Last Updated on June 2, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golf may be an individual sport, but playing golf as an individual rarely happens. Most of the time, we are out on the course, which involves spending time with other golfers. I’ve met some incredible people in the 30 years I’ve played the game, but I’ve also played with a few that really drove me nuts. You learn to just play your game and stay in it, but there are some very annoying habits that players have picked up. If you don’t want to annoy other players, here are 8 habits to drop right now!
Asking for the Line on the Putting Green
We all want to make the putts, but there is really no need to continually ask other golfers for the line. You must read your putts, trust your line, and make it for yourself.
However, with that being said, it’s perfectly acceptable and even encouraged to watch what other golf balls are doing. If you see something breaking one way or another, use this information to increase your chances of making a putt.
Taking Too Many Practice Swings
One practice swing is enough. You don’t need more than one practice swing as it will slow down the pace of play, make your playing partners frustrated and it could even make you more tired at the end of your round.
Stop with the excessive practice swings.
Make one part of your pre-shot routine, but from there, just go after the ball.
Not Playing Ready Golf
Make sure you are ready when it’s your turn to hit. You’ll reduce the risk of delaying the game and won’t get those around you mad.
There is really no reason to get overly concerned with honors unless you are playing in a tournament.
Keep the pace going. You’ll be much more enjoyable to play with, and you’ll make the day better for those behind you.
Talking During Another Player’s Swing
Golf is hard and it’s made harder when there are a lot of distaractions. Talking while your playing partners are trying to swing is not fair. Try to stay quiet, show respect for other players and ensure that you are being respectful of those around you.
Leaving Divots and Ball Marks Unrepaired
The more you take care of the golf course, the more you’ll be able to enjoy it the next time you go out on the course. Not repairing divots or ball marks is not fair to other golfers.
When you get to the green, spend some time repairing at least one extra ball mark. In the fairways, find out if your course wants the divot replaced or filled with sand and seed.
Follow the correct procedures for the course you are playing.
Not Raking Bunkers
Smoothing a bunker over with your foot, is not at all the same as raking it. Rake bunkers and if you see some footprints that somebody else didn’t rake, do your part to clean those up as well. Leaving the bunker the way you found it is considerate and it helps give everyone a fair chance at getting their golf ball out of the bunker.
Talking About How Good They Play on Other Days
If you are having a rough time on the course, don’t worry about it. Simply try to get you game back, think about what you are doing and start to play better.
The most annoying thing you can do is talk about how great you actually play. It won’t help your game, and those in your group will start to doubt you anyway.
Just play the current round, and don’t worry about what other people may be saying about it.
Standing in Someone’s Line of Sight
With spikeless golf shoes, walking in lines on the putting green really isn’t a thing anymore. I still avoid other players’ lines out of habit, but the reality is that my shoes probably aren’t going to make any difference.
However, standing in someone’s line of sight is entirely different.
Not only can it be distracting, but it’s also rude.
Be very careful where you stand when others are hitting. Standing just behind them could make them focus on you instead of the shot, which could affect their game.
The real problem with line of sight is when someone moves while you are swinging. They reach in their pocket to grab a tee when you are at the back of your swing, and it just throws you off. Don’t be this player.
Conclusion
These 8 habits annoy other golfers. Your etiquette on the course may be great, but you also have to think about things that can throw off other players’ games. How many of these habits do you still have?
