Are You The Most Annoying Golfer In Your Group (10 Ways To Tell)

When teaching any new golfer, I always say that it’s not about how good you are: it’s about how you maintain the pace of play and how annoying you are to play with. The more time you spend on the course, the more you realize certain people know how to spoil a good walk. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re the most annoying golfer in your group, here are 10 ways to tell. And if it’s not you, be sure to pass this list along to the one who fits the description.

You never know where your ball went

I know it hurts to look at times but you have to watch where your 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 putting practice? That’s limited to rolling a few putts on your living room carpet while watching the Masters.

So when you miss that 25-foot downhill slider for bogey, it’s not exactly shocking to anyone in your group. But you still have to announce it to everyone as if the golf gods themselves are conspiring against you. You might even blame it on the pitch mark on the green or the stray sand particles left over from your bunker shot.

And let’s not forget that thin shot you hit that lands right next to the pin. No need to pretend like you meant to do that—it was a mishit.

Here’s the thing: everyone in your group knows exactly what you’re capable of. Instead of pretending that bad shots were intentional or shocking everyone with your “near miss,” just embrace it. Be real about your game and you’ll be a lot more fun to play with.

You borrow everyone else’s clubs

Forget club fittings and demo days. You get to test all of the new equipment during your round of golf by borrowing it from your playing partners.

Bad idea.

It’s distracting and downright annoying to other golfers in the group. Not to mention the elephant in the room: nobody wants you putting a “sky mark” on their new driver, fairway wood or hybrid.

Go get fitted for something that works for your game or play the clubs you have.

You’ve combined Camillo Villegas’ green reading with AimPoint and plumb bobbing so it looks like you’re directing an orchestra

Reading greens is one thing but you’ve crossed a line when you’ve turned it into a spectacle complete with hand gestures, foot movements and deep thought.

If watching you read a green starts to feel like a performance that should require a ticket, it’s time to dial it back.

Observe the green as you approach it and then walk around the hole. This shouldn’t take much time or get in the way of any other golfer in your group.

You tell someone how to fix their slice but you can’t hit a straight drive yourself

If you are the teacher in your group, there are two things to make sure of. The first is that you are giving sound golf advice. Second, ensure the information you give goes to 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 “probably fine“

You’ve got an eagle eye when calling out someone else’s ball out of bounds but when your ball is veering towards a dangerous destination, it’s always “probably fine.” Maybe it’s a little gamesmanship or maybe it’s that hard reality that you aren’t quite as good as you think.

Either way, make sure you 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’re constantly fidgeting with your golf tech

Golf technology has changed the game, mostly for the better. Between rangefinders, 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 are holding up the pace of play or just generally distracted by your technology, take a step back and join the game with the people who are enjoying it with you. Gadgets can wait.

You complain about the pace of play but you’re a snail

Pace of play matters. If you are taking four practice swings, using five minutes to write down scores or lining up a putt while the grass on the green has time to grow, it’s time to move things along. I’ve always felt that one of the easiest ways to become the least annoying player in the group is to keep up the pace of play.

You don’t pay off your bets (but you will “next time“)

It’s fun to make those bets on the first tee 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 up and you’ve suddenly “misplaced” your wallet, you are probably the most annoying player in your group.

If you are 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 golfer who cheats 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 around, and your buddy—who had three balls out of bounds on the third hole and picked up on another to avoid putting a 13 on his card—also shoots an 88. It’s hard not to feel a little disheartened. In golf, when you cheat, you’re not only cheating yourself but you’re also making yourself the most annoying player in your group. Eventually, you will find yourself playing alone.

Do you have any other characteristics of annoying golfers? Let us know!