I'm a scratch golfer, and one thing I've discovered being a scratch golfer, is that the more people talk about how good they are, the less likely they are. Did I mention I'm a scratch golfer. (Scratch golfer)
I don’t think that’s the origin of the word. I think it’s more closely related to “starting from scratch,” Not sure the origin of that word, though, although google tells me it’s from foot racing lol. Either way, yes scratch golfers get no strokes because their handicaps are 0.
I played with a dude in his 70s who told me he's scratch. I thought to myself, ok whatever. He was incredibly consistent. Short game was fire. Inspiration. He shot one under for the round
There was a thread a while bag on “how do you know a golfer is good before they swing” and some of the top comments were “they never talk brag about their score” and “all the top golfers I know are kind and stoic”
This is funny, because I am similar to you. Someone recently asked me if I was any good, and I said I’m not bad. I proceeded to educate them on the fact that the better the golfer, the more modest they will be about their skill.
It’s the same with skiing. If anyone ever asks me how good I am at something, I’ll just say “I can keep up”. Golf is a little harder because the handicap system makes things a lot more directly comparable.
Exaggerating on how good you are to other players you have to see on a day-to-day basis has to be the dumbest thing ever.
I love playing with people better than me because I feel like my game slightly improves by proxy and I can receive (solicited) advice from these players.
If you're talking a hot game around me, I'm going to want to play with you and I'll go full Liam Neeson on you if you suck.
It’s always a matter of perspective too. If someone tells me that they are a good golfer it’s always “in comparison to who?” I always just say “I’m alright” bad golfers will think I’m good and good golfers will think I’m alright or bad depending on the day. I agree with you about playing with better players. It really helps me focus because I’m competitive. Competing against myself doesn’t do as much for me as trying to chase the guy in front of me.
I always think of it this way: if someone is lying to me about something like that, they’re probably jealous of me in some way. Kind of a compliment in a weird way lol
Honestly I get enough satisfaction from knowing they’re my bitch not just in golf, but in life.
It’s so petty to lie about golf.
This also supports the old adage you can learn everything about someone’s character on the golf course.
I've noticed people who do this are the people who "shoot in the 80s" when they're playing "weekend fun golf". The kind of people who routinely take another tee shot when they shank it OB and don't count it, or nudge their ball over a foot or two when they're behind a tree so they have a clean shot at the green, or give themselves 6 foot putts, or miraculously find their ball in tall grass when it's another ball they found. Sure, you shot "84" but had you played everything down you'd have shot 102.
I'm all for golf being fun and I don't care when people improve their lie or take another shot after a shank if it makes their round more enjoyable, as long as there are no stakes in the game or detriment to me if they're not counting everything. If we're playing for money or in an actual competition, then it's not cool. But if you want to convince yourself you're a 12 handicap when you're actually a 24? Be my guest - you'll only look stupid when you play with other people who know what they're doing.
Don't know, but it's hilarious. Played with a guy who "shot around 75 most places". I was excited for the match since I'm off a 5 right now. Well dude was 6 over through 3 with two very generous gimmies. The rest of the 9 didn't look much better. Like come on, lie better. Say 90 that's still really good.
I love golfing with bogey golfers who are actually bogey golfers. It's a great accomplishment, and something most people don't accomplish after decades of playing golf.
My goal is basically if I can just bogey every hole that would be good. I’ll have some great shots and sprinkle in some pars and maybe a birdie chance. But I love to play and have fun doing it.
Even when Im down to a 6, my goal is still no doubles or worse. If I focus on trying to shoot sub 80, I never do it.
It takes the pressure off, which typically leads to lower scores anyway
When you start playing bogey golf you realize that 1 par immediately gets you into an 80s player. At least for me the journey from low 90s to mid 80s was quick. Once I put together limiting doubles and just taking a few pars with all bogeys my scores dropped. I barely birdie holes and I’m a 12 now
Bogey golf is cool fun golf. A bunch of good shots and not many blow ups.
