Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
For most of us, golf is such a fun part of our week that it’s hard to think about what can get in the way of a great round of golf. One of those things is, without a doubt, the wrong golfer in your foursome. We’ve all been there, and there are, without a doubt, some players that you do not want to be playing golf with. Let’s look at 10 types of golfers you don’t want in your foursome. Also, let’s do everything we can to not be one of these players!
The Cheater
Even if you don’t have a rule book in your front pocket when you play a round of golf, it’s still very frustrating to play with golfers who flat-out cheat. Cheating just makes the game so much less fun.
As a golf professional I can tell you that when cheating really catches up with you is when your game starts to get better!
You’ll shoot a 97 one week (by cheating); the next week, you’ll shoot a 97 without cheating and be thrilled for yourself. Just keep track of your strokes so you don’t end up as the cheater in the group.
The Expert
As a female golf professional I have to tell you that the expert is my least favorite of all golfers on this list. I’ve had so many golfers in my 30 years of playing the game tell me that they knew everything there was to know about golf.
Guess what?
They didn’t!
I’m sorry, but there’s nothing worse than the guy who shoots 115 wanting to be the expert about the course, the equipment, your golf swing, and what the professionals are doing wrong.
The Slow Player
Slow play is just annoying.
You have to come to understand that slow play has nothing to do with how good a golfer you are. In fact, I’ve seen players with 30+ handicaps play a faster round than a 3 handicap.
Watch where your golf ball goes, make quick decisions, and walk with a little pep in your step.
The Teacher
Not everyone wants a golf lesson during their round of golf.
As a teacher fo the game I’ve struggled to keep myself quiet at times. Sometimes there is something wrong with a golfers swing that is so glaring I just feel the need to say something.
However, working on the game in the middle of the round can really cause problems.
If you have a “teacher” in your group, just tell them you are working with a professional and don’t want anything to compromise that.
It could help.
The Talker
Constant chats disrupt concentration and slow down play. Talkers are tough to play with. In fact, they sometimes even talk while you are still trying to swing.
The one good thing about playing with a talker is that at the end of the day, you’ll know that you are mentally stronger because of it.
The Rage Monster
The Rage Monster is the 32 handicap that misses his birdie putt and throws his putter in the water. In all reality, you expected him to three-putt from this spot.
Range monsters lose their temper easily, which can make everyone in the group really uncomfortable. Never walk in front of a rage monster; clubs can fly.
Try to stay calm yourself and get through the round without adding to any of the rage monsters rage!
The Overly Competitive
Golfers who are overly competitive take the game too seriously. They can be playing in a friendly round, and now, all of a sudden, there are dollar amounts on birdies, sandies, greenies, and they’ve put a press on you for the back nine.
Overly competitive golfers can be great to play with if you are a competitive person. If you aren’t, steer clear and just say you prefer to work on your own game when out on the course.
It’s really your only choice.
The Unprepared
I call these golfers the nutty professor players. They may even be good at golf but are never ready to hit the shot in front of them. They constantly search for golf balls, borrow a tee, look for your rangefinder, etc.
Sometimes these golfers just want to try your 3 wood or see if that Titleist you are playing really makes a difference.
It’s hard not to get distracted by the unprepared player. If you can do it, your game will be better because of it!
The Rule Ignorer
Do you know the difference between a shot that is out of bounds and one that ends up in a lateral water hazard? There is a difference, and the way to approach the next shot is not the same.
Playing with a rule ignorer is frustrating.
The best thing you can do is continue to follow the rules and play your own game.
The Drinker
The drinker focuses more on the cart beverages than the game. Everyone likes to have a good time on the course, but when someone has taken this too far, it becomes a problem to play with. Not only will it affect your play, but also your safety.
I’m still a golfer who swears any kind of alcohol impacts my game negatively. The 19th hole is the perfect spot for enjoying a drink after golf. Before that, let’s focus on the game at hand, which is not a drinking game.
Final Thoughts
How many of these golfers have you been paired with through the years? When you find great playing partners, stick with them and schedule rounds with these people every week. When you open the foursome up for others to join, the results can negatively impact your golf game.
