Every golfer has “that one friend,” the guy who swears he shot an 84, even though you watched him take two mulligans off the tee, three duffed chips, and toss the ball out of the bunker when he thought you weren't looking.
A recent viral Reddit thread told this exact story: a player confessed his buddy “shot the most bogus 84 I’ve ever seen,” conveniently forgetting to count every mishit and top. And the internet's responses did not disappoint.
Look, golf is hard, and keeping score honestly takes humility. But it’s also what makes the game special—a perfect mix of personal challenge, integrity, and camaraderie.
At Legends Golf Course & Villas in Kingsland, TX, we see this balance play out every day. Whether you’re playing your first nine or competing in the annual Legends Cup, keeping score with honesty and a sense of humor is part of the experience.
Why Golf’s Honor System Matters
Unlike most sports, golf doesn’t have referees on every hole. The game relies on players to call their own penalties and record accurate scores. That’s what makes it a game of honor.
Yes, golf is about skill, but it’s also about character. Every golfer has bad shots, unlucky bounces, and tough holes. It’s what keeps us coming back. When you shave strokes, you’re not fooling anyone for long. More importantly, you rob yourself of the satisfaction that comes from truly earning your improvement.
Friendly Golf vs. True Scoring
Let’s be honest: not every round of golf needs to feel like a tournament. There’s a time for fun, and there’s a time for focus.
There are all kinds of golfing experiences:
- The Casual Crew, who’s here for a good time, not a grind. Maybe a cold beer, a few mulligans, and some friendly banter.
- The Competitors who are tracking handicaps, entering GHIN scores, and trying to set personal bests.
- The Mixed Bag, where most of us fit in. People who like both, depending on the day and the company.
There’s nothing wrong with relaxing the rules when the stakes are low. But when you decide to keep score for your handicap or compare results, it’s time to play it straight.
Every stroke counts, that means duffs, tops, penalty drops, and all. That’s what makes that first honest “breaking 90” so rewarding.
How to Handle a “Creative Scorer” in Your Group
If you find yourself playing with someone who’s a little more imaginative with their math, you’re not alone. Golfers everywhere deal with it.
Here are a few practical, respectful ways to handle it next time it happens on the course:
1. Pick Your Moment
If your friend is new to golf, they might not even realize they’re breaking rules. A gentle comment like,
“Hey man, if you’re tracking your handicap, everything counts,”
can go a long way without killing the vibe.
2. Keep It Light
Humor helps. When they brag about that “par,” try something like,
“Was that a par eight or a par nine?”
You’ll get the point across and probably a good laugh.
3. Suggest Playing for Stakes
Money games, even small ones, have a magical way of keeping everyone honest. Nothing straightens out a scorecard faster than twenty bucks on the line.
4. Focus on Your Own Game
At the end of the day, your round is your own. If someone else wants to live in fantasyland, let them. You can always post your real score to GHIN and sleep well knowing you earned it.
Building Honest Traditions at Legends
At Legends Golf Course & Villas, honesty and fun aren’t mutually exclusive; they’re part of our course culture.
Our Men’s Golf Association (MGA) and Ladies’ Golf Groups have built a reputation for competitive but friendly play. During events like the Legends Cup, players call their own penalties, cheer on their opponents, and finish with handshakes and smiles.
It’s the same in our casual scrambles and member-guest weekends. Even when the format is relaxed, there’s pride in keeping things fair because that’s what creates the stories worth retelling.
Keeping an Accurate Score
If you’re new to golf or trying to start tracking a handicap, here’s a quick refresher on how to keep your score the right way, and why it matters.
1. Count Every Stroke
A swing is a stroke, period. Whether you duff it two feet or top it into the pond, it counts.
2. Penalties Matter
Lost balls, out-of-bounds shots, and unplayable lies add one (or sometimes two) strokes. Learn the basics so you can apply them fairly.
3. Play Ready, Not Rushed
Being honest doesn’t have to slow you down. Keep pace, but take a few seconds to mark your penalties and write down your real score after each hole.
4. Use the GHIN App Correctly
If you’re keeping a USGA handicap, make sure to post accurate rounds. It helps you track true improvement, and it’s required for official tournaments.
5. Celebrate the Real Wins
Breaking 100, 90, or 80 the right way is worth celebrating. There’s nothing like knowing you did it honestly, without mulligans or “do-overs.”
Fun First, Fair Always
We’ve built a community where laughter on the fairways is just as important as the scores on the card. But honesty and sportsmanship make the memories last longer.
So next time your buddy claims his “career-low 84,” don’t stress. Offer a friendly grin, maybe a rematch, and if all else fails… suggest playing for a little cash.
Because as one Redditor perfectly put it:
“Money talks. Bogus scorecards walk.”