Our group from time to time ends up with a 5 some and sometimes a 6 some.  This occurs when for what ever reason only 5 golfers show or when the course gets backed up and our groups end up together.  For some reason the majority seem to think playing with a large group is better than small groups, especially when the course backs up.

I am a Total Mental Midget, I suck, can't focus,  rhythm/tempo goes into the toilet.

Any suggestions on how to enjoy large golfing groups and maintain your normal playing level?

    Talk about your favorite sports teams or something to take your mind off of waiting. Also realize you are on a golf course and that is a pretty good place to be.

    Don't play in large groups. I hate it too. Too many distractions. Can you just stay in a 3some/4some?

      Ignore everyone else, donā€™t pay attention by watching their shots. Look at something else, just know when itā€™s your turn. Keep your head down and donā€™t watch them.

      Martee
      I have found this only to be tolerable when everyone is friendly and playing well. If anyone is not a regular or some are not playing well it can be a nightmare. A cigar can be a welcome distraction. Playing music that is agreeable to all can make it feel better too.

        I agree with Typhoon. Don't let others keep you from playing and enjoying your own game. If you havehto ignore them to make that happen, so be it.

        sdandrea1 That is certainly my preference, but I only get one vote.

        At times it a circus out there when two or three of our groups end up together. Imagine 7 to 9 carts running all around, no one watching anyone else's ball. At time I play with morons.

        Today I quit after 12 holes. we started out as three 3somes. Around 7th we became a 6th some. At the turn we lost one to be a 5 some. Come #11 we were 7th some. On #12 they became a 6th some as I went to the practice range.

        I need to find another group.

        Others don't seem to have problem. Argh.

            If it were a group of 5 walking they might be able to keep up a decent pace but I doubt it. Theyā€™d have to be playing ready golf and really making a effort to not have any lag time between shots.

            I don't know of any courses in our area that allow groups larger than 4. It is all about pace of play. I know some 5-somes who play "ready golf" and push a two some in front of them. But most are slow so the courses don't allow them. If you don't plan your round and just wait for a group to show up not knowing before hand how many you will have then you are going to need to break into smaller groups. It takes one person to set up the game before hand with tee times and knowing how many will play. I prefer playing in a foursome so we can play our "Wolf" game. If we only have three two smaller groups we will do "skins and greenies." A little planning goes a long way and can make your round more enjoyable.

              Rickochet

              No course around me ever lets a group bigger than a 4 some go off unless itā€™s a big money game. Iā€™ve seen the local course let 8 somes go off just so they can watch the cheating šŸ‘€

                Normally on weekends 5 somes are not allowed, during the week early they will allow.

                Once in a while we will start off as a 5 some but normally it is after 3 sor 4 holes when the course gets backed up and they don't let players through. Part of it IMO is a course management problem, but the Pro shop looks at the gps computer and so along as it doesn't show the group is behind on time, 2.5 hours per nine, they say play on. If the group is behind, they send a message to the gps screen telling them to pick up the pace. If they don't and you don't call the pro shop, they assume all is good. Its all about the greenbacks, members, well they have your money so when the public shows up to play, they kind of turn a blind eye to them.

                Played with2 other today, the topic came up as we sat on several tees on the back. They suggest a rule of no more than 4. Also they didnt like the music idea unless wear an ear bud. Funny most on our group is hard of hearing, that is one reason they talk loud and other are unaware of anyone talking. Also one called me last night and wanted to know who else we could get to form a foresome and leave the group behind. I believe some have suggested this. Only thing is I have been playing in this group for 17 years, granted a number of the original members have moved on, but still their good guys to know, just not play in more than a foresome.šŸ˜•

                Tomorrow it is Ear Bud time for me, see how that works out.

                  Martee Holy cow, 2.5 hours per 9?! No wonder they're not behind, that's a 5 hour round, and they're good with that?