The 10 Attributes of A Bad Golfer. Which One Defines Your Game?

We all know networking is key to building relationships. It is no different once you are on the job. In wealth management, it is important to constantly stay in front of your clients, whether its meeting with new clients or maintaining existing relationships outside of work hours. The best place to do this?…. On the golf course. Obviously, you don’t have to be an amazing golfer, but you don’t want to be the guy who has to search for his ball after every shot, holding up the 3 groups behind you (You know who you are). At any rate, here is a list of the top 10 attributes of a bad golfer. Which one is the kryptonite to your game?

1. You mulligan after every drive
Ah yes, hello Mr. Mulligan. You are so uptight about that first swing that you have to have that insurance in your back pocket. You walk up to the tee box, take a few practice swings and garble the words just loud enough so the people in your group hear... “(You) have one mulligan for the first drive only!” You think this statement holds up? Of course not. You will just be re-hitting after every bad drive for the next 17 holes. Your 100 score just magically became an 82!

2. You aim about 50 yards left of the flag to adjust for your slice
You are maybe 70 yards out from the hole, dead straight. It is an easy chip shot on to the green. Although you are surprised you are even in the position you are in, you are hitting for eagle! But god forbid, you know your swing is a random game of chance and if you aim straight that thing is headed for the houses. Brilliant idea! - You’ll just adjust for the slice and aim towards Hank & Larry on the other hole and that ball should boomerang right back over.

3. You are more focused on where the cart lady is
Par 4, 180 yards to the hole, bunkers flanking the downward-sloping green. You need a perfect shot…of alcohol that is. Where is the cart lady? We need to booze it up.

4 You use a driver on a long 190ft Par 3
Your scratch golfer buddy (he’s probably giving you “tips” all round and you are just getting sick of it) tells you to use your 3 iron or 5 wood on the hole. What the hell is a 3-iron? You’ve never used that club and probably don’t even have it in your bag…you’re just going to use the driver here. Your buddy is pissed and advises against it, but you go against his better judgment because you really just don’t give a shit. His 3-iron shot is in the rough and somehow your driver shot made it to the green. He’s your caddy now.

5. You throw your clubs when you hit a ground single into the water
They say electricity and water don’t mix well but you swear that that adage is false. The water is like a magnet and you’ll find a way to lose a ball in there – hell, you might even put into the water.

6. You always boost your handicap when talking with other golfers
How many times do you meet this guy in business? He talks up his game pretty well pre-round and has probably boasted about playing Augusta because some uncle Clifford got him on. First shot off the tee is in the bushes. He immediately calls for a mulligan and says claims it was because he didn't keep his eyes on the ball. Second shot…right back in the bushes with the gophers. He’s a 36.4 handicap.

7. Once you hit the sand, your game is over
You’ve hit the sand so many times that you’ve created another sand trap in the sand trap. What are you hitting next? A 12 for this hole?

8. You have an excuse for every shot
Your approach is good, you fix your grip, your feet are planted perfectly, and your practice swings are smooth and fluid. The swing is made and the excuses follow. “Damn, I pulled my head on that one.” “I twisted my wrists!” “I misread the green there.” “I used the wrong club, you said the yardage was 150!” “My clubs suck, I need new ones.” No, you may just not be that good.

9. You give up after 9 holes and just end up calling it a day
2 hours in any sport is long, but 4.5-5 hours is nearing impossible for you. Since the first 9 holes were a complete disaster you rather just end it early and grab some drinks and food at the clubhouse. Golf just isn’t your game.

10. You spend way too much time thinking about your shot
The pain and the agony that this poor man goes through is just sad and you pity him. He fidgets, grips the club like it’s a weapon, takes 10 practice swings, and you are standing beside him just wanting to say “relax and swing” but you know that’s a hopeless endeavor. After all the whole routine is done, he settles and is ready to swing. That painful “warmup” was useless and that ball is history.