Don’t Be THAT Golfer: The 5 “No No’s” for Every Playing Partner to Avoid

By Kyle Oland

Playing golf with a good partner can make for an enjoyable experience, but a bad partner can quickly turn a fun round into a frustrating one. While everyone has different preferences when it comes to playing partners, there are a few qualities that most golfers would agree just don’t cut it. No one wants to be THAT person on your Myrtle Beach golf trip whose actions instantly ruin the trip for everyone.

Here are our five biggest “no no’s” to avoid:

1. Slow play. It’ s one of the most common complaints among golfers, and for good reason. Playing partners who take too long to line up shots, make decisions, and take their turns can slow down the entire round and lead to a less enjoyable experience for everyone involved. If you find yourself paired with a slow player, it’s important to address the issue early on to avoid a frustrating round.

2. Poor etiquette. Golf is a game that relies heavily on etiquette and sportsmanship. Playing partners who exhibit poor etiquette (e.g., talking during swings, failing to repair fairway divots on fairways or ball marks on greens) can be frustrating to play with. While it’s important to be forgiving of mistakes, it’s also important to hold your playing partners accountable for their actions on the course.

3. Negativity. Golf is a mental game, and a negative attitude can quickly bring down the mood of the entire group. Playing partners who constantly complain, make excuses, or focus on their mistakes can bring down the energy of the group and make for a less enjoyable round. It’s important to stay positive and supportive of your playing partners, even when things aren’t going well.

4. Lack of preparation. Golf requires a certain level of preparation, from having the right equipment to understanding the rules and course layout. Playing partners who show up unprepared, such as without the proper clubs or attire, can create delays and make for a less enjoyable round. Don’t be that person who shows up five minutes before the round and then wants to hit the range.

5. The rule bender. Taking an extra stroke or moving your ball to a better fairway lie is one thing if you and your group are just on the course to have a good time, and not holding up play for others behind you. But if you and your group decide to play a competitive game, there’s just no tolerance for the playing partner who secretly kicks the ball into the fairway or shaves a stroke off the scorecard that should have been counted as a penalty.

Are you and your buddies looking for a memorable golf trip filled with good times and great memories that will last a lifetime? There’s no better place than “The Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach! Click here to start planning your golf trip today!