it’s actually a unique and interesting way to meet people.

[@paulhujsak1310]

Ha ha! This just sounds like a whining question. As someone who generally plays a a single, I have to deal with all sorts. You don't need to talk to people, but you already have something in common: golf.

[@simonparson9443]

It’s a non issue. The golf club is a business, they can fill whatever tee times they want. You want to avoid it, join a private club

[@peterbergmans2256]

Playing with random golfers is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. Last year a senior golfer joined us. His life story was incredible and the fact that he made millions running mercenaries did not stop us from laughing for 4 hours. A lady joined us for a round last fall. She played from the whites and had a very good game. As this was her first time on our course I helped her out with start lines and breaks on greens. We had a lovely time after which she invited us to her very exclusive home course. You never know….

[@johnnyb2562]

The attitude that its YOUR tee time and not also their tee time speaks volumes. If you're terrified to play with strangers it sounds like you're the bad pairing, not them.

[@LegoCraneOp]

There’s another guy in this comment section that says “I always get paired with jackasses” and I was thinking…..hmm, what’s the common denominator?

[@davidgraham8058]

Exactly. It’s supposed to be a social game.

[@darrenhill3514]

I've had 2 people out of hundreds that have been weird and annoying...so you're right, the jerk is usually the introvert not wanting to play golf with anyone.

[@xBlade173]

The customer picks the time slot and how many are in the group. If I wanna play as a duo, that should be a non issue. It keeps pace of play faster, and less distracting. If they ask to add randoms in my group, that's fine, but it should not be forced on me, I should have the option.

[@XX-zu6ot]

You should have the option if you are paying. Not everyone wants to spend their weekend speaking to a random stranger.

[@steveroper194]

I was a rando who met another rando guy on the first tee at Meadowlark Golf Course in Huntington Beach, California - has to be 30+ years ago, and ended up being the best man at his wedding. I was also their marriage counsellor, when they hit a rocky patch about six months in, and were about to lawyer up.

[@WarrenG86]

I agree with always being open to adding to the party. Out of the times I've been paired with others, 97% of the time I've gotten on with them. It's just those rare occasions that the vibes aren't vibing.

[@kevan4852]

Show of hands, who's the random? 🤚

[@chromaticsoundco.7664]

😮🤚

[@manchesterpkyle]

🤚

[@An0989]

This is a non-question at public courses in California . You get paired up no questions.

[@davidgraham8058]

The question wasn’t about public courses. They are obviously different.

[@stevemacgruther4051]

About 20,years ago I went out at 630 am at my course in Ontario, Ariss Valley,got paired up with Moe Norman.Did not know it was the legend until after the round,thought I had played with the luckiest ball striker ever.Turns out was one of the best ever.😊

[@RayGorman2261]

Regarding "George" wanting to play a two ball on a Sunday at his course without being paired up- Over here in the US, ANY Public/Muni is NOT going to let that happen. Courses are on a razor thin margin and letting 2 greens fees get away is not going to happen. You might be able to do it at off peak times, but a Sunday morning? Fat Chance. It's possible you might get to do it if you pay for all four spots. But don't expect the course to open up and let the 2 ball play through. There is no place to go since everyone else is out in a 4 ball. Even if you book a four to try and keep the other two spots clear, a course will absolutely pair you with someone if they see the other two are not showing up- either two singles or a two. Mostly random singles who are waiting for an opening.

[@worldtraveler84]

In my opinion, Golf is a social game as long as the person you’re paired up with is respectful and you’re respectful there should be no issues with them playing with you. Let’s all have some fun. 👍

[@derekm.toohey538]

I go out as a single all the time and not once have I had a bad experience getting paired up with random strangers. I play munis in New York so it’s very common. If the other folks want to play by themselves they just play ahead and leave me be, if they’re open to socializing they’ll socialize. It’s never been an issue in my experience

[@mre_man]

Book for 4 knowingly you don’t have four is a douche bag move!

[@anonymousfu]

In Canada they'll charge you at most courses if ppl in your group don't show up. Seems fair to me.

[@caleballen8862]

I’ve had this happen and it can be a nightmare if you get paired with the wrong kind of person.

