We all love the game—but some on-course behaviors can drive playing partners up the wall. Before you point fingers, make sure you’re not the culprit. Here are seven common habits that annoy golfers, why they’re a problem, and quick fixes to keep your group happy and pace of play moving.

1) Talking About Your Game as If Everyone Cares

Play-by-play recaps, swing monologues, and score breakdowns can wear out even your best friends. Most golfers came to play, not to audit your round.

Fix it:

• Keep stories short and inclusive—ask your partners about their shots, too.
• Save deep-dive analysis for the range, a coach, or the 19th hole.
• Use the walk to the ball to reset quietly; talk between shots, not over shots.

2) Complaining About a Good Shot

Stuffing a wedge to three inches and saying “should’ve been closer” comes off as a humblebrag—or worse, ungrateful.

Fix it:

• Own it: “Thanks, I’ll take that!” is perfect etiquette.
• Celebrate partners’ good shots with the same energy.
• Let your group enjoy the moment—no asterisks needed.

3) Taking Too Long to Line Up a Putt

Touring pros have caddies, green books, and TV clocks. Your foursome has a tee time behind you. Five-minute reads on 30-footers grind the day to a halt.

Fix it:

• Read as you walk to the green; confirm from behind the ball and the low side.
• Use a 30–40 second routine from when it’s your turn.
• Prioritize pace and start line; commit and roll it.

4) Offering Unsolicited Golf Tips

Even well-meant advice can clutter someone’s head and ruin their round. Unless you’re asked, teaching mid-round is rarely helpful.

Fix it:

• Ask permission first: “Want a thought or prefer to play it out?”
• If they say yes, offer one simple cue—never a lesson.
• Otherwise, cheer effort and keep vibes positive.

5) Not Being Ready to Hit When It’s Your Turn

Searching for a glove, rangefinder, or tee after it’s your turn stalls the group and everyone behind you.

Fix it:

• Play ready golf: pick a club and a target while others play.
• Carry the gear you need to your ball; do yardage and wind checks in advance.
• Take one practice swing, set, and go.

6) Overreacting to Bad Shots

Tossing clubs, swearing, or sulking kills the fun. Everyone hits stinkers; composure is part of the game (and pace).

Fix it:

• Adopt a 10-step rule: two deep breaths, then move on.
• Channel energy into the next decision (lie, yardage, safe side).
• Keep language and body language respectful of the course and partners.

7) Too Many Gadgets

GPS watches, stat apps, launch numbers—useful tools that become annoying when they slow play or hijack conversation.

Fix it:

• Set devices to quick mode (yardage only on-course; analyze later).
• Log shots while others are hitting, not when it’s your turn.
• Limit stat talk unless your group is into it.

Play Nicer, Play Faster, Have More Fun

Good etiquette is good golf: it speeds the round, lowers tension, and makes invites more likely. Trim the oversharing, keep routines crisp, save coaching for the range, and let your group enjoy the day. If you’re unsure whether something is annoying, ask yourself: Does this help pace and my partners’ experience? If not, skip it.