Although golf is the ultimate gentleman’s game, we all have that one friend who’s as cunning as a fox. Integrity should always prevail in a game of golf, with players enforcing the rules on themselves, but sadly, some wayward players choose not to abide by these unwritten ethics. Whether playing in high-stakes competitions, club tournaments, or even a few casual rounds, you should always watch out for some who may bend or break the rules to gain an unfair advantage. Find out what key indicators to look out for when you suspect a golfer of cheating and know when to call out their dishonest behavior in the game.
Key Signs of Cheating and How to Address Them
Inconsistent Scorekeeping
Just like some politicians can’t help rigging elections, altering scores is one of golf’s most common forms of cheating. A player typically records their own scores, so a dishonest golfer may exploit the honor system to their advantage. Common signs to watch out for include players frequently ‘forgetting’ strokes, especially penalty strokes, avoiding score verbalization after each hole, which complicates verification, and recording lower scores on the card than actual ones.
With such a golfer, even their playing partners seem unsure or reluctant when confirming their scores. You can handle such a scenario by having a designated marker or tracking their shots yourself, politely confronting them when you notice discrepancies, and reporting the issue to the club officials or tournament committee if it happens repeatedly.
Moving the Ball (Improper Lies)
Some other sneaky players swing into action when they think no one is watching and subtly nudge the ball into a more favorable position to improve their lies. Common characteristics of such a trickster include using their foot or club to “accidentally” improve their lie in the bunker or rough, claiming their ball was in a different spot than what other players saw, and constantly turning away from the group before playing a shot.
Such a golfer is also overly eager to “help” find a lost ball but somehow ends up “finding” it in a better spot. When dealing with such a player, always monitor their ball closely, especially in hazards or deep roughs, politely call out blatant infractions immediately, or suggest marking ball positions to get precise lies.
Improper Drops and Relief
Another group of swindlers takes illegal drops to avoid bad lies or penalties. Such a player often takes a drop without proper procedure, which is supposed to be from knee height, claims a “phantom” ruling allowing them to move their ball unfairly, or drops the ball nearer the hole instead of at the precise relief point. You can handle such scenarios by carefully studying the Rules of Golf regarding drops and relief or confronting them politely and suggesting checking the rulebook.
Taking Mulligans Without Permission
Although friendly golf rounds allow for redo shots (mulligans), taking an unauthorized second shot in competitive play is considered cheating. A golfer pursuing this mischief will often take a “do-over” without counting the extra stroke, hit a second ball without announcing it as a provisional or asking, or justify it with excuses like “Nobody saw it” or “The first one didn’t count.” While playing in a casual round, establish rules at the beginning to ensure fairness, and if in a tournament, remind the player politely that mulligans aren’t allowed.
Misrepresenting Handicap
Sandbagging, which refers to handicap manipulation, is also a prevalent form of cheating, especially in club tournaments where handicaps determine stroke allowances. A sandbagger’s qualities include mysteriously failing to enter low scores into the system, recording higher scores in casual rounds to puff up their handicap, and unexpectedly playing much better in tournaments than their handicap suggests. When golfing with a suspected sandbagger, keep records of their scores and report them to the handicap committee if they try to cheat.
Slow Play to Distract or Frustrate Opponents
Although slow play can happen naturally from several factors, some unscrupulous players use it purposely to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm. Such a cheat repeatedly marks and re-marks their ball on the green without proper cause, constantly engages in distracting conversations or asks unnecessary questions, and spends an uncommonly long time over every shot, especially when their opponent is playing well. When playing with such a fraudster, politely remind them of time limits, maintain a steady pace, and report persistent slow play to the officials if playing in a competition.
Parting Shot
Many signs can help you spot golf cheats, with others including giving themselves gimme putts, miraculously finding balls that should be lost, miscounting clubs in the bag, and interfering with the ball’s movement. When you catch such a trickster in the act, address the matter without causing conflict by staying calm and nonconfrontational, using questions and not accusations, getting a third-party opinion, and doing your best to protect the integrity of our beloved game.