Ive never played golf before and was invited to play a round with avid golfers

It is a game that requires mastery of several different skills.

I doubt there are many people who could break 100 their first time out.

IF you go, play quickly. No one cares what you shoot.

Show up and keep up.
Pickup after 7 shots.

You won't be good in a day.

Go anyway.

If I'm out to grind and try and post a good score, I dont invite people who aren't good at golf, much less never play golf. But if someone invited you, knowing you've never played, their expectations aren't very high. Don't be scared to pick up on holes, drop by one of your buddies, or just putt on holes.

Just make sure you drink your fair share of the beer.

quote:

---

I feel like I should politely decline. I know some people would think I'm insulting them for it, but I also feel I'd be throwing away $100 to walk around with them and make myself look a fool by not being able to hit a golf ball. I would drag the group down.

---

This!

You should go and have fun. Just drop your ball with your cart buddy like you’re playing best ball so you don’t hold anyone up. Invent little games like if you hit a better shot than him or drain a putt that he doesn’t he has to shot gun a beer, etc.

I did the same thing a few years ago, enjoyed it, and started hitting the range and playing regularly. Now I’m addicted and play 3 times a week.

I definitely wouldn't want to drop $100 at a nice course if I literally can't hit the ball.

If it is a scramble for fun, there is nothing wrong with playing IMO. No one can expect someone who doesn't play golf not to be terrible

Pick the best golfer and say you are going to scramble with him.
This is exactly how I got into the game. Friend was getting married and wanted the groomsmen to play in the morning of the wedding. I went to range a few days before, then when we played, I would just pick up and hit from the best shot of the group. Had a ton of fun and was addicted from then on, been 10 years.

Also it's possible these dudes are also terrible at golf.

I've known guys who brag about playing 4 times a week and then when we played it was embarrassing how fricking terrible they were.

Is this for a bachelor party or pre-wedding thing? If so, just ride along with your buddy and get hammered.

ETA: If you show up without clubs most courses will let you ride along with the group as long as they don't see you hitting any shots.

ETAA: Or as others have said, if you're willing to drop $100 and have a good time go for it. The group should be aware that you are there just to hang out and make a fool of yourself.

Go play under these conditions:

1. Drinking is involved and the course has hot beer cart girls.

2. Bring money. Tell the guy you play with that you'll go, but you have to play two-man best ball against the other two, but they have to give you a shot a hole on the four hardest holes on each nine. This way, you play your shot where your friend plays from, unless you get a great shot (blind hog, acorn, you know the rest).

Your buddy can get a read on the greens from you and you might drop one or two to win or halve the hole.

I think you'd have a lot of fun and not feel out of place.

Be prepared to lose... graciously, and buy at least one round on the course and one round in the clubhouse.