Reckless driving can turn golf into a good ride, spoiled. In golf, we learn to take the good with the bad, but sometimes the bad becomes more than we can bear. In a recent survey, thousands of golfers shared memories of the most egregious on-course conduct they have ever witnessed. The responses were too numerous to print in full, so we’ve sorted them into categories and offered examples that represent the worst of the worst. Here are the top 14 inductees into the Golf Etiquette Hall of Shame.
1. Poor course maintenance is a common issue, with golfers failing to fix ball marks and fill divots. Some golfers take it to the next level, climbing out of bunkers and leaving deep gouges without ever using a rake. Others have resorted to destructive behavior, such as tomahawking a putter into a green or taking divots on the green that are unrepairable.
2. Reckless driving in golf carts is a problem, with players flipping them, four-wheeling through bunkers, doing donuts in fairways, and bashing into other carts. Some players have even been known to ride over greens in their carts, causing damage to the course.
3. Fisticuffs have broken out on the golf course, with fights erupting between groups of players, often in the aftermath of one group hitting into another. The peaceful game of golf can quickly turn violent when tempers flare on the course.
4. Music on the course is a contentious issue, with most golfers being okay with music played at a reasonable volume. However, some golfers blast music at Metallica concert-level decibels, causing a disturbance for other players on the course.
5. Dress-code violations are still a point of contention for some golfers, with complaints about players wearing inappropriate attire such as V-neck undershirts. Some golfers even resort to playing naked on the course, much to the dismay of their fellow players.
6. Taking relief on the course has been an issue, with golfers relieving themselves on tee boxes, fairways, cart paths, and even greens. Some players have been witnessed going number two directly in the cup, causing disgust among their playing partners.
7. Cheating is a prevalent issue in golf, with players resorting to foot wedges, hand wedges, and ungranted gimmes to improve their scores. Disputes over lost balls and dubious recoveries are common, leading to tension among players on the course.
8. Public endangerment is a serious concern, with golfers failing to call fore and injuring other players with errant shots. One respondent reported being hit with a drive from 100 yards away, resulting in a broken bone in their foot.
9. Drunk and disorderly behavior is a problem on the golf course, with players getting so intoxicated that they fall over getting out of the cart or drive the cart in circles on the green. While a cocktail or two is acceptable, excessive drinking can be disruptive to other players on the course.
10. Slow play is a frustrating issue for many golfers, with players taking an excessive number of practice swings and delaying the pace of play for their group. The habit of repeating the same actions and expecting different results can drive fellow golfers batty on the course.
In conclusion, golf etiquette is essential for maintaining a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all players on the course. By following the unwritten rules of golf and showing respect for fellow players and the course, golfers can ensure a positive and harmonious environment on the links. Remember to repair ball marks, follow course maintenance guidelines, and treat others with courtesy and respect while enjoying the game of golf.
