Etiquette Stuff
The modern golfer’s guide to cursing on the course

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As a basketball player, I’ve cursed plenty when competing, so I’ll be the first to admit the habit carries to the golf course. If I’m with one of my usual playing partners, I don’t even give it much thought.
When in mixed company, however, things are different. Our culture has become less formal in general, but golfers still do their best to uphold the traditions of the game. Does keeping your speech clean on the course matter less than a decade or two ago? Likely so, but where are the nuances: How are private vs. public rounds different? What about business golf vs. golf with friends? What are the rules when paired with randoms?
We polled our editorial staff to help clarify the rules of engagement for cussing on the course. Here's where we netted out:
You’ll be cut more slack if you quickly apologize
I do try to apologize to my playing partners if I feel one of my outbursts gets out of hand in the moment. For example, I’ve yelled out a curse or two and slammed my clubhead into the ground, and immediately followed up with a “I’m sorry” before the ball even stops moving. —Luke Hooten, social media coordinator

Casarsa
Volume and cadence are very important
I definitely curse a good amount on the course. I have never YELLED, but for sure have mutteedr under my breath or say stuff at a normal volume. A bad drive is definitely where I’ll curse the most, especially on days where I just can’t get my sh*t together. I don’t think I hurt any feelings if it’s a quick, quiet scolding at myself. —Greg Gottfried, senior digital producer
Gauge the vibe
I tend to play a lot of golf for work with people I haven’t met before. I always like to gauge the vibe of the group in the first couple holes. You can get a very quick sense of personalities and what might offend somebody. Actually, first impressions are often wrong in this respect. Maybe an older more traditional-looking golfer will be the first to let an F-bomb or worse fly, proving this game can get the best of all of us. —Stephen Hennessey, managing editor
Make it your problem and no one else’s
My general rule when it comes to outbursts on the golf course is they’re permissible under two conditions: you’re not compromising the experience of the people around you; and you’re not carrying it into your next shot. When it comes to cursing, that means you’re not dragging others into the mud with you, and you’re at least putting the moment to good use. If that’s what helps you move on and gather your composure, then no harm, no foul. — Sam Weinman, digital editorial director
Your mouth should depend on your crew
You definitely have to consider your group. If it’s my usual crew, anything goes. But if I’m playing with people I don’t know, I will definitely reel it in. —Alex Myers, senior writer