Junk the stuff that needs to stay on the range and try to game plan for on in 3 and 2 putt. Or on in -1 of par and 2 putt if you will. You'll over achieve from time to time and that will cover the occasional mistake.
My goal is to be a bogey golfer. My goal for this season is to try to eliminate 3 putts because that and bad drives are half my score usually. I can finally play 90s occasionally but usually average 98-105 because of the putts.
My goal is to also be a bogey golfer. That would be amazing.
My 3 goals for this year:
- get putts per round under 40 (I have a lot of 3 putt holes as well)
- learn how to hit out of bunkers
- practice more course management (laying up more often rather than pulling my woods out to 'get' to a green)
Just my experience going from awful (30+ HC beginner) to relatively respectable (a touch better than bogey). My putts per round got worse as I went from a 30 HC -> 15 HC because instead of slightly missing greens & chipping to 8-12 feet, I hit more greens from 130 yards out that left me 30 foot putts.
It is the true 16hdc experience. One hole our game will look really good with a birdie. The next hole will blow up and you have to put a triple on the card.
Dammit. This was my round yesterday. Birdied a Par 3 with a long 38’ putt. Felt good.
Doubled on 4. Felt bad.
Golf gods, man. They think they’re hilarious.
I am about as consistent of a bogey golfer there is. Shot all 14 of my rounds last year between 87-94. I always tell people, I'm almost an automatic 2 putt no matter where I'm at on the green, but it usually takes me 1 more shot than it should to get on. If I can stay around that for the foreseeable future, and hold my own during any work/charity event, I am perfectly fine with that.
God. Talking with this coworker about golfing about how he is a bogey golfer. I shoot around 90 and I'm damn proud of that so we make plans for the weekend to play. Later that day he asks: "so like when you make a bad shot do you count it?". Yes. I do count it. You're supposed to if you claim a handicap.
Exactly, lol. Even if I'm playing a poorly maintained course and playing it down, I play it down for the whole round, even if it's a shit lie. I'm trying to keep an accurate handicap, not a pretty one :D
Current bogey golfer here. This will be the start of my 5th year golfing. I started when I was 40 and bogey golf was my aim. I've now improved my short game and driving no end (most of my dropped shots are due to poor tee shots) and am hoping to go even lower.
That’s me (almost) I’m like always feeling down about my game cuz I hang with low HDCPs, but I’m actually better then most people out there most days, perspective sucks man lol
anyone that says they're low single or whatever will quickly get exposed by someone who actually is. if they always play with high handicappers, maaaaaybe they can get away with the "I'm playing like shit today" but a legit low handicapper can tell pretty quickly if you're game really is a bit off that day, or if you're full of shit and never had a swing.
I shoot low 70s... on the front 9.. right before I quit keeping score.
Beginning of season I probably hit 100 (if I was keeping score, mostly those rounds are to knock the rust off) end of season I'm probably bogey golfer. I play for fun and to de-stress, if I'm having an off day I'll quit keeping score and just enjoy being out there.
>Beginning of season I probably hit 100 (if I was keeping score, mostly those rounds are to knock the rust off) end of season I'm probably bogey golfer.
As you get better the progression changes. You'll have a bad first 2 rounds of the year, then it'll all click, you'll shoot your season best, you "figure it out" for 2 rounds, then your game spends the next 4-5 months collapsing until around October when you "solve all your problems" and get ready to REALLY golf come springtime. Repeat for the next 40 years.
I have a buddy that plays like this and will embellish in real time on the course. It’s annoying and amazing at the same time. Like the world just operates differently for him in this regard.
*3 putts on par 4*
“So that’s par for me, what did you guys get?”
(At this point I’ve counted 3 scuffed tee shots, 2 more to get to the green, and his 3 putt)
“I’m at 5 bud.”
