First time playing

[austin mains]

First time playing coming in with my dad and few of his friends. What should we expect?

[Jim Runser]

Go thru the threads here on the bulletin board. A few years ago, there was a good thread about what to expect, etc.

[Billy Burwick]

https://myrtlebeachworldamateur.com/your-first-timer-guide-to-playing-the-world-am-in-2024/

[Billy Burwick]

Sigh That is not the correct link.

[Tim Kozlowski]

Hey Austin. I’d read up on the drop-downs on the WA web site. All the info you need is there.

Expect competition and camaraderie, to the extent that you can handle. Free food, beverage, venders, and much more at the 19th hole every night. Expect to play by the USGA rules of golf as many players will call out any infractions. Main thing is to have fun and make memories with your dad. Koz

PS: Many flights will have an individual who volunteers to run a skins game. If interested, watch the forum for skins games for your flight and find that individual on day 1.

[Rick Kimbrell]

Austin, welcome to the World Am.
First off, hope you and your Dad have a great time. Don’t get down on yourselves if you have a bad round or 2. You most likely are playing courses you have never seen before.
Because of the time of year it is played, there is a good chance you will play in the rain some. Unless course becomes unplayable, you will continue to play. So if you get a chance, practice playing at home in the rain. Good rain gear is a must.
I personally find umbrellas useless if you have good rain gear.
If you haven’t played much tournament golf, familiarize yourself with USGA rules, especially regarding balls lost, balls in penalty areas and how to proceed. If there is a question about a ruling, announce you are playing 2 balls and get a ruling from pro after the round.
Come and let yourselves have fun, take in the whole experience, go to the convention center and enjoy yourselves.
I hope you don’t encounter any jerks on the course. In 38 years I have encountered a few but not many and I learned how to deal with them.
Have fun and hope to see you and your Dad at convention center.

[Tom Doughan]

Austin,

First off, welcome to the World Am. Haven’t seen it mentioned yet so I will. On each tourney day don’t cut your planned arrival times too closely to your scheduled tee times. School will be in session so busses will be out and drop off traffic WILL be heavy if your course is in a school area. Most courses sit back from the main roadways 1 – 2 miles. Turn-offs can be tough to spot and neighborhood traffic rules may slow you down. Highway 501 is often a parking lot. You’ll quickly learn that the several bypasses can be your best traffic friend.

[Tom McGeehan]

Rick’s advice is spot on. I have only played for 36 years, so not quite as experienced as my friend Rick.
Rain can definitely be a challenge, and good rain wear really helps.
Playing competitive golf is a lot of fun. Remember, we all hit bad shots during the four days. Forget the last shot and stay focused on the next shot.
You will be surprised how well you can do overall if you can play to your handicap over the four days.
Triple bogies are a bummer, but a birdie corrects a number of issues.
Have fun and enjoy the folks you meet along the way.

[Steve Bara]

Is it ok to have a drink on the course?
Sometimes it helps to settle the nerves

[Andreas Mealey]

STEVE this is my 38th or 39th year and I’ve been known to have a few. I feel whatever it takes !!!!

[Rick Kimbrell]

Steve, I played with a guy who when the round was complete had 14 empty Crown Royal miniature bottles on his side of the cart. Yes, it is ok to drink. However, this guy only made it 17 holes and did not finish.

[Charles Mines]

Austin,

One more thing….. Even if it is raining where you are staying (and possible thunderstorms) you need to either call or go to your assigned course. There have been times when it’s storming in North MB and not a drop of rain south or west of MB. I’ve know people that have disqualified themselves because they didn’t show up to their course because the courses where they were staying canceled due to their weather.

[Steve Bara]

That’s pretty funny, but I have to say, if I had 14 shots I’d probably mins the next day too!

[dan westenbarger]

Hey Rick that wasn’t are friend Nick was it.

[Rick Kimbrell]

Dan, no, it wasn’t Nick.
Guys, there is a whole lot more to that story than 14 empty Crown miniature bottles. If you want the “rest of the story” find me at the Convention Center and I will give you the full details.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks ago by Rick Kimbrell.

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