[@balance3201]

Like Rick 😂

[@anonymousfu]

What kind of ppl are you getting paired up with? I've been paired up with someone nearly every time I played over the last 30y, and can't remember a single example of a bad experience, but lots of good ones.

[@Jasperjames2210]

Best pick up ive had tossed into our group Superintendent for a super private course. It was class, he taught us a shiteload of great nuance tips. Grass, dirt, roll, how to read a green without knowing anything. Soo good Ive made a few friends through random pairings, but ive also met a fiar share of muppets too

[@Ballroot84]

Absolutely hate being paired up with people. Generally I just want to go out and chill. I dont want to have to make the effort of small talk.

[@hugh3sf]

At busy times say between 9-12, I think thats fine for the club to fill or the spaces. But at other times of the day the club should let you play as a 2 ball.

[@danielduncan7979]

I agree with that

[@anonymousfu]

If you want to play as a 2-ball, pay for all 4 spots. You want to tell me that me and my buddy can't play on a given day because there are no spots because everybody that day (or during the busy period) were too insular or snobbish to allow us to join up w/ them? How selfish is that. Also, in the US and Canada there are no times that are not "busy times". If there are spots open, they'll get filled, as it should be 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️

[@Hunter-zp5hd]

I enjoy playing with new people. I know I’m not a pro, so my score is not all that important. But I like meeting new people. The 3 guys I play with right now, I meet randomly while I was playing, so it all depends on what you’re out there for; enjoyment and fellowship, or just a golf score.

[@frenchfrench4514]

I had a beer after with the 3 people i got paired with a few weeks ago.

[@Pattzzz]

Happens a lot in the Toronto area unfortunately. Me and my buddy once had a random 3rd join up on a twilight round after work - he had never played golf before, didn’t speak English (so we couldn’t communicate with him), and didn’t understand pace of play no matter how much we tried to explain. Granted he was having fun, but when the Marshall had to come give us sh** 3 times in one round because this guy can’t play golf and is holding the course up… nightmare

[@mickh5946]

My mates and I play relaxed golf. If we’re not playing for handicaps we might allow the odd mulligan etc to keep the game fun. We take the etiquette of golf seriously but we have some banter and rib each other a bit, but the key thing is to have a relaxed, enjoyable, round of golf. This dynamic changes if a stranger joins us. I absolutely understand that the club wants to maximise the number of players who can access the course but I hate being paired with strangers.

[@sl1ck557]

I love getting paired with randoms, but sometimes it’s nice to just be by yourself. It’s so peaceful

[@tuanoful]

lol, i only play in public courses and I almost always get merged with others.

[@colebaker___]

My only problem with it is when the course looks wide open when I book online and when I get to the first tee there’s members lined up waiting. I live on a course and have Fridays off work so I often will book and walk over thinking it will be a nice calm day by myself but instead I’m greeted with a group of members (sometimes up to 20 or more all with their custom carts hanging out at the first tee while I wait. And I know that if I don’t get there before then there’s no way they let me through. It’s tough to watch older folks go 80 yards at a time down the fairway while I wait 15 minutes between every shot I take

[@scotthall2256]

If you don’t want to play with other people don’t join a golf club. The beauty of being in a club is that you are all there for the same reason. This is in the realms of being a golf snob.

[@mv2992]

you guys completely disregarded the other side of the coin. as a single booking a t time , I always hope the guys they send me out with are good fellas.

[@davidgraham8058]

He’s not talking about that system.

[@mv2992]

@@davidgraham8058 huh? its the same system.

[@SIFrepresent]

95% of these commons think this is poor behaviour, and random pairings should'nt be prohibited. I'd even go so far to say that I think clubs should be promoting open-nes and create a more friendly atmosphere between members. It's a Social sport, only thing is Media and stuff like this have us brainwashed into despising one another before we even met.

[@davidgraham8058]

It’s different if it’s members. I wouldn’t book a slot with anyone without asking them first. If they are a couple, they might want privacy. Or if someone is on his own, he might need to finish by a certain time. Visitors can be paired up as we want as much money from them as possible.

