Like any sport, golf is a game of skill, endurance and concentration. It also involves a bit of luck. Luck is whether lady luck, causality or God will give you a chance to succeed at making your shot. We’ve compiled a list of weird golfing rituals and superstitions that you might be familiar with.
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Tiger Woods Wears a Red Shirt
Tiger’s red shirt is not just for branding and publicity; it’s actually a family superstition. According to his mother, the color red represents power. On another note, the Chinese believe the color represents good luck and prosperity, which is why it is the color worn by many Chinese during their birthday.
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Fred Funk Flips a Coin
In almost every game, you would see Fred Funk flip a coin before he marks his ball on the green. If the ball comes up heads, he turns the coin’s head to face the hole. When it goes tails, he marks the ball with the tail. Heads or tails had become a game of luck for many. This centuries-old fortune telling method had given rise to many adventures not just for athletes, but for many other individuals.
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Ernie Els Golf Balls Only Have One Birdie
Ernie always changes his ball after every putt out of the belief that each golf ball in existence only has one birdie. It seems that Ernie sees some sort of energy in his golf balls, which instantly diminishes after each game.
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One Chance to Choose
Most golfers believe that the first club you take out from your golf bag should be the first to take the shot. Many believe it is bad luck to change one’s mind and choose another golf club.
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“Lucky” Clubs
Some golfers have a “lucky” club inside their bags. Whether it is placebo or a harmonious relationship with a golfer’s muscle memory, these “lucky” clubs are all about familiarity rather than luck.
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Larger Numbers For Larger Scores
Most golfers believe that a ball with a larger number will generate larger scores. Superstitious golfers tend to use number 1-3 balls and never go beyond number 4.
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Number 3 is the Key
Golfers believe a number 3 ball could improve the chances of a birdie, even an ace. They also make it a point to hit the number on the ball too!
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White Tees Are Out
Out-of-bound stakes, the bane for many golfers, do look similar to white tees. This is why most golfers avoid it.
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All Belongings Must Go
Whether out of comfort or superstition, some golfers remove all the things in their pockets except for an extra ball, a tee and their gloves. It is truly comfortable to feel lighter pants and it truly contributes to a swing. But there are indeed some objects that are quite unlucky in wallets, such as money.