Bear the name of Duffer with pride

Looking for something?

Being a true Duffer is a state of mind, a certain behaviour, dare we say a 'savoir vivre', and is easily recognised by fellow golfers.  Once you know, you can never fail to distinguish between a Duffer and a hacker.  A few simple examples will illustrate this.

A Duffer... A Hacker...
Always rakes the bunker, no matter how many shots it has taken to extricate himself. Leaves his footprints behind in the hope that the next hacker has even more trouble getting out.
Always replaces his divot even when some of the mud is sticking on his face, clothes, clubs and bag. Jokes with his playing partners about taking the lump of turf home 'to practise on'.
Repairs his pitchmark (although it's rare when he makes one, and usually if he has skied his approach). Complains about the state of the greens, and flattens other hackers' pitchmarks with his foot.
Never cheats on his score; he counts every shot (including the air-shots) however painful or embarassing. Improves his lie in the rough while the others are looking for their ball, and calls air-shots 'practice swings'.
Would never dream of putting an opponent off, by moving or making noises. That's called cheating. Can be counted on to drop his driver at the top of his opponent's backswing at least twice a round.
Gamesmanship is another matter altogether. Helpfully pointing out to a visiting opponent the out of bounds on the right and the lake on the left. Or making a great show of coughing AFTER his opponent has driven. Thinks Gamesmanship means..... dropping his driver at least twice a round at the top of his opponent's backswing.
Or fiddling in his bag, coughing, jingling loose change in his pocket, WHILE his opponent is playing.
If wearing a hat, raises it when greeting his playing partners, when shaking hands after the game, or when passing ladies, Does not raise his hat to anyone. If wearing a cap, probably has the peak at the back.

You no doubt have in mind or will observe other examples of what elevates the Duffer above the common herd of hackers. Please let us know, and help us to enrich the etiquette of Dufferdom, so that all Fellow Duffers can bear the name with pride.
 
Back to top     



This page © Copyright 2003 by DuffersGolf

The Dufftown Malt - Keep Duffing©




Played by more Duffers than any other ball


Play the Great Greta - the Duffer's most trusted weapon


The golfer's bra - supporting women's golf for twenty years


For the Duffer whose game really stinks!


It's a pleasure to play badly in the Duffer's favourite shoe.  Sand, water and rough-proof, even after 150 shots!


The ball even Duffers can't cut!