[@anonymousfu]

​@@davidgraham8058ppl need to stop hogging the course for themselves and just their precious little soul-buddies. Other ppl want to play, too. If you have 2 unused spots in your tee time, let 2 other ppl use them.

[@ykhwaz]

so according to this, if my buddies can't make it, I can't play because some other adults dont have social skills? this is so odd and makes me think golf in UK is much more stuffy and not fun like in the US

[@anonymousfu]

Exactly. I thought British ppl were nice 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@moose9689]

Playing higher end courses in Colorado, they will charge you if you book for a certain amount of people and someone doesn’t show up

[@robertcourt8593]

It shpuld be more common in the uk. As a golfer who plays on his own most of the time I'd be more than happy to join a group or another single.

[@DK-yn6gj]

I play a lot with my Dad and every time we go he gets so worked up just thinking about getting paired up with randoms. Yet every time we do get a random, we all get along great and most times we've actually exchanged info and played with them again.

[@douglasst.5262]

I am that solo walker that joins your three. I will keep up, shut up, and won’t blow up. If I’m OB, I’ll drop quickly. I’ll have my headphones in. I’ll tee off first, unless you birdied the previous hole. If I hit two off the tee, one of those balls is gone. This is my walk in the park. If you get pissed that I was paired with you, it’s your problem. Even the most seasoned golfer knows a solo walker keeps pace with a twosome in a cart.

[@bryandonoghue3141]

To all the golfing introverts out there including myself this is our worst nightmare 😂 as a golfer who loves going out by myself I must say it can be difficult if random names appear on your tee time but I’ve no problem with it. I start sweating at the very thought of holding an interesting conversation for 3.5 hrs. Saying that 90% of the guys I’ve been paired with have been top class and I’ve even made permanent golfing friendships out of just meeting on the first tee. It’s definitely helped me come out my shell a bit by occasionally being paired with other players. You sometimes have to accept that everyone ain’t gonna be on the same wavelength in the group or you’re gonna cross paths with other members where there is no connection. That’s why it’s decent when the 9th green is close to the car park 😅

[@davidgraham8058]

I sometimes like to play on my own but I would never sign myself up with someone else without asking them first.

[@Johnraff1874]

I’m in Belek just now with my wife. Played with 3 English lads that live in Abu Dhabi and are members of Yas links on Monday and we had a great day! Played again this morning on my own and although it’s brilliant to be playing golf in the sun it’s not the same on your own!

[@teeupwithmike9111]

This is standard in Sweden,. all courses,. I´ve met som awsome people this way. younger, same age and older,. Not run into to many weird people, but it do ofcourse happen that you don´t love the people playing,. In theese cases we just talk and play amongst ourselfe..

[@imonlybleeding8021]

In the US, it is assumed that the course will try to fill every spot on the tee sheet. In fact, many courses don't even allow singles to make tee times by themselves - they are required to fill in spots on tee times that have already been made by twosomes or threesomes. If you are a threesome, there is a fair chance of not getting paired up with a single (though, this is highly dependent on where you live). I've played with too many strangers to even offer an estimate of the total number. People can have varying skill levels, play from different tees, play strictly by the rules of golf, or ignore the rules of golf, be chatty, be quiet, etc. The number of bad experiences is exceedingly rare. Most of the time, people are just out there to have fun for a few hours and they generally get along well enough that I don't see the issue.

[@timhayes6028]

We generally have it in club comps. Never a problem, had a few people I wouldn't choose to play with again or have a beer after with and only ever one absolute helmet. We do, however, get it every year on our golfing holiday as we generally don't have 16/20 going so they fill the spots, which is fair enough. Had one in Dubai and after 5/6 holes I took him aside and gently told him that his anger and frustration was ruining my expensive round and could he reign it in. To be fair he did and we had a laugh. We have had some absolute legends like a member at Palmeres in Portugal who was ace and tagged along with us. I don't see the problem. The clubs need to make money to survive and if you are members then you should all accept it as part of the community feel of a golf club membership body.

[@PFunkChang]

Pay for the times. You want to play as 2, buy the other 2 spots.

