Golf used to be known for peaceful rounds, friendly rivalries, and quiet respect for tradition. Lately, though, a troubling trend has emerged: more fights, more shouting matches, and more viral videos of golfers losing control. It raises a simple question: Why are we seeing more fights on golf courses?
As someone who’s spent years around the game, I believe the answers are clear, and more importantly, the solutions are simple.
If you throw punches on a golf course, you do not belong there. Even if someone takes a swing at you, swinging back solves nothing. Think about how the legends of the game would handle it. You will not see a highlight reel of Jack Nicklaus or Ernie Els brawling on the 9th tee. They would walk away with their dignity intact.
For those who want to settle things physically, there are sports built for that: boxing, MMA, hockey. Golf is not one of them.
Even the roughest fighters respect certain spaces, and a golf course should be one of them. I always say golf is like visiting your grandmother… maybe with a bit more cursing. If you would not act a fool at her house, do not do it on the course. This is golf etiquette 101.
Blaming course conditions is common. Yes, some public courses overcrowd tee times, sometimes spacing them just six minutes apart. That slows down play and can be frustrating. But the guy in front of you is not the one who made that business decision. Getting in his face will not speed up your round or fix the system.
If you hate long rounds, you have options. Call ahead and ask about tee intervals, book earlier tee times, or find quieter courses. What you should never do is let your frustration lead to confrontation.
Social media is another spark. Too many golfers care more about how they look online than how they act in person. People think walking away from conflict makes them weak. It is actually the opposite. Real strength is in self-control. The loudest person on the course is usually the most insecure.
Some blame young golfers for bringing bad habits into the game. Yes, new players might not know every tradition, but that is an opportunity to guide, not to fight. Old-school golfers snapping at younger players solves nothing, and young players taunting the older crowd are no better. Respect goes both ways.
If you are annoyed by loud music, ask politely or let it go. If someone asks to play through, let them. If there is disrespect, call the marshal. Fighting will only make things worse for everyone involved.
Having played golf for decades, I have seen every type of golfer, every type of behavior. Fighting is never the answer. There is always a way to deal with conflict without throwing punches. That means following basic tee box etiquette and continuing that all the way past the green.
The course should be a place of respect, relaxation, and personal challenge. It’s not a boxing ring. Tempers will flare, but maturity means handling it the right way. Next time you feel anger creeping in, remember: golf teaches patience, not conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Fighting on the golf course ruins the game for everyone and shows a lack of respect for the sport’s traditions.
- Social media, overcrowded courses, and generational clashes contribute to conflicts, but none justify physical aggression.
- The best response to conflict on the course is maturity, calm leadership, and respect for others… not fists.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