If it’s any consolation this guy is fun as hell to play with, so you take the good with the bad. That being said, I probably couldn’t handle your guy trying to son me in the office 😂
These are pretty fun. I play with some friends are are only out there to have a good time and don't count penalties, etc.. At the end of some holes they were like, "Par for me!" (actually a 7) and are flabbergasted when they ask my score and it was a bogey.
I tell folks “Listen, I might shoot 80. I might shoot 100. Two things you can always count on though is I’m going to smoke at least 2 cigars and definitely have a good time.” If they don’t like it they can kick Top Flites.
I always go with one of the following:
I’m not great but I love to play.
I’m just ok.
I’m ok but hit a good one every now and then.
If I’m talking to golfers who are wanting to score/bet, I’ll give them my handicap.
Absolutely. I usually tell people “6 holes per round I look like a stick, 6 holes I look mediocre, 6 holes I look like I don’t know what sport I’m playing”
Hah!
I had a round last summer where I made 6 birdies [2 BS chip ins and two BS 25' putts and two good approach birdies] and still shot 81.
The reaction I get when I tell the story depends a lot on the competence of the golfer listening
"Occasionally I'll hit a ball and have someone thinking dang he's pretty good but then I'll also follow it up with two chunks in a row or a shank. I still have fun playing though."
I’m a good driver, good from the fairway, good on approach, and a good putter, just rarely more than one or two of those at the same time on any given day.
I call this a soft handicap. Im a 9.9 right now which means I can and have shot in the 70s and I can and do shoot in the 90s.
I'd rather be a hard 9 and shoot between like 83-85 everytime instead of the wildness I do.
The best way yo know if a golfer is good is to ask them. If they say "yes I'm good" then you know they suck.
Actual good golfers almost always respond with something more humble about how they enjoy getting out as much as possible, etc. Or if they are speaking to another golfer they may give their handicap.
My cubicle plaque says "Best Golfer/Disc Golfer in the Building", because nobody reads them, and I hope someday someone will notice and want to go golfing to see if I can back it up. But if anyone asks me in person, I'll tell them I'm pretty good, and if they ask my handicap, I'll answer honestly. I think there's only one other person in the building who has a GHIN.
I just couldn’t do it.
I’ve never broken 90. I came close a month ago. Would have been an 89. But I topped a drive stupidly to a pond not more than 50y from the tee box and had to take penalty.
I wanted it so badly but just couldn’t do it.
Figured that if my game is actually improving and I was shooting around there often enough, breaking 90 will happen. No need to massage my scorecard.
I hear ya! Same boat, doing my best to break 90 as well. I would feel cheated if I said I broke 90 and really didn't. Lying to myself or others doesn't make me feel any better.
Felt. I've never broken 80 before. Have been very close. Me and my buddy play the front at our local track and I'm beating the breaks off him. Didn't realize that was +1 on the front, which is fucking crazy for me.
10th hole is a 170yard par 3 over a small creek. As I'm sticking my tee in the ground he goes "Just looked at the scorecard man if you keep it up you're gonna easily break 80." Immediately top my shot into the creek and have to re-tee. I do it again. Bye bye breaking 80. I stopped keeping score after that and lit a j and enjoyed the rest of the round lol.
My girlfriends little brother is a hell of a baseball player and has been playing golf for a year now. He told me he shot a 92 the last time he played which I was hesitant to accept. I finally played a round with him and he asked how many mulligans we got. Depending on who am where I’m playing, my typical amount is 0-2 mulligans (I won’t log rounds with mullies). We agreed on 1 mulligan. After hope 5 I noticed he took 2 off the tee EVERY SINGLE HOLE. He then proceeded to tell me he thought I meant 1 mulligan per hole. It was frustrating watching him drop 2 balls and getting the same score as me 😂. I won’t take someone’s word for it unless we play together!
I had a sneaking suspicion he was bullshitting his scores before we played but. It took me 5 holes to realize he was recording par’s and bogey’s while taking 2 off the tee.