[@Jasperjames2210]

Amen, I do this occasionally if I'm working on something, but mainly we buy the 4 and there's only 3 of us

[@popsmcgee2]

As if golf wasn't expensive enough

[@atreyuwings]

I usually buy out the whole airplane too when traveling so I don’t have to sit by anybody

[@Jasperjames2210]

@@popsmcgee2 depends on the course, we have a few courses around my area (Canada) where it's 30+40$ a Person. We also have courses that are 400$ a person I buy out the foursome at the 30$ course, then I walk it for the exercise and the course benefits from the green fees without the extra foot traffic

[@Jasperjames2210]

@@atreyuwings I'd suggest private jet if that's your poison. Price per hour is roughly competitive Yes I know your being sarcastic LOL

[@chrisi1920]

US public courses in my experience try to book as many rounds every day as they can. If you call the pro shop ahead rather than booking through an agency you might get a knowledgeable person who could cater to your preference. The club where I'm a twilight member knows many of the regulars and can accommodate individuals on days that aren't busy. But otherwise I think people have to have reasonable expectations and consider the clubs need to make a profit and everyone is sharing the golf course.

[@eoinm5758]

I played with an oul lad about 75 year old dodgy golfer but just the best laugh ever had a saying for every shot he'd be hitting from the trees and you'd just hear his voice "that's a Gary barrlow I'll take that" cmon one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf I've ever had

[@jeffyboi6969]

Ive moved to florida recently and I dont have anyone to ask to play, I dont like being thrown out as a single cause everyone thinks Im an ass for playing my pace which is very fast when I'm alone. I enjoy playing with randos (if they know how to play to some extent).

[@jamesmiller7992]

Actually made a few friendships with random pairings, me and my cousin actually ended up playing a 2v2 bestball that turned into one of the most fun/competitive rounds of golf ive ever played.

[@dangore6601]

The problem we have at our club is 2 balls booking out 4 spaces then all the time slots get filled. We've just started being able to book into other groups so you can get a round in. I'd rather play with a random than not play. Look at it from the point of view of the guys joining your group. 😎👍⛳

[@georgec5212]

I’m in the hospitality industry, I also play as a solo often. Because I know how to make other people have a good time I am almost always rewarded with a good time back. I play 1 or 2 times a week and haven’t had a memorablly bad experience in my 3 years playing

[@andershaukoos]

It is ALWAYS worse than playing with who you intended to. It would be like going on a date and having the restaurant say "Hello sir, this gentleman will be dining with you this evening".

[@nicholasseibert4399]

Guy's comment about booking a 4 and showing up a 2...in the MA a lot of places are requiring payment in advance when placing a tee time. You can get refunded if canceled/adjust the tee time with 24hr notice

[@matthewlaw8268]

I think you should be able to stipulate on your tee time if you are open to other people joining you or not, rather than just filling random spaces.

[@balance3201]

Not unless you own the club

[@user-MFTI]

90% of people would choose not to given the choice.

[@gavinwhitby5164]

Agreed ​@@user-MFTI

[@simonparson9443]

The only way to “stipulate” would be to book the foursome. Golf club gets its money, you get to play alone with your mate!

[@matthewlaw8268]

At my club members book a tee time through an app as a 2 ball then mark the other 2 spaces as ‘guests’ if they don’t want anyone else to join them

[@LionOnSea]

Golf is a privilege, take the good with the bad.

[@bmxaf]

Never liked playing in a 4-ball. Takes too long, way too long. I never feel like i can get into a flow in a round when having to wait that long to play. 2-ball is always the way to go...

[@davet2625]

At a course I used to play (before automated online booking situation), you had to play as 3 or 4-balls at weekends and bank holidays. So if you couldn't muster those numbers then you just didn't play. Fair enough. But, it's surely a better system that for all those individuals and pairs that'd rather play with strangers than not at all then the club just allow the remaining slots to be filled in the group. If a course says it's 4-balls only and there's only 1 or 2 of you putting your name down, then you're already signed up to playing with strangers. If that's worse than not playing at all, then just don't play. Personally, I'd rather not play with strangers, but if I know going in that the club are going to fill out the group then I'd either just live with it or, not play at those times. I suppose the broader issue is whether clubs should insist on 4-balls only. Ultimately it's their club and so you need to know the score before joining. What would be egregious is if you paid your money and joined on the understanding you could play 2-ball whenever you wanted, and then the club changed policy mid-year. That'd be a rough situation.

