Top 13 Strange Golf Trends Today
Today’s golf started in Scotland in 1457. Surprisingly, it was outlawed by King James II for distracting the military during training. Nevertheless, golf has grown over the years to not only become a popular sport, but it has also gained special recognition from people across the globe. As all international sports, golf has its fair share of strangeness exhibited by players, trying to become pros. Here are some of the trends associated with golf.
The Gadgets
1. The Uro-Club
This strange invention allows golfers to take relief in the field, instead of making long walks to the urinal. The club comes with a “privacy towel” to be used during this process. It is understandable if no one wants to take long walks to the urinal in the middle of a game, but taking relief through a club is uncultured.
2. The Golf Swing Shirt.
This invention is supposedly used to keep a golfer’s body more connected. Frankly, it looks more like wearing a vest halfway. The arms stay in the middle to constrict movements and help golfers improve their swings. Nevertheless, golfers learned how to make swings without this invention. It goes without saying that it is possible to swing without it.
3. Incred-a-Ball
An incredible remote control ball for golfers who struggle to get the ball into the hole. This strange invention is a sure way of cheating because the golfer will not practice his putts.
4. The Big-Beertha.
Undoubtedly, golf for the highest levels of etiquette and modesty. This invention, however, defies all odds by allowing golfers to drink their beer while in the field. The Big Beertha looks like a driver but actually works as a beer bong. Players can simply pour beer into the hollowed-out club head, and flip the club over to enjoy the drink at the grip end. It is a risky venture that could leave your audience either appalled or impressed.
The Internet Trends
5. Would you run over your best friend for 2 million dollars?
A dangerous and equally funny trend started off as a meme challenge. Amateur golfers decided to take it to the next level by actually running over their friends with gold carts. While the best friends got bruised, these golfers enjoyed thousands of views that they got online.
Running over a friend is considered offensive and trying to explain the joy derived from making these videos is hardly possible. This crazy internet trend has definitely left both physical and emotional scars among friends.
The Dress Codes
6. Baseball hats
Current dress codes adhered to in golf are a way of preserving the game’s traditions. Strangely enough, all players, dress the same way. First off are the baseball-style hats or visors for men and women. The hats are functional because they protect golfers from the sun, but no one can explain why the style has been maintained. This modern baseball cap trend has taken over from the berets and newsboy caps that were popular back in the day.
7. Pants
Even when playing golf in the backyard, golf players will spot long pants that are usually made of cotton or a polyester blend. Others will wear shorts that are either pleated or flat at the front. It is uncommon to find any of these players in jeans, even if some clubs do not restrict it.
8. Polo Shirts.
All golfers continue to adhere to a traditional sense of modesty. A golf look would be incomplete without a polo shirt to kick start the day. While it is obvious that a person could freely swing a club in a different T-shirt, it is an unspoken law that all golfers should always wear Polos when participating in golf. This sport’s desire for modesty is unparalleled. Top golfers have been known to wear Polos from designers such as Nike and Lacoste.
9. Shoes
Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler of the PGA have been on the receiving end of emotional fans who expressed their disappointment when they rocked high-top golf shoes. High-top shoes are mostly associated with the NBA, and for the longest time, golfers have always been known to wear low sneakers. The uproar by fans shows the deep traditions in golf that continue to adhere even after centuries of modernization. Some fans were impressed by the look, stating that it was fashionable and definitely refreshing to look at.
The Rules
Golf is undoubtedly a gentleman’s sport. Despite this, it has some of the strangest rules. Here are a few mind-boggling expectations of this popular sport.
10. Damaged Equipment
According to the rules, if your equipment is damaged, by accident or out of frustration, it has to be removed from the bag. It is up to the golfer to assess his equipment before usage because playing with damaged equipment could lead to disqualification.
11. Illegal Advice
Strangely, golfers are not allowed to consult anyone except their playing partners or caddie. You may want to reconsider your actions the next time you feel like seeking advice on which club to use during a game.
12. Hazardous Materials.
In plain language, players are restricted from moving any loose impediment material in hazard, unless it is man-made. Imagine the difficulty in making a swing without moving “material” in the balls way.
13. The Trees
A challenging rule; play as it lies, has seen several golfers take a penalty after their balls end up on a tree. Even good climbers will find it challenging to play on a tree.