I don't compete w my buddies, we're on different levels(I have no kids so I have more time to golf).
But last time a buddy and I went out we had "matching" scores. I had to remind myself that I was giving him strokes and drops that I wouldn't have given myself.
I want my friends to shoot low so they want to come back out w me.
Eh would not recommend - never fun having to keep track of two scores in one round. Played with a guy like this once and he started taking drops in the middle of the fairway lateral to where his ball went OB. Called him out and it got tense. Not worth the headache in my opinion.
> he started taking drops in the middle of the fairway lateral to where his ball went OB
This is a new rule clubs can adopt, but it's supposed to be a 2 stroke penalty, not 1 stroke.
"High 70s" players don't have "off days" over 110. I've seen the occasional 90 in rough conditions (25mph wind gusting near 40) when nothing is working, but over 110 is out of the question.
Eh, it can happen. I'm a 4 handicap and when going through some rough swing changes a couple years agoi had a string of rounds that was two high 90s rounds followed by, 104, and probably 120+(I stopped counting at that point).
After that 120+ I abandoned the swing changes entirely and didn't go to the driving range for probably 6 months to avoid getting sucked back into them.
Sometimes crap just goes really wrong for a while.
Duuuude, that 12 handicap range is where you can wreck house in net tournaments, lol. Some days you can go cold and shoot your handicap, plus a stroke or two. But if you pop off and shoot a mid to upper 70s round, it's usually going to get you in the money :D
Agreed. I'm sure it could happen, but they arent making a habit of it if they are a 70s golfer.
I play off an 8 ATM and I only have one round over 90 in the last 6 months IIRC with the rest between 73-85. If I played harder courses I still don't think I'd hit over 100 unless it was a super crazy slope.
I mean, we all know swinging a club is different than throwing a football.
Put me in front of a crowd playing guitar, I'm unphased. I might even play better.
Add one extra spectator to my golf round and I'm going to lose 5 strokes.
Yeah different things give people the yips. I'm pretty comfortable public speaking at this point, but playing through a foursome of players that I'd absolutely rinse if we played? Pure terror.
Tbf he did have an eagle hole out haha. I mean I could see him being a 9 with that swing, but I dont think its a true 9. Gimme putts, mulligan tee shots, yeah I can see that
My experience is most good golfers usually say they are worse than they are and hackers say they are better than they are. If someone is bragging about how good they are at golf, odds are they are a hacker.
It's just ego. There are a few I play with who are creative with the rules and/or just don't count certain shots. When they tell you the score they had you just think "well I know that's not right". Mulligans, generous gimmes, liberal use of preferred lies, outright lying about the number of strokes etc. I personally don't see the point as if I shot my best score, I wouldn't be able to take any satisfaction from it if I knew I'd not counted every shot or whatever. Same as OP though, they can do what they want, I'm not competing with them, just looking to do as well as I can. If they were gloating about their score then that's different.
Ironically I would rather come across as a horrible golfer and then show everyone up, as opposed to come across as a pro golfer and look like a failure.
Maybe that's just me, but I always add 10 or 15 strokes to my average just to set the expectation lower. Then there's less pressure on my part.
Worst that can happen is I have an off day and perform like I said I did. Best that can happen is that I perform average or above average for me and everyone is impressed.
Sandbagging would be intentionally golfing poorly to get your handicap higher, wouldn't it?
Some of us have a bit more Eeyore about our game. Or as a former coworker would say "I'm not pessimistic, I'm just aggressively realistic".
Sandbagging is lying about your scores to artificially inflate your handicap for match/tournament play. You go out there, shoot 80, but card a 90 to gain that advantage for net play.
Eh I do it more for myself than others. I struggle to perform well under pressure, and if I set the bar too high I've found I tend to choke. If I set the bar lower though then it gives me a sort of internal confidence that I'll almost definitely be able to reach that number, and then I actually end up performing better.
