5 Annoying Golf Habits That Should Be Against the Rules

Golf is a game of precision, etiquette, and unspoken rules—probably more rules than you’d find in some law books! So when golfers get it wrong, it’s often a case of confusion. There are a few annoying habits that might not cost you penalty strokes but can really grind your gears and ruin the vibe on the course. Let’s dive into the top five habits that should genuinely be against the rules.

1. Taking Divots on Practice Swings

Let’s kick things off with a classic—taking divots during your practice swings. We get it, the ground can be deceptive, and sometimes you might accidentally catch a chunk of turf. But if you’re that golfer who consistently lifts large sections of grass with multiple swings, we’ve got a problem, my friend. Practice swings don’t need to be a mini-marine excavation project. A light brushing of the grass should suffice! And hey, if you’re digging up the tee box while practicing with your driver, it might be time to hit the driving range for some lessons.

2. Leaving Bunkers Unraked

Let’s talk bunkers. Seriously, why are we still discussing this? If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in a bunker, for the love of golf, please grab the rake afterward. It takes just seconds to smooth over the sand, so don’t be lazy. I once met a player who decided not to rake because, as he explained, it was "late in the day" and the crew would handle it. Well, newsflash: there’s probably another group behind you wanting to play, too! Raking should be a basic courtesy—let’s make it a rule of thumb to leave the course better than we found it.

3. Not Replacing or Filling Divots

You’ve just hit a lovely shot down the fairway, but what about that divot you left behind? Some courses want you to fill it with a sand/seed mix; others prefer you just replace it. But none of them want you to leave it as a gift to the next golfer. If you want to complain about the course conditions later, you might want to check to see if you’re part of the problem. It takes literally five seconds to fill a divot—far less than trying to record your score for the round. So, show some love to that turf!

4. Leaving Broken Tees Scattered

Now, onto broken tees. It might seem like just little pieces of wood (or plastic), but those broken tees can make a significant impact on the course. Golf course superintendents will tell you that those little shards can accumulate quickly, especially on par-3 holes, making tee boxes look messy. Plus, they can jam or dull the blades on sensitive mowers, costing the course time and money. So next time you break a tee, just remember: if there’s a tee tray, use it; if not, pocket it and dispose of it properly later. Easy peasy!

5. Playing Music at the Driving Range

You might love jamming to your favorite tunes while perfecting your swing, but not everyone at the driving range shares your taste in music. For some, the last thing they want to hear while they’re concentrating on their swing is your playlist. I, for one, like to focus when I’m practicing, and the last thing I want to hear is the latest bangers—sorry, Morgan Wallen, but your music isn’t the soundtrack I need. The solution? Get some earbuds! They’re affordable, and you’ll thank yourself for tuning out the distractions and focusing on your game. If you want to bring the music to the course, make sure everyone in your group is on board first.

Final Thoughts – And One More Idea

While we’ve covered some of the more irritating golf habits, there’s one last thing that could definitely use a little attention. Ever been stuck in a conversation about someone’s entire round? You know the one—“Well, on the first hole…” and suddenly you’re getting an auditory experience of their entire 97-shooting escapade. Meanwhile, you can practically see your golf partner’s eyes glazing over. C’mon, we all love a good golf story, but no one wants to hear every single putt unless it’s a hole-in-one or an absolutely legendary shot. Save the details and keep it light!

So, there you have it! Let’s raise the bar in the world of golf. We can all do our part to create a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the course. Remember to respect the turf, rake those bunkers, pick up your tees, keep the music to yourself, and watch the oversharing. Happy golfing!