Harper Lin
Cheating in golf is more common than you might think. While some golfers are honest about their handicaps and the challenges of certain terrain, others will do whatever they can to gain an advantage. From manipulating the system to get a better handicap, to losing balls and miscounting strokes, there are many ways to cheat at golf. Some golfers will even go so far as to use substances like ChapStick or Vaseline to reduce friction on their drivers, or forcefully clear away grass and branches to improve their swing. Others will move their ball to dry ground after hitting a water hazard, or clean and reposition a muddy ball. While some of these tricks are easier to get away with in casual games, high-definition cameras at professional events have made it harder for cheaters to hide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Misreporting scores | Reporting a lower score than achieved |
| Misreporting handicap | Claiming a lower handicap than is true |
| Hiding lost balls | Pretending to find a lost ball far from where it was lost |
| Incorrectly counting strokes | "Miscounting" the number of strokes taken |
| Moving the ball | Moving the ball to dry ground, grass, or out of the way of obstacles |
| Clearing the area around the ball | Using practice swings to clear the area around the ball |
| Altering the ball | Applying Vaseline, snot, ChapStick, sunscreen, or saliva to the ball to reduce friction |
| Using the wrong ball | Using a softer ball for putting |
| Fudging the rules | Using "mulligans" and "gimmes" |
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What You'll Learn
Manipulating handicaps
Your handicap is made up of your best rounds, so it's a "good day" number rather than an average or bad day. Some golfers may inflate their handicap, claiming to be a lower handicap than they actually are. For example, a golfer may claim to be a 12 handicap when they are actually a 20 handicap. This can give them an advantage when playing against others, as their opponents may give them more strokes than they should.
Another way to manipulate handicaps is to strategically post high scores. Golfers may intentionally post high scores after poor rounds, which can lower their handicap and give them an advantage in future rounds. This practice is often referred to as "sandbagging" and is considered unethical by many golfers.
Additionally, some golfers may selectively report their scores. They may only report their best rounds and fail to report their worse scores, which can artificially deflate their handicap. This can be difficult to detect, especially if a golfer plays at multiple courses or does not consistently use a handicap tracking system.
To counter these forms of handicap manipulation, some golf clubs and organizations have implemented measures such as peer review and handicap verification. This may involve reviewing a golfer's scorecards, analyzing their scoring history, or comparing their performance in competitions to their reported handicap. By identifying and addressing instances of handicap manipulation, the integrity of the game and its handicapping system can be preserved.
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Hiding poor shots
Hiding or camouflaging a poor shot in golf can be done through a combination of physical adjustments and mental strategies.
Physical Adjustments
One way to hide a poor shot is to make a great decision about the shot you are about to hit and then set up for that decision in detail. This involves taking into account all variables and factors that can influence the outcome of the shot, such as choosing the right golf club, determining a safer place to aim, and considering the wind direction and speed. Another trick to improve consistency is to control the ball by swinging for low-trajectory shots. This can be achieved by gripping the lob or sand wedge with just the left hand, placing the ball in the middle of the stance, and then transferring more weight to the left side during the downswing.
Additionally, maintaining proper posture and spine angle throughout the swing can help prevent common issues such as whiffs and shanks. For example, standing too far away from the ball can cause a miss, so adopting a balanced posture with a slight forward bend from the hip joint is advisable. Similarly, the hips should be isolated and given a supporting role, with a focus on rotating rather than sliding them during the swing.
Mental Strategies
Mentally accepting that there are no "bad" shots in golf and that imperfect shots are a normal part of the game can help prevent negative reactions that may affect subsequent shots. Having a "go-to" subject or routine to distract yourself after a poor shot can aid in this regard. For example, following Tiger Woods' "ten pace" rule, where you give yourself ten paces to get over a shot you didn't intend, can help you move on quickly and positively.
In summary, hiding poor shots in golf involves a combination of thoughtful decision-making, physical adjustments to improve consistency, and mental strategies to maintain a positive mindset and avoid dwelling on mistakes.
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Fudging ball placement
Another tactic is to alter the markings on the ball. This can be done by using a Sharpie to modify the brand name or logo, scribbling over the numbers, or adding extra dimples. Some golfers may also try to remove existing markings to make the ball harder to identify. This enables them to deny ownership of the ball if it lands in an unfavourable spot.
Golfers can also cheat by applying substances to their equipment. For instance, rubbing ChapStick, sunscreen, or saliva on the face of a driver reduces friction and sidespin, leading to straighter shots. This cheat can be taken a step further by wiping away any residue with the fuzzy inside of the headcover.
While these cheating methods may go unnoticed in casual games, they can lead to penalties or disqualification in professional tournaments. The use of high-definition broadcast cameras in recent years has made it easier to catch cheaters in the act, especially during professional events.
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Using the wrong ball
Here's how you can execute this cheat:
- When your ball lands in an obscured location, such as deep rough or tall grass, approach the area as if you need to identify your ball.
- Instead of positively identifying your actual ball, subtly replace it with a different ball that is more advantageous for your next shot. You might place it on a wider-open launchpad or a spot with better terrain.
- By doing this, you gain a benefit that can improve your score. For example, you might place the new ball in a position where you have a clearer path to the hole or avoid challenging obstacles.
It's important to note that using the wrong ball is considered unethical and unsportsmanlike behavior. It violates the principles of fair play and can ruin the enjoyment of the game for other players. Therefore, it's essential to use this tactic discreetly and sparingly to avoid being caught and labeled as a cheater.
Additionally, you can also cheat by keeping a different ball in your pocket. For instance, if you use a distance ball for tee shots, you can switch to a softer tour ball for putting by marking the ball on the green and making the swap when no one is watching. This allows you to gain an advantage by using a ball better suited for the specific situation.
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Cheating equipment
Cheating in golf is more common than you may think. Here are some pieces of equipment that can help you cheat during a game of golf.
If you want to avoid the whispy grass or small, low-hanging branches that might get in the way of your swing, you can use a series of forceful practice swings to clear the area around your ball. Alternatively, you can cheat by using ChapStick, sunscreen, or saliva on the face of your driver to reduce friction on the ball and minimize sidespin. Be sure to wipe away any evidence with the fuzzy inside of your headcover.
If you're playing on a course with bunkers, you can use a manoeuvre known as "blasting the clump." When you catch a lie in a bunker with a clump of sand behind your ball, you can steer your backswing to blast the clump of sand out of the way before making contact with the ball. While this is a two-stroke penalty if caught, it's difficult to detect unless your playing partners are suspicious and have binoculars.
Additionally, you can keep a softer multicover tour ball in your pocket and switch it with the distance ball you use for tee shots when you need to make a putt. This will give you a smoother and more controlled putting stroke.
Finally, if you're playing near water hazards, you can drop your ball on the other side of the hazard instead of hitting multiple balls into the water. This is a common practice at some local golf courses.
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Frequently asked questions
If your ball is in an undesirable location, you can move it to a more favourable spot. For example, if your ball is in a bunker, you can take a couple of practice swings to clear the sand around it. If your ball is in long grass, you can pull it out and place it on an open launchpad. If your ball is on muddy ground, you can pick it up, clean it, and drop it on dry ground.
You can slide a sheen of ChapStick, sunscreen, or saliva across your driver's face to reduce the friction imparted on the ball. This will reduce the sidespin that sends your shots off course.
You can hit a water hazard and then drop your ball on the other side. If your ball is in an unraked bunker, you can lift it, rake the bunker, and replace it. You can also use a different ball for putting, keeping a softer ball in your pocket to switch with after you mark on the green.
