golfrewind.com

I think the overall "personality" of the playing partner - for me - makes more of a difference than playing ability. I've played with better and worse players, and what I find is how the person approaches the round - whether they are light hearted about it, or - gasp - serious to death, unable to laugh off a bad shot.... these are what make the round go better or worse. We played a few weeks ago as a threesome and were partnered with a guy who turned out to be an ideal stranger to play a round with. We all had a similar mind set out there, and all of had a really great time.

For me I love to play with all types and skill levels. It is the person that I occasionally play with that is not playing golf, but trying to beat me. The whole round is “Oh, you are going to have a hard shot from there” or “Did you see that Drive, Spanky”. You know, they have a negative comment on ever shot, good or bad, they intentionally try to get inside your head!!! Most times I can spank them, but it still does not make for an enjoyable round. I most enjoy a true competitor that is gracious, no mater if they win or lose. The best is seeing a long time partner have a great round and beat my score for the first time. (I never invite them back after that! Just kidding!)

I've got one buddy I play every other week. We've played against one another for over 10 years now, and when we play, my game is (almost) always elevated. We enjoy the round, and the competition. We also enjoy one another's company.
By contrast, I play the odd weeks with someone who takes it all way too seriously, and he pulls me down to his level darned near every time. He's a great guy off the course, but on the course... he's really starting to grate on me.