Why Do Some Golfers Cheat on the Golf Course?

Copyright (c) 2009 Stephen Lau
By and large, most golfers follow the golf etiquette on the golf course. However, there is a minority of golfers who not only rant and rave, but also cheat on the golf course.
Why do golfers cheat on the golf course?
The explanation is actually quite simple: They are frustrated at how they are playing golf. In other words, their game is falling short of their own expectations. Undoubtedly, these golfers are avid players - or rather, they are obsessed with the game that they would just do anything, however illegal, to get the scores they want. They need to win, and they have to cheat to win golf.
There are certain golf rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA) for golfers. However, it is not always mandatory that they have to play their game by the USGA rules. As a matter of fact, golf players can agree among themselves to set up their own rules, as long as they are not doing anything illegal, or anything that would interfere with other players on the golf course.
With or without these rules, playing golf will let you learn a great deal about yourself - who you really are. Your behavior on the golf course is often a reflection of yourself as a person. If you are positive about yourself, most probably you would be positive about other things in your life, including playing golf.
Those golf players who are easily frustrated are those who take golf too seriously. They get so angry with themselves that they rant and rave, and even throw their clubs about. In fact, they are venting their inner violence. To them, score is the only thing that matters in the game of golf. Because they are so obsessed with the need to win that they would do anything to the get the score - including cheating on the golf course. Yes, golf, more than any other sport, brings out the worst of an individual.
How to avoid cheating on the golf course, or even losing your temper after delivering a bad shot.
Instead of overemphasizing the importance of score, maybe all golfers should, first of all, identify the purpose of playing golf.
The most important purpose of playing golf is enjoyment. You want to play golf because you enjoy it. Therefore, focus on the fun part of the sport, such as socializing with folks, learning from each other in the process. Enjoy the green scenery and the beauty around you, instead of becoming preoccupied with the next shot. Next time, when you find yourself perturbed, maybe you should make a concerted effort to take time on the tee, and even walk off the green to stop, look around, and absorb the beauty around you.
Yes, take the game seriously, but take yourself lightly. There is no need to elevate your blood pressure over a missed shot. Remember, you are competing against others as well as yourself. You could be your own worst enemy in the game of golf. If you are cranky or in a foul mood, how on earth are you going to compose yourself for your next shot? Remember, mental golf is the key to golfing success.