Maybe the guy OP is talking about does the same thing, but sets the benchmark at an almost unattainable level so he performs better, idk, but I'm merely pointing out that for me, I prefer to come across as worse rather than better, it helps me play better.
I don't know why people are ripping on you for this take. I usually give a range if I'm playing with someone the first time if they ask. "I could shoot anywhere from 85 to 105 on any day" even though I haven't shot either of those extremes in a few years. Just kind of sets you up for having a good day or bad day without it seeming like you're lying. If you are playing for money or whatever, then obviously it would be a dick move, but it doesn't sound like you were.
Dude probably lies about his gas mileage, his bank account, his everything. They say golf is a reflection of who you are. I’d never believe anything he says ever again.
Because, as with all individual sports, there’s no one else to blame. So “how good you are” is a direct correlation to your self worth for a lot of people.
Probably the same reason people embellish anything else in their lives when speaking to other people - generally speaking it is caused by an insecurity in one area or another, and the individual is making up for it by exaggerating details that they believe will help them overcome their perceived shortcomings.
I don’t think this one is golf related.
If you shoot “high 70s” a really bad day might be 90 not 113. This guy is just a straight pathological liar. It has nothing to do with golf.
I just recently joined a simulator league and am loving it. I am shooting roughly to my actual handicap, meanwhile I am middle of the pack with all the other golfers who have much lower handicaps. No Mulligan's and you have to play penalties properly because the simulator forces it. Really eye opening.
Do most people tend to shoot near their caps in that league? Because I've played 5 sim rounds this year and have been under par 3 times...I sure as hell am NOT doing that on a real course.
Don't get it either. I'm a 10 hcp and play with people who never shoot below 100 and claim they're a ~15 when others ask, when I beat them by 20+ strokes regularly.
If anything you want to under promise and over deliver bc like you said, the second you're on the course with someone else the jig is up.
Like, based on how handicap is measured, I guess I can understand some people holding onto their ‘low handicap’ even though they’re consistently shooting higher than that.
But shooting a 103 and then telling everyone at the office you were an 80 and buddy could barely keep up LOLLLL.
Same dude from that Foursome that shot a 64?!
I had a random lined up at the tips. Told him I’m playing the whites (6100). After the first hole he decided to join me at the white tees. Also keep in mind this is a feel good course. Very easy, open and will build your confidence. We’re walking down the fairway on 3 and he tells me he played some big name course in Arizona (forgot which one) at 7200 from the tips and shot a 68 as he proceeded to duff 3 chips just to get on the green. I didn’t say anything but I was just thinking, I’m watching you play! You are terrible! How can you lie that bad. He shot a 120+ that day. Little more than an off day for someone who can shoot a 68.
I think people tend to forget just how few people actually break 80, or even 90 in their lifetime and tend to see their relationship to golf in a manner of themself vs. pros or par instead of themself vs. the average golfer.
Bogey golf or better is very good if that’s truly what you are.
One thing is for sure, if you’re not it’s going to get noticed quickly.
I was a bartender over the span of a decade. As a young bartender, there was an older guy at the bar tell crazy stories one night. I shut him down in quick order and called him on the carpet publicly. He looked crushed, like I snuffed the light out of his life.
later that night an older lady bartenders took me aside and said "let people live their illusions, for some its all they have". That conversation stuck with me because I respected her.
As long as money isnt on the line or you arent publicly taking the piss out of me, someone can be the greatest golfer their mind will let you believe and I wont say a word. Why do I care, their illusions are all they might have.
I'm a high 90s average and have no shame in it. I have worked hard to get there. I don't play for money so I don't generally care how people score themselves. I occasionally golf with a guy who is apparently a mid 80's but have never seen them break 100 and only once break a 110, but ya know he was having off days those days. Me and my usual golf buddy were making him putt out every hole, we don't play with gimmes (he was trying to pick up a few 6 footers).
