The Most Common Excuses Golfers Make After a Bad Shot (And How to Fix The Actual Problem)
Let’s be honest: golf is a hard game, and when things go wrong, it is incredibly tempting to blame everything except our own swing. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a scratch golfer, you’ve probably pointed the finger at a sudden gust of wind, a barking dog, or a weird bounce. But while leaning on the most common excuses golfers make after a bad shot might protect your ego in the moment, it won’t do your scorecard any favors. If you want to lower your handicap and truly improve, it’s time to take accountability.
Let’s break down four classic golf excuses and, more importantly, look at the actual swing mechanics and course management tips you need to fix them.
Why We Rely on the Common Excuses Golfers Make After a Bad Shot
Before we dive into the fixes, it helps to understand why we make excuses in the first place. Golf requires intense focus and precision. And when a shot results in a slice into the woods, our brains naturally look for an external variable to blame. But acknowledging the real root of the problem is the first step to hitting better golf shots.
#1 Excuse: “Someone coughed during my backswing!”
- The Stated Problem: A sudden noise, a playing partner shifting their weight, or a bird chirping broke your concentration right at the top of your swing.
- The Actual Problem: You have a fragile mental game and lack a reliable pre-shot routine.
- The Fix: You need to build an impenetrable mental “bubble.” The best way to block out distractions is to automate your setup. Stand behind the ball, pick a specific target, take exactly one rehearsal swing, and commit. When your brain is hyper-focused on a rigid, step-by-step routine, a cough in the background won’t be enough to derail your swing path.
#2 Excuse: “My club slipped in my hands!”
- The Stated Problem: It’s too humid, you had a drop of sweat on your palm, or your old glove caused the clubhead to twist right at the moment of impact.
- The Actual Problem: You have improper grip tension, or you are holding onto worn-out equipment that desperately needs replacing.
- The Fix: First, check your grip pressure. Think of the “toothpaste tube” analogy. Hold the club tight enough so it doesn’t drop, but loose enough to keep the paste inside. If your grip is right but the club still slips, it’s time to upgrade your gear. Fresh gloves and new grips are the cheapest ways to instantly regain control.
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- The Stated Problem: A sudden, unpredictable gust of wind pushed your perfectly struck 7-iron twenty yards to the right and straight into a greenside bunker.
- The Actual Problem: You are likely hitting a high, spinning slice. Wind dramatically exaggerates the spin you are already putting on the golf ball.
- The Fix: Learn to flight the ball lower when the elements are against you. To hit a lower, more piercing shot (like a “stinger” or a punch shot), take one extra club and swing at about 75% effort. A smoother, more controlled swing with one extra club helps you deliver less loft and a lower‑spinning, lower‑flying shot that cuts through the breeze instead of ballooning and curving.
#4 Excuse: “I was in a terrible lie!”
- The Stated Problem: The ball was sitting in a slight depression, nestled down in the rough, or resting on a tight hardpan lie, making clean contact impossible.
- The Actual Problem: You failed to adjust your ball position and angle of attack based on the turf conditions in front of you.
- The Fix: You can’t use your standard fairway swing when the ball is sitting down. To ensure you make contact with the ball before the turf, move the golf ball an inch or two back in your stance. This promotes a steeper, more descending angle of attack. It helps you pinch the ball cleanly out of a bad lie rather than chunking the ground behind it.
Golfing Excuses: Decoded (FAQ)
Why do golfers make so many excuses after a bad shot?
Golf is a highly mental and precise game. When a shot goes wrong, it’s a natural psychological reaction to look for an external factor to blame, like the wind, a sudden noise, or a bad lie, rather than taking accountability for a mechanical flaw in the swing.
How can I stop my club from slipping during my swing?
First, check your grip pressure. Hold the club securely but avoid squeezing it too tightly. If your grip pressure is correct and the club still twists or slips at impact, you likely need to replace worn-out grips or buy a fresh golf glove to restore proper traction.
What is the best way to hit a golf ball out of a bad lie?
When dealing with a poor lie, such as thick rough or a depression, move the golf ball an inch or two back in your stance. This promotes a steeper angle of attack, helping you pinch the ball cleanly before your club hits the heavy turf.
Stop Blaming the Golf Gods
Owning your bad shots is the very first step to hitting better ones. The next time you hit a shank, resist the urge to blame the alignment of the stars. Check your fundamentals, adjust your strategy, and focus on the next swing.
What is your absolute favorite, most ridiculous golf excuse you’ve ever used (or heard a buddy use)? Drop it in the comments below!
Need to eliminate that “slipping club” excuse for good? Shop our massive selection of discount grips and fresh golf gloves at Rock Bottom Golf. Take that variable completely out of your game.
Writer/Editor: Danny Kapp is a passionate golf enthusiast and a 10-year veteran golf blog writer for Rock Bottom Golf, offering his unique perspective on the game. With a keen eye for detail, he covers various aspects of golf, ranging from technical insights to the latest trends in golf equipment and golf technology.
