The things golfers are not supposed to say out loud

Bombshell Golf Confessions: The Unspoken Rules of the Green

Golf, the sport that marries serene landscapes with fierce competition, often requires a delicate balance of mental fortitude and physical skill. While every golfer knows that thoughts are inevitable on the course, there are certain subjects that remain taboo, whispered only in the shadows of the club. This story, originally featured in Low Net, a weekly newsletter dedicated to the world of average players, dives into the unsaid truths and the silent code every golfer must adhere to. Subscribe to Golf Digest+ for more insider tales and tips from the world of golf.

A Shocking Admission on the PGA Tour

Just last week, the golfing world witnessed a rare confession from a PGA Tour player. After missing a crucial five-foot putt that cost him the tournament, the young star, Akshay Bhatia, revealed the reason behind his misstep: he was nervous. For those watching Bhatia’s final par putt on the 72nd hole at Detroit Country Club, this admission wasn’t entirely surprising. Yet, it struck a chord because it broke one of golf’s unspoken rules: some things are better left unsaid.

The Silent Code Among Golfers

Bhatia’s candidness was noteworthy, primarily because he spoke about himself. The real taboo, however, lies in what we might project onto others. A few weeks ago, during a casual round, my friend was two-under through 13 holes, on the brink of achieving a career-best performance. From that moment, an unspoken rule kicked in: I avoided eye contact and refrained from commenting on his game. Whenever I’ve approached similar milestones, I’ve briskly distanced myself from anyone who dared to mention what was at stake.

These unwritten rules aren’t ones we choose, yet we’re bound by them as strictly as a baseball player respects a pitcher working a perfect game. It’s an unwritten law: don’t discuss a player’s exceptional performance, but equally, don’t highlight their failures. Complimenting a partner for hitting every fairway is often a jinx, likely causing them to miss the next one. Yet, this is still preferable to calling out a bad shot.

Do These Guidelines Really Make Sense?

One might wonder about the logic behind these guidelines. They hinge on the belief that introducing or amplifying certain thoughts can disrupt a player’s focus. The mental game of golf is intricate, and mentioning something a player is already trying to suppress can exacerbate the issue. This delicate psychological balance is why Bhatia’s recent admission was a remarkably mature response for someone so young. Acknowledging his nerves instead of avoiding them demonstrated an evolved mindset. The more effort you put into ignoring a thought, the more power you inadvertently give it.

The Delicate Dance of Golfing Conversations

But here lies the complexity: while Bhatia spoke for himself, the silent code dictates we tread carefully around our partners. Your playing partner likely knows when they’re performing exceptionally or when they’ve made a glaring mistake. If they choose to discuss it, that’s one thing. Otherwise, we are bound to play dumb, adhering to the delicate dance of golfing conversations.

Golf’s silent rules form an integral part of the game’s mystique. They reflect the deep psychological strategies players employ, whether consciously or not, to maintain their focus and composure. So next time you’re on the green, remember the unspoken code. Let your partner’s game speak for itself, and perhaps, just perhaps, the golf gods will reward you with a flawless round of your own.