Last Updated on June 8, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
It takes a little while to earn the title of “golfer”. Some people get really into the game and learn it quickly; others take years. No matter what, you’ll have to spend some time on the course to grasp on to these 10 things only true golf fanatics understand. While we are a bit sarcastic about some of these, you’ll find that you can’t help but agree.
The Tee Shot After a Birdie is Almost Always a Slice
A birdie is a big deal. Even pros want birdies on their scorecard. If you are an average golfer, chances are that birdie will make you quickly think about what could happen on the next hole.
Don’t worry.
There is almost a 100% chance that the tee shot on the next hole will be a slice. Great golfers learn how to play under pressure and how to keep the birdies coming throughout the entire round.
Waiting to Go Over the Water in Two on a Par 5 Means It Will Land in the Water
The longer you stand and wait to “go for it” the lower your chances become of “making it”. This one seems like it’s almost a guaranteed fact. Standing over the golf ball you’ll start to let those negative thoughts creep into your head.
If the pace of play is good, go for the green. If it’s slow, think twice.
If You Need Par on the Last Hole, You’ll Make Bogey
Need that par on the last hole to break 100? 90? or 80? The game of golf can be mean. Chances are you’ll get pretty close, stub a chip, hit it on the green, and then three putt.
The best advice here?
Don’t save those parts for the end of the round; make them in the beginning!
If You Are Hitting Your Driver Perfectly, You’ll Three-Putt
Having more than one area of your game working at any given time seems almost illegal. You’ll get your driver going really well, and your three putting will inevitably turn on that day.
This can happen throughout the game.
You’ll get your wedges figured out but will not be able to sink a three-footer.
Watching Golf Will Always Make You Want to Go and Play
If you can watch a Masters tournament or a US Open on a Sunday and not want to run out and play a quick nine, you may not be a true golf fanatic yet.
Golf can be so much fun to watch, but even when you are comfortable on the couch, you will think about your game. Watching the pros always ignites the urge to hit the course. They make it look so easy.
New Clubs Feel Like They Will Change Your Game
New golf clubs feel like they are truly game changers. Callaway, Titleist, and TaylorMade are great that they have sold you on this concept. However, we have to look at this realistically. Is it really going to change your game to put a new wedge in the bag?
You may gain a stroke or two here or there.
However, new equipment almost always makes you feel like you’ll be moved to the next handicap bracket within seconds!
The Moment You Tell Someone How Good You Are Playing . . .
You know the rest of this story. When you are playing great golf, be quiet about it. That’s the best advice we can give.
Even as a former golf professional, when I was hitting it great, I kept it quiet and enjoyed it while it lasted.
The Harder You Try to Impress Someone, the Worse You’ll Play
A busy Saturday morning with 20 to 30 people standing around the tee box is not the time to try and show off that 300 yard drive. Settle for 280 on this one and whip out the big one when there is less pressure.
Let’s be honest: Most amateur golfers have no idea how to play under pressure and aren’t sure how to handle it.
The Shortest Putts are the Most Nerve-Wracking
So many golfers play with “gimmies” or talk about the shot being “inside the leather.” The problem is that when you need to make a 2-4 foot putt that counts, it becomes extremely nervewracking.
You’ll feel like you can barely pull the putter back, let alone keep it on the proper line.
Hitting it Great at the Range Never Translates
You may be a driving range hero, but let’s face it: golf course golf and driving range golf are two different things. The driving range pro is the one who sits on the range day after day, hitting all the targets.
Yet they still have an 18 handicap.
How did that happen?
Playing and practicing are just two different things.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you should know if you fall into the category of true golf fanatics. How many of these have you experienced while out on the course?