[@SaschaKubatsch]

In Austria this is not even a question. All time times are booked via the net and there is nothing you can do if someone joins your group. At my home club you are advised as a single play to join an existing group and not play alone even if there are enough free time times. Which goes a step to far in my opinion.

[@skywalkerrougeone5060]

I usually don’t like the randoms. No huge problem with it though. I get annoyed when I play with someone who ain’t good. They really make the game drag and throws off the rhythm of the game.

[@joecallander8184]

What’s the point in joining a golf club if you’re not open to playing with other members? It’s a golf club? Just pay green fees at a public course if you’re that concerned with broadening your social horizons.

[@davidgraham8058]

Sometimes people want to play in a two-ball because they need to finish by a certain time. Or they might be a couple who want privacy. I personally think it’s rude to book a slot on their tee time without asking them first.

[@TBassFactory]

I got paired with 3 guys and was with my 10 year old so . I didn’t know it. They played from almost the ladies tees, and I was at the black tees 100 yards away. The started guy said I was paired with them. I asked how is that gonna work? I don’t even know them and how am I gonna communicate with them? He said well your paired. I went and got a refund and 2 buckets of range balls and chipped next to that tee box on the practice green. Not one group played from the black tees. I’m working on my game and focusing and I gotta small talk with strangers. I don’t wanna talk to anybody and be in my own mind. Hate pairings. So now looks like I’ll be a range rat for good at the top tracer and hopefully get time to play rounds by myself.

[@crammydavisjr5813]

I go out solo all the time and have made a number of good friends in random pairings. If it’s an issue, get 4 people go out as a group. Why keep others from playing because you’re afraid of strangers?

[@Wilksey75]

Had this issue once, we got paired with Tiger and Tommy and it totally ruined our game 🤣

[@TMM6944]

I was playing in East Africa in 2015 with a friend of mine and the starter asked if we would mind if a 3rd player joined us, with caddies being compulsory it wasn't an issue as there would be the oppertunity for conversations outside of the golfing trio. Kenyan lady Hpc 8 joined us and we have been married for 7 years. Every cloud and all that..........

[@Burt_Sampson]

This is why I haven’t started playing golf yet. No one I know plays golf around here. I live near a course but don’t want to be paired with random people or be the 4th wheel to a group of friends

[@bme9625]

Personally, I wouldn’t mind. Where id be a bit annoyed is, on a Saturday if me and a mate want to go play a few holes, it’s not serious, we want to have a laugh and probably a couple of beers on the way round on a nice sunny day. I’m trying to enjoy time with my friends, not pretend I’m in a tournament. I’m not arsed if my mates behind a tree, kick it out and play on, it’s that kind of day. Some fella turns up with a stick up his arse and complains about everything. Gets his driver and tees out to take drops and constantly on about the rules. That would just ruin my day to be honest

[@morten3465]

That strawman sounds positively evil.

[@MrCraigNic]

I personally don't mind, you get to meet different people, play with people of differing abilities, but I'd rather people book onto any slots on my tee time than miss out on playing altogether because all the tee times are booked up

[@davidgraham8058]

They should ask beforehand though. Sometimes people play on their own or with one other person because they need to finish early.

[@anonymousfu]

​@@davidgraham8058that must be a British thing, because in the US and Canada a 2-some is going to be waiting on the 4-some in front of them all day, unless they tee off at 6:30.

[@ricemann24]

Some of the best friends i have i met in random pairings.

[@chrisg2214]

At my old country club I worked at I got to play with a couple of NFL players. Met all sorts of interesting people, sometimes it sucks, but most of the time people are very positive and it’s a fun experience. If it’s not usually I’m a single so I’ll just break off if there’s somewhere to go. No one‘s ever been an a*****e. Here in America you get paired up a lot.

[@johnmiller7682]

If you book a tee time, here in the US, you usually have to pay ahead of time.