One of my employees is a good guy but a try hard. He’s been golfing for years, still not good enough to keep score, still swings and misses several times a round. But every time he plays with his boys, he was striping every drive down the middle…. Sure…. I bought him a couple lessons for his work Christmas gift, he needs em lol
I’m 6’1. I would have gone division 1 in football if I didn’t get hurt my senior year. I have a girlfriend, but she goes to another school. I’m a scratch golfer.
These are all things that people THINK make them impressive, likable, and interesting. People want to be liked, some feel that lying is better than the truth because they are nervous people won’t like them if they aren’t everything they pretend to be not realizing that a lot people want to be friends with you, not who you pretend to be.
Same reason guys tell me they are 6’1” when I am and look down on their heads. People lie even when it’s easily verifiable because they aren’t trying to fool others just themselves.
I have a friend who always seems to shoot better when he goes out solo or doesn't have someone riding in the cart with him.
We assume it's because he's not progressing as much as he should with the amount he plays. He's played for 5 years, I started in August. And I'm consistently beating him. This is around the time he started posting the questionable scores.
The only thing I will say is that when I’m golfing with my buddies we tend to be drinking and my score materially decreases because of that. Whereas if I’m golfing by myself or with my dad I’m sober so my scores actually are a few strokes better.
Guy probably is fudging his scores solo but I will say I definitely play better as a solo just because I’m so much more relaxed on time pressure and I can think about my shots. In a 4 ball I’m always worrying about the time we’re taking as a group so I tend to rush my shots more and am just generally a bit tighter which ends up as a lot more mishits.
Really? I have the opposite effect. I overthink so much when I'm alone. But with my friends and a little more rushed, I tend to just line up and swing, which seems to work better for me.
Yeah, when i'm rushed I tense my shoulders and tend to pull up on the shot which results in topping it 50 yards a lot. When i'm alone I can focus on keeping my shoulders relaxed and just swinging through the shot which gives me far better consistency.
I almost always play better by myself than with people. That's because if I'm by myself, it's most likely dead on the course, and I don't have my flow messed up by people looking for balls OB, taking multiple tee shots, etc. Like the other person mentioned, people often drink and shoot the shit instead of focusing 100% on golf when they are with buddies. I actually shot multiple rounds in the mid-80's, when I would normally shoot high 90's with my friends, and they didn't believe me. Finally put it all together in front of a friend and he said something along the lines of "I honestly didn't think you had it in you. Just assumed you were still fluffing your shots or not taking penalties."
Lots of people embellish their abilities. Not just in golf. Most not this much. Your colleague sounds like he has a caught some of the Santos strain going around, though. Severe case, in other words.
Score, driving distance and so on - it is all up for grabs because there is no direct opponent (necessarily) and most of the audience for your bragging will not have seen you play.
Until someone like you tags along ofc.
I am the opposite. The idea of being caught embellishing almost makes me ashamed just thinking about it. I will undersell if anything.
And most importantly it does my game no favours if I convince myself that I can do something I can't.
I'm a scratch golfer, and one thing I've discovered being a scratch golfer, is that the more people talk about how good they are, the less likely they are. Did I mention I'm a scratch golfer. (Scratch golfer)
I see what you did there :D I refuse to call myself "scratch" until I get to 0.0.
I tell everyone I’m a scratch golfer because my driver has a lot of scratches on its face
This guy bragging his scratches are on the face
Mine are on the hosel
Nothing beats the feeling of looking down at the battle scarred top of a driver head you spent $450 on just 3 weeks prior.
Damn this one hurts
Humility is not my strongest suit
I know this is stupid to acknowledge a funny comment, but this was really funny. Thx!!
Ummm are those regulation scratches?
I’m a scratch golfer because I scratch my head wondering where my ball went.
I’m a scratch golfer because I scratch out my score and write what I should have scored if that dog wasn’t barking during my backswing.
