How to Cheat at Golf at Golf Beat Your Friends

Cheating in golf is a controversial topic—some might see it as bending the rules, while others view it as downright dishonesty. While I must stress that cheating isn’t encouraged, understanding the various ways people “creatively adjust” their games can be both educational and entertaining. Here are some cheeky methods that players have been known to use to gain an edge on the golf course. Whether you’re curious about how others bend the rules or just looking for a good laugh, this list of clever tricks will give you an inside scoop on the “dark side” of golf.

1. The Foot Wedge: A Golfer’s Secret Weapon

When your ball lands in a tricky spot—perhaps nestled behind a tree or in a deep patch of rough—a subtle nudge with your foot can miraculously improve your lie. This maneuver, known as the “foot wedge,” is a popular tactic among casual golfers who don’t mind bending the rules. A swift, inconspicuous kick can save a stroke or two, but it’s crucial to ensure no one is watching. The key to this move is confidence; if you look like you’re searching for something, no one will suspect a thing.

2. The Mulligan Master

The mulligan is an unofficial “do-over” shot, and it’s one of the most common ways golfers cheat. Typically taken off the tee after a less-than-stellar first shot, a mulligan is an extra chance to get it right. Some golfers take a “breakfast ball” on the first hole to warm up, but others extend the courtesy throughout the round. While this isn’t allowed in the official rules, some friendly games are filled with more mulligans than actual shots.

3. The Ball Drop Trick

When you hit a ball out of bounds or into a water hazard, the rules of golf require a penalty stroke. However, some crafty players will conveniently “find” their ball in a more favorable position or casually drop a new one where it “should have been.” This tactic, known as the “ball drop trick,” relies on a player’s ability to act natural and avoid suspicion. It’s a favorite among golfers who hate to lose a ball or add unnecessary strokes to their score.

4. The Phantom Scorecard

Some golfers prefer to keep score in their heads rather than on the official scorecard. This method is often a recipe for creative accounting. When no one else is paying close attention, it’s easy to turn that double bogey into a bogey or a par. Known as “phantom scorekeeping,” this trick is a surefire way to shave a few strokes off a round. For those who aren’t comfortable with outright deception, the simple “misremembering” tactic can be just as effective.

5. The Sandbagger’s Special

The “sandbagger” is a player who deliberately plays poorly in practice or unimportant rounds to inflate their handicap. Then, when a tournament or money game rolls around, they suddenly “find their swing” and outperform their supposed abilities. This method of cheating is less about in-the-moment trickery and more about long-term manipulation. It’s a favorite strategy among those who enjoy playing the long game—literally.

6. The Ball-Switcheroo

In golf, not all balls are created equal. Some balls are specifically designed for more distance, while others offer better control. A sneaky golfer might use a long-distance ball off the tee and then subtly switch to a more controllable ball around the greens. This “ball-switcheroo” is usually done when no one is looking, and it can give a player a significant advantage over the course of a round. It’s like having two different sets of clubs in play.

7. The Improved Lie Lie

This method is a classic among weekend warriors. When in the rough or an unplayable lie, some golfers will casually move their ball a few inches—just enough to make a tough shot more manageable. They may fluff up the grass beneath the ball for a cleaner shot or move it away from an obstacle. The trick here is to act like you’re assessing the shot while sneakily improving the lie. A well-timed cough or a chat with a fellow player can provide the perfect distraction.

8. The “Gimme” Stretch

A “gimme” in golf is a putt so close to the hole that it’s considered a guaranteed make. However, some players are known to stretch the definition of a gimme, picking up balls that are far from automatic. This tactic can save strokes over the course of a round, especially if no one calls them out on it. The secret to pulling off the “gimme stretch” is to act as if you’re speeding up the pace of play, all in the name of efficiency.

9. The Wind Reader’s Bluff

Some players love to blame the wind for their poor shots. But what if you could use the wind to your advantage? The “wind reader’s bluff” involves over-exaggerating the effect of the wind to justify a bad shot or even to sway competitors into overcompensating for it. This psychological trick can be quite effective, especially on a windy day when even seasoned players might question their judgment.

10. The Club Length Favoritism

When a ball lands near an obstacle, the rules allow you to drop the ball within two club lengths, no closer to the hole. Some golfers, however, have been known to use their longest club—the driver—to measure the distance, gaining a little extra room. This sneaky tactic is all about knowing the rules well enough to bend them without breaking them outright.

11. The Disappearing Ball Marker

On the green, the ball marker is a tool of precision. But in the hands of a crafty golfer, it can become a tool of deception. By placing a ball marker slightly ahead of where the ball actually rests—or even moving it a few inches closer to the hole when the competitors aren’t looking—players can gain a significant advantage. The disappearing ball marker is a move that requires stealth and a touch of audacity.

12. The Friendly Advice Gambit

This strategy involves giving your opponent “friendly” advice that subtly undermines their confidence or decision-making. Comments like, “Are you sure you want to use a driver here?” or “The greens are really fast today, be careful,” can plant seeds of doubt. This psychological trick works best when it’s delivered in a genuinely concerned tone, leaving your opponent second-guessing their choices.

Conclusion: The True Spirit of Golf

While these ways to cheat at golf can make for an entertaining read, it’s important to remember that the spirit of the game is built on honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. The real challenge of golf—and the reason it’s so rewarding—is playing the game as it’s meant to be played. So, while it’s fun to know how some people try to beat the system, the best approach is to play fair, respect the rules, and enjoy the game for what it is.

Darcy A. - Montreal