shortstop:
I play ranked rounds with anyone from master on up. I have played with tour pros before but not too often....once they see a legend they decline...not sure if it is because of the green speed or what. I'll play a round with you..just give me an invite.
ditto
I hope it is JUST the green speed that is the reason they bail when I show up... :/
I've tried joining rounds with random players in tiers lower than Master many times. It gets really crazy watching the canceled spots filled, then vacated - over and over again, sometimes by the same player. After the round starts, I generally try to "gently" remind the ones who've stayed about the tourney-speed greens they'll be faced with.
Hate to have to say it, but in my experience, more often than not, after a few holes, the only "survivors" are Masters+, or staunch lower-tiered players (some who I've met previously) who, like the OP, wish to experience the quicker greens, want to try to "beat the legend", or simply would like to see someone play who is "supposed to" have superior course management skills that they might be able to pick up on and use in their own games.
My advice would be to befriend those who you enjoy sharing a round with, whether they be "Legends", or not. Believe me... I've played some legends who I've chosen NOT to play again. lol
Shoot me an invite anytime you see I'm available... I'll play with anyone willing to finish a round.