This question, “Are you a golf snob?” is making you think right now. Being called a golf snob is not good for our ego, but I think we can handle it! There are many types of golf snobs, but I have narrowed it down to four with the help of OOBGolf. I have modified some of their categories, but the real inspiration for this article came from a question I asked on twitter yesterday. (if you have a Twitter account don’t forget to vote)
Snob is a tough word for most of us to digest. According to the Urban dictionary, a snob is anyone who thinks they are better than someone else based upon superficial factors. This definition can apply to many people, but in some cases, golfers take it to the next level.

Another Random Duck Sighting!
Stay Behind Me Snob
Regardless of pace of play, some players refuse to let anyone play through. They believe that no matter what, all groups must stay behind them as they line up every shot from every angle and still miss! These particular types of snobs cause endless frustration for players following them and potentially gives the course a bad name!
Rules Snob
This snob is a player who believes they “know it all”! The know all the rules, how to enforce them, and rarely accepts another interpretation! Additionally, these players feel it is their duty to make sure everyone follows all the rules, all the time. Golf is a game of integrity and honesty, but this type of snob takes being an annoying playing partner up a notch.
Etiquette Snob
This type of snob does not understand the concept of ready golf. They will wait for their turn to play regardless of what is going on, they are more concerned with how people play instead of their own play. Etiquette snobs constantly hint to the other players about the rules of etiquette during the round. There is a time and a place for proper etiquette, however a constant barrage of ‘kindly reminders’ definitely dulls the fun on the course.
Golf Score Snob
The golf score snob is someone who is never happy with their score. Even if they shoot their best round ever, the feel they left something out on the course. They will recount all the possible spots where they could have lowered their score and usually have an excuse to why it happened that way (just like playing euchre!). Also, how they shot a score is as important as the score; they would prefer two bogies over a double bogie for some reason. These players are a minor inconvenience, but are not bad to play with most of the time because they are always trying to play better.
I have to admit that I am a bit of a Golf Score Snob. I always want to score better and sometimes I walk of the 18th green shaking my head thinking I left shots out on the course. Part of this is because I am competitive and like to improve all the time, other times, well I guess I am just complaining. Hopefully, the latter happens rarely!
Are you a golf snob? Do you fit in any of the categories above? I would suggest that to be a snob, this type of behavior is the norm not once in a while. I can honestly say that over 40 years of playing golf, I have met very few snobs. The ones I did meet, we only be once.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Jim,
Like you I am a golf score snob in ways, but also in the competitive way in order to learn from it so I can improve and shave those strokes off the next time. I think a player can be happy with a score yet not “settle” for that score. If I shot 72, I’d be happy with that score, but could feel disappointed at the same time if I finished with a double bogey because I lost focus and thought about my score.
Cheers
Josh
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Josh
Great points. Unfortunately, I have done what you described, double on the last hole for a 72 and eagled the last for a 72. Guess which score I was happiest for! 😂😂😂
Cheers
Jim
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I am not a golf snob. I will play with anyone. I wish I could score better but I don’t consider that a golf snob. I do what I do for me and enjoy the good and the bad days.
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Linley
Great attitude. I to will golf with anyone. It makes the game fun and interesting to hear other peoples stories!
Cheers
Jim
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I think everyone is a golf score snob. Unless you birdie them all you’ve left some out there 🙂
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Jimmy
I guess you are right about that. That is one of the reasons that keeps my trying to always shoot low scores! How is your game?
Cheers
Jim
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All over the place coming out of tax season. Gotta get some practice in, but want to play every chance I get.
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Jimmy,
Life gets in the way of us all! Good luck hitting the links.
Cheers
Jim
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You too!
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I am a bit of a golf snob, but not really in your examples. I often golf with friends who aren’t really up on their etiquette. Most things I can let go, but I can’t stand people behind me in my peripheral moving or fidgeting with their clubs etc. I’ve also been told that I am very serious when golfing which surprises people.
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Mac
Sounds like you know what you like on the golf course. Not such a bad thing. How is your game?
Cheers
Jim
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I think I also fall into the golf score snob. I am very competitive and I like to be at my best, which rarely happens. I enjoy competition so I am always thinking I could have been better. Nice Post !
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Thanks, it so easy to be a golf score snob. I make sure it does not ruin my whole round. I always remain grateful to be playing. Great to hear from you.
Cheers
Jim
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