7 Most Annoying Golf Playing Partners

We showcase the seven most annoying playing partners that golfers can have the misfortune of teeing it up with!

7 Most Annoying Golf Playing Partners
(Image credit: Future)

Whether it's the person who's a stickler for the rules or seems to make time stand still with his deliberate pre-shot routine, we're sure these golfers will be familiar to you. It can really affect the momentum of your round or your overall mood when you get paired with someone that gets on your nerves, but sometimes for the sake of your score you just have to grit your teeth and endure it!

So sit back and enjoy our sub-optimal acting as we run through the seven most annoying golf playing partners. Be sure to let us know if we've missed any!

WATCH: The 7 Most Annoying Golf Playing Partners

1. The Early Praiser

Perhaps this is a bit harsh given the early praiser is trying to compliment you on the shot you've just hit. But it is annoying when you receive praise and then proceed to hit the ball fat, or the person repetitively thinks you are holing putts when they have no chance. Top tip from Golf Monthly, if it is you who is talking early, then perhaps wait until the person has hit the shot or the ball has come to rest before dishing out the congratulations!

2. Mr Angry

Playing with someone who erupts at the first sign of a poor shot or bad break guarantees a very long round in which you’re constantly on edge, and always on a self-preserving look-out for low-flying clubs. If you're guilty of this, remember it's only a game and that your demeanour could be ruining the round for others.

3. Mr Oblivious

Whether on the tee or as you’re steadying yourself over a crucial short putt, there they are, jangling away with keys, rattling their clubs, or even walking right across your line, usually absent-mindedly, but just occasionally bordering on frowned-upon gamesmanship. Either way, it’s just as annoying, and hard to shut out once it’s got under your skin.

4. The Cheater

Arguably the worst partner to be playing with, the cheater is someone who goes against the very essence of the game and leaves you feeling awkward and tense throughout the round. We recommend just keeping an eye out and dealing with it in the easiest way possible, which is usually a quick chat in private during or after the round.

5. The Amateur Coach

We have all played with someone who thinks they are Butch Harmon and with the best will in the world, even though their intentions are good, their swing tips and advice should be kept to themselves. During the round is never the time to talk about things like the straight left arm because then it just muddles the golf swing up for the rest of the round. Also, perhaps the swing tips should be left to the local teaching professional? Just a thought.

6. The Rules Guy

“I think I overheard you saying to George to keep his chin up and keep trying after that last tee shot,” says the Rules pedant, another worthy inclusion in the list of annoying golf partners. “I believe that constitutes advice and therefore breaches Rule 8-1.”

Cue four hours of fun where you’re afraid to open your mouth and feel compelled to tread on eggshells anywhere near your ball. If you end up playing with someone like this, try and keep yourself to yourself and don't look for your ball beyond the allotted three minutes!

7. The Snail

We live in tortuous slow play times, but if you’re the one constantly trying to gee people along, it tends to be your game that suffers rather than theirs as you’re forever anxiously looking over your shoulder to see how badly the course is stacking up behind you. Make a point by walking ahead or not engaging in idle chit chat, hopefully they get the message that they need to speed up.

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask. 

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer