Golf is often described as a gentleman’s game, built on a foundation of etiquette, patience, and respect for fellow players. However, even the most composed golfers have their limits. From slow play to disruptive noises, certain behaviors can quickly turn a relaxing round into an exercise in frustration.
Some annoyances are as old as the game itself, while others are newer developments that reflect changes in golf culture. Below, we break down the biggest pet peeves that test the patience of even the most seasoned golfers.
The Honk Heard ‘Round the Course
Few things can rattle a golfer more than an unexpected car horn blaring mid-swing. The act, often carried out by passing drivers looking for a quick laugh, is simple but effective in its disruption. Unlike other distractions—such as a sudden gust of wind or an errant shout from an adjacent hole—this is a deliberate act of interference at the worst possible moment.
Even the best players in the world would struggle to maintain composure against a perfectly timed honk. A golf swing requires absolute concentration, and any break in rhythm can spell disaster for a shot. For many golfers, this prank isn’t just annoying—it feels like an outright attack on the sacred moment before impact.
We also asked a PGA pro about advice for frustrated golfers.
The Never-Ending Problem of Slow Play
Slow play has long been a point of contention in golf, but in recent years, it has taken center stage in discussions about the sport’s future. As attention spans shrink and more casual players take up the game, the pace of play has become an issue for courses and players alike.
There was a time when slow play was largely attributed to beginners learning the game. However, with the vast availability of online resources teaching golf etiquette, ignorance is no longer an excuse. Simple adjustments—like marking scores at the next tee box instead of on the green, parking a cart efficiently, and being ready to hit when it’s your turn—can keep a round moving.
The most infuriating version of slow play occurs when a group plays just fast enough to prevent others from playing through but slow enough to create a bottleneck on the course. When this happens, frustration builds, tempers flare, and what should be an enjoyable round turns into an endurance test.
Note that this has recently been in the news when discussing AimPoint putting. Is it slowing down the game? Maybe. Should we do something about that? I’ll stay out of this one.
The Rise of On-Course Influencers
In the age of social media, golf courses have become content creation hubs, with influencers setting up tripods, filming swings, and taking endless pictures. While there’s nothing wrong with capturing a memorable shot or reviewing a round, excessive filming can slow play and disrupt the natural flow of a course.
More often than not, the real problem isn’t the influencer themselves but the sheer volume of players on the course. Like a traffic jam, slow play is often the result of overcrowding rather than one specific group’s actions.
Still, when a group prioritizes content over courtesy, it’s bound to irritate those waiting behind them. And yes, tee box etiquette also matters.
The Music Debate
Music on the golf course is one of the most polarizing topics among modern players. Traditionally, golf has been a quiet game, with silence being part of its charm. However, as younger generations bring Bluetooth speakers onto the fairways, tensions have emerged between those who enjoy background tunes and those who see it as an unwelcome distraction. (Keep it to Topgolf, right?)
The issue isn’t necessarily music itself but volume. A reasonable compromise would be for courses to set clear policies on music, including a maximum volume level. A good rule of thumb: if someone more than a few feet away can hear the song selection, it’s probably too loud.
Did Your Mother Make Your Iron Covers?
Of all the ways to irritate fellow golfers, using iron covers may be the most peculiar. These protective covers, which are different from normal club head covers, are meant to prevent dings and scratches on expensive club sets.
They’re also widely mocked within the golf community.
While their practical use is undeniable, they have somehow become a symbol of overprotectiveness—akin to keeping plastic covers on a brand-new couch.
The issue isn’t so much with the golfer who uses them but with the impact they have on those cleaning clubs. At higher-end courses where staff members wipe down clubs after a round, iron covers slow the process significantly. If there’s one group golfers should avoid irritating, it’s the back shop staff—after all, they hold more power than most players realize.
While some of these pet peeves are minor irritations, others speak to a broader issue: respect for the game and those who play it. Golf etiquette exists for a reason, ensuring that everyone enjoys their round without unnecessary distractions or delays.
A round of golf should be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Whether that means keeping noise levels in check, playing at a reasonable pace, or simply showing consideration for others, every golfer has a role to play in maintaining the spirit of the game.
After all, the difference between an enjoyable day on the course and a frustrating one often comes down to how much we respect each other’s experience.
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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.