[@karlfrentz]

I understand getting paired up if you are only a pair but I mainly play with my brother and our best friend. We have been friends since kindergarten. So when we get paired with a single it really makes it awkward and uncomfortable.

[@jeffreyjones5292]

Wow, is it really such a big deal? I'm just a commoner trying to play some golf....

[@jpdst29]

I enjoy golfing with random people. If you get paired up with someone who isn’t that good it’s fun to give them pointers and teach them as you go. They always appreciate that. And on the other hand, if you get paired up someone who is much better than you, it’s nice to learn from them. My only two bad experiences golfing with random people were the one time I golfed with a guy who was really good, but he was extremely arrogant because he was so good. The other time was with someone who threw their clubs and caused a giant scene every time they hit a bad shot.

[@larsstehr597]

I myself is sometimes the random solo who joins a 2 or 3ball. Always trying to find someone with hcps around my own, so our game is somewhat similar.

[@andreas5104]

My club has 6 tee times an hour, if 18 doubles book tee times, should no one else be able to get on in those 3 hours? I've moved to a new city, don't know any golfers here, should I be doomed to play alone for the rest of my life? Best way to get to know golfers is random pairings. If you can't be civil with someone for one round of golf, you have bigger issues.

[@AutomationGolfer]

Snobby ass behavior honestly. Some people only play by themselves and it’s selfish to hog a whole tee time with spots available especially with how popular golf has become. Leave it to Rick who doesn’t ever deal with this and doesn’t pay for tee times to act like he can relate

[@scottcampbell6006]

Different culture in the UK, where it is quite unusual

[@anonymousfu]

I'd be pissed if half the tee times were deleted because ppl don't have social skills. I'm a 3 handicap and am better than most ppl I'm paired up with, but it never bothers me. You get to enjoy a day out in nature with others who enjoy the same. These ppl need to chill and appreciate what they have.

[@Groovethumper69]

When I first started playing, I always heard the golf was a social game, funny, how I’ve never found it that way, since none of my friends play. And it seems when I go to the course that no one wants to be paired with a guy that’s by himself, and unfortunately in my area Golf, not all that big so the courses are never really crowded. Makes it kind of tough to meet new golfing buddies.

[@ttank7241]

In general the only problem I would have with it is if the golfers are hitting from different tees. Usually it is pretty fun.

[@jfouse6134]

Happens all the time where I live. At the muni courses I understand it and don’t mind. When I was a club member it happened occasionally and once was paired with a couple who were extremely slow. Course ranger gave our group a warning and I later received a caution letter from the club and banned from playing before 2pm. I protested as it had nothing to do with my partner and I and the board told us we should have done more to push them along. Needless to say, that is why I gave up my membership at the club - so those random pairings can have consequences.

[@kenbrown2808]

I think I would have demanded a prorated refund of my club fees, as well.

[@Danmelo82]

It sucks when they do it. I’m a high handicap and I just want to play around with my buddy. The other thing is the price for rounds in Canada are super high so it’s not fair to have to play with Radom people when you paid a lot for a round.

[@axo9]

Golf course management is cheap either

[@anonymousfu]

How much do you think you'd be paying if they only could sell half the spots because everybody was antisocial?

[@justinmorales8369]

I almost can’t even believe this is a question because of how foreign it is to me. I live in Reno Nevada where we’ve lost 6 courses in 15 years. If you’re not getting paired up with someone it’s because there’s a monsoon and you’re the only Moron at the course. Must be nice..

[@TrippyWheelz]

Happens all the time in Texas and I would guess the rest of the US. I hate playing with randoms because I am always put with people that are either way better than me and then I feel like I need to rush or people that are way worse and then we are spending what feels like 30 mins to play a par 4. Some courses will make you go out with the group ahead or behind you here. I’ve never been paired with someone I did not like personality wise but it is annoying.

[@kenbrown2808]

I am typically open to adding players, but then there have been times when I haven't felt like adding players. I think allowing groups to request a smaller group for a tee time would not be unreasonable, if the number of people looking for tee times isn't overwhelming. because for the club or course, it's not just revenue stream, it's also being able to serve their patrons. I mean, the other side of the debate is, would you rather be the random pairing or have the clubhouse tell you there are no available tee times? in a club with member, I'd say definitely have the members have a profile - to avoid the awkward pairings so lampooned on teh interwebz, though.

