When I teach any new golfer, I always say that it’s not about how good you are: it’s about how you maintain the rhythm of the game and how annoying you are to play with. The more time you spend on the course, the more you realize that some people know how to ruin a good ride. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re the most annoying golfer in your group, here are 10 ways to tell. And if that’s not you, be sure to pass this listing along to someone who fits the description.
You never know where your ball went
I know it hurts to watch sometimes, but you have to watch where the golf ball lands. If your group spends more time looking for your golf ball than actually playing, it’s time to take a hard look in the mirror.
You’re “shocked” when you miss a 25-footer for bogey
You play every other weekend and hit the driving range maybe twice a year. Your exercise? This is limited to throwing a few pike on your living room carpet while watching the Masters.
So when you miss that 25-foot downhill putt for bogey, it’s not exactly shocking to anyone in your group. But you still have to let everyone know as if the golf gods themselves are conspiring against you. You can even blame it on the step mark on the green or stray sand particles left from your bunker shot.
And let’s not forget that thin shot that lands just short of the pin. No need to pretend you meant to do that – it was a mistake.
Here’s the thing: everyone in your group knows exactly what you’re capable of. Instead of pretending the bad shots were intentional or shocking everyone with your “near miss,” just embrace it. Be true to your game and you’ll be a lot more fun to play.
You borrow everyone’s clubs
Forget club gear and demo days. You must test all new equipment long your round of golf by borrowing it from your playing partners.
Bad idea.
It’s distracting and downright annoying to other players in the group. Not to mention the elephant in the room: nobody wants you to put a “sky sign” on their new driver, freeway stick, or hybrid.
Go get fitted for something that works for your game or play the clubs you have.
You have combined the green reading of Camillo Villegas with AimPoint and plumb bob, so it looks like you’re conducting an orchestra
Reading the greens is one thing, but you’ve crossed the line when you’ve turned it into a spectacle complete with hand gestures, footwork and deep thoughts.
If watching Reading a Green starts to feel like a show that should require a ticket, it’s time to turn it around.
Watch the green as you approach and then walk around the hole. This shouldn’t take too long or hinder any other players in your group.
You tell someone how to fix their part, but you can’t hit it right drive yourself
If you are the teacher in your group, there are two things to make sure. The first is that you are giving sound golf advice. Second, make sure the information you provide goes to the people who want it. A good rule of thumb: If no one asks for your advice, keep it to yourself.
You’re the first to say their golf ball is out of bounds, but yours is always “maybe fine“
You have an eagle eye when you call someone else’s ball out of bounds, but when your ball is heading for a dangerous destination, it’s always “maybe good.” Maybe it’s a little game or maybe it’s the hard reality that you’re not as good as you think you are.
Either way, be sure to play a provisional when necessary and accept that your golf ball can go out of bounds just like any other player in the group.
You are constantly worrying about your golf technologyh
Golf technology has changed the game, mostly for the better. Between fascinators, game trackers, GPS watches, swing analyzers, etc., there is no limit to how much technology you can incorporate into your golf game.
However, if you’re keeping up with the game or just generally confused by your technology, take a step back and join the game with the people who are enjoying it with you. Tools can wait.
You complain about the pace of the game, but you’re a snail
Pace of play matters. If you’re taking four practice swings, using five minutes to write your score or line up a putt while the grass on the green has time to grow, it’s time to get things moving. I have always felt that one of the easiest ways to do it at least he is the annoying player in the group keep the pace of the game.
You don’t pay your bets (but you will “next time“)
It’s fun to make those bets in the first box, but when you get to the end of the round and it’s time to pay, you better be ready. If it’s time to settle and you’ve suddenly “shifted” your wallet, you’re probably the most annoying player in your group.
If you’re using lines like “next time, I’ve got you,” it’s time to take all bets off the table.
You cheat
I hate to have to mention this, but we all know it happens – the cheating golfer is incredibly annoying to play with. Imagine you’ve just played the best round of your life, sinking that 12-footer on 18 to shoot an 88.
You turn and your friend – who had three balls out of bounds on the third hole and took another to avoid putting a 13 on his card – also shoots an 88. It’s hard not to feel a little down. In golf, when you cheat, you’re not only cheating yourself, you’re also making yourself the most annoying player in your group. Eventually, you’ll find yourself playing alone.
Do you have any other annoying player features? Tell us!
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