How to Spot a Sandbagger: 7 Signs Your Opponent Isn’t Playing Fair

Last Updated on June 9, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz

Golf is supposed to be a gentlemen’s game. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve always understood that you play fairly. No cheating, no lying, and, of course, no sandbagging. Some golfers didn’t get this message. If you have some suspicion you have been playing with a sandbagger, here are 7 signs your opponent may not be playing fair.

Playing from Different Tee Boxes but Not Adjusting Course Handicap

Your golf handicap index is a number you can take to any golf course and any tee box and quickly adjust to get your golf course handicap. However, sandbaggers will try to play from different tee boxes without adjusting their course handicap.

They may move up a tee box and play you as a 16 handicap from that tee box when really they should be a 14 handicap from that tee box.

Always make sure that handicaps are adjusted when tee boxes are changed.

Not Counting a Good Round

Good rounds count.

They all count.

The golf handicap system is designed to get rid of the poor and remarkable scores because they aren’t a true reflection of who you are as a player.

Not inputting rounds that would impact your handicap is a sign of being a sandbagger.

Put everything in, and you’ll see how it works itself out. It’s only fair to everyone you play against.

Manipulating Practice Rounds

When you go out on the course to practice, ensure it’s just for practice. You don’t have to put in a round if you are dropping other golf balls, working on a significant swing change, or trying to learn to finally hit it over that water hazard.

If you go out and shoot a high score during practice rounds just to artificially inflate the handicap, you are a sandbagger.

Not Using the World Golf Handicap System Correctly

The rules of the World Golf Handicap system include a score adjustment. For someone with a low handicap, the most they can take on a hole is a double bogey. Inputting a score of 10 or 12 on a single hole indicates not following the system.

Failing to follow the rules of the World Golf Handicap system, such as not updating their handicap regularly or not using the correct score entry methods, is a sign of sandbagging.

Playing Well Above Handicap in Tournaments

Most golfers play significantly worse in tournaments.

As a golf professional, I see many “scratch” players go out and shoot 82 or higher in any tournament.

It is essentially the norm because pressure is on, and it’s difficult to compete.

However, with a sandbagger, you will notice the complete opposite. This is when you have a 20 handicap, go out and shoot 80. They may claim it’s the best round of their lives, but then, when you look at the way they are playing, you realize something must be wrong with their handicap.

Selective Score Posting

We talked about not posting a good round, but you can also be a bit of a sandbagger if you hold on to a bunch of scorecards and post them all at once . . . after a given tournament or match.

Post your rounds the day you play.

This will ensure that your handicap is always accurate at any given time. When you enter your rounds through GHIN, there is a prompt to ensure they are current and accurate rounds.

Avoiding Playing with Handicap Committee Members

At a country club, you may notice sandbaggers avoid playing with anyone on the handicap committee. Officials who might suspect something will notice these irregularities in the scoring and the quality of shots the golfers are hitting and may approach them. So, if you have one of those golfers at your club who likes to play by themselves late in the afternoon and then win every net event the club offers, you may want to take a look at their game.

Final Thoughts

The golf handicap system was designed so everyone could have fun playing the game together. Don’t be a sandbagger and ruin it for all of us. Take the time to input your scores correctly and play to the handicap you truly are. It’s much more fun to win when you actually earn it.