[@Gnew2082]

In Tenerife in the winter unless you get a four ball of people you know you’re getting a four ball of people you don’t.

[@blue_mountains28]

I started playing with 3 other friends and after the 1st year they stopped playing. I continue because my club is friendly and people join me on the time sheet and I can join them without hassle. I think I would have quit had people not been friendly and welcoming.

[@johnmiller7682]

Try playing at public courses all the time. You'll almost always get paired up, especially on the weekend.

[@shaunv5706]

Played at Worsley Marriott 20 years ago with a friend. Whilst booking in the Pro (not sure who it was 🤨) insisted that we played as a three ball with an elderly hotel guest. It turns out he was a complete gentleman, he was a helicopter pilot for an American businessman and we couldn’t believe it when he pointed out his helicopter at the end of one of the fairways. Rick may well remember him. LOADS of bad experiences to go alongside that 😂

[@Daniel-36]

The way I look at it is golf is a social game that is to be enjoyed by everyone of all skill levels. And if it becomes a non enjoyable experience, it’s 5 hours max and then you go back to not even knowing the person. Ultimately you’re the only one swinging your club, you’re the only one hitting your ball, and your score is completely yours and no one else’s.

[@YayaGolf777]

I have met some great people aka strangers on the golf course. Some of whom I am great friends with and travel the world playing golf, I met these great guys at a public course. I also am a member at a US CC and policy is fill the tee spots up at all times. I have no problem with it. Golf is a beautiful game, on rare occasions you’ll draw a clunker out there so what, still playing the greatest game there is 👍 🇺🇸

[@golfcyclerun]

I would have never have met some of my now current playing partners if I would have not been paired up with people randomly. Get over it ! Its a club not a course, you should expect to have your spare slots filled especially when its busy. Doesnt even mention a single player booking !

[@Migueljusttalking]

SMUGNESS in full effect. The irony is that they are describing themselves.

[@iammetn]

A foursome is what is sold. If a twosome wants to play by themselves, pay for the two other spots!

[@davidgraham8058]

He’s not talking about people paying green fees. He’s talking about member bookings.

[@redsarmy3484]

If get played with a nightmare just play through when they putting go and tee off and keep moving

[@brianmoss9399]

I’m not opposed to it but if I book a time as a solo, I want to play solo. On a few occasions I’ve been paired with a random and for the most part, they were pleasant. There was one time though … I picked up the game at the end of 2020 and didn’t get out onto the course until 2021 so I’m still pretty new. Last year I got paired up with a guy that swore he should’ve been on the Tour, but he was worse than I was. Dude was TERRIBLE. And he complained about every damn thing. It was awful. Thankfully he left at the turn and I got to play the back nine in peace. But man it was horrible.

[@system331]

I absolutely hate getting paired up. I didn’t pay money to play with randoms.

[@hadler42]

Only time I have a problem with it is when I book in myself and my old man and I just want it to be us due to me going through a bad mental time atm and someone jumps in with us. But outside of that I believe on a semi busy day all groups should be filled up to stop groups of 2 following groups of 4

[@sonnerthebest1]

Happened to me loads. It’s definitely not the same and makes it sometimes a bit awkward. But what can we do 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ I just get on with it

[@billmeatfirewhisky2780]

You should be rated by your playing partners like a uber score. Need a certain rating to be able to join a group. Rate banter, etiquette, pace of play etc 🤷‍♂️

[@normlang1994]

I'm a member of a semi-private club, where members have privileges to book tee times farther in the future. Monthly dues cover greens fees. Member discounts on merch, range and cart fees. I routinely sign-up as a single during the week because most of my golf mates are still working. I get paired with random members and public players and with very few exceptions, I enjoy playing with almost everyone. I'm very gregarious and extroverted, but I understand that some people wouldn't enjoy playing with strangers.

[@kevinsomers320]

I think George sounds like the most likely golfer you don’t want to play with.

[@TheVillest]

i've had this go both ways. when the people are cool, im ok but when you get paired with a weirdo i just get uncomfortable lol