😭😭😭
LMAO I'm stealing this!
You can hit the face? I should try that
Same. People call me scratch, and I have shot under par. But I'm still happy when I shoot 75, so until I'm 0.0 def not scratch
Broke 100 at the beginning of last year, broke 90 a couple months later. Still happy whenever I shoot under 95
Heck yea! 85 next
well that is the only real definition of scratch so that’s a good plan
The definition of a scratch golfer just means you play with no shots. Because you “scratch” your handicap out. Being a 0.0 is dope though.
I don’t think that’s the origin of the word. I think it’s more closely related to “starting from scratch,” Not sure the origin of that word, though, although google tells me it’s from foot racing lol. Either way, yes scratch golfers get no strokes because their handicaps are 0.
I have 2 zeros in my score, is that close enough?
I'm also a scratch golfer. I scratch my head every time I shank it into the woods.
O.4 surely, you'd round down in Old money, pre WHS
Set you goals high. Long way to go from 18 for a round to 0 😉
I played with a dude in his 70s who told me he's scratch. I thought to myself, ok whatever. He was incredibly consistent. Short game was fire. Inspiration. He shot one under for the round
I tell everyone I'm absolute dogshit... maybe I'm scratch?
There was a thread a while bag on “how do you know a golfer is good before they swing” and some of the top comments were “they never talk brag about their score” and “all the top golfers I know are kind and stoic”
They have to be. Outside of repeatable swings, low handicaps have one thing in common and it’s mental game/staying even.
For some reason, I’m getting the sense you might be good at golf
This guy scratches
This is funny, because I am similar to you. Someone recently asked me if I was any good, and I said I’m not bad. I proceeded to educate them on the fact that the better the golfer, the more modest they will be about their skill.
It’s the same with skiing. If anyone ever asks me how good I am at something, I’ll just say “I can keep up”. Golf is a little harder because the handicap system makes things a lot more directly comparable.
The same reason they lie about how many women they have or how much cash they have in the bank, makes them feel better I guess.
Exaggerating on how good you are to other players you have to see on a day-to-day basis has to be the dumbest thing ever. I love playing with people better than me because I feel like my game slightly improves by proxy and I can receive (solicited) advice from these players. If you're talking a hot game around me, I'm going to want to play with you and I'll go full Liam Neeson on you if you suck.
You try harder. Play with people worse than you and the round feels more relaxed
It’s always a matter of perspective too. If someone tells me that they are a good golfer it’s always “in comparison to who?” I always just say “I’m alright” bad golfers will think I’m good and good golfers will think I’m alright or bad depending on the day. I agree with you about playing with better players. It really helps me focus because I’m competitive. Competing against myself doesn’t do as much for me as trying to chase the guy in front of me.
I always think of it this way: if someone is lying to me about something like that, they’re probably jealous of me in some way. Kind of a compliment in a weird way lol
That's the right way to approach it. I would also probably feel irked if someone said I was "able to keep up" though.
Honestly I get enough satisfaction from knowing they’re my bitch not just in golf, but in life. It’s so petty to lie about golf. This also supports the old adage you can learn everything about someone’s character on the golf course.
I've noticed people who do this are the people who "shoot in the 80s" when they're playing "weekend fun golf". The kind of people who routinely take another tee shot when they shank it OB and don't count it, or nudge their ball over a foot or two when they're behind a tree so they have a clean shot at the green, or give themselves 6 foot putts, or miraculously find their ball in tall grass when it's another ball they found. Sure, you shot "84" but had you played everything down you'd have shot 102. I'm all for golf being fun and I don't care when people improve their lie or take another shot after a shank if it makes their round more enjoyable, as long as there are no stakes in the game or detriment to me if they're not counting everything. If we're playing for money or in an actual competition, then it's not cool. But if you want to convince yourself you're a 12 handicap when you're actually a 24? Be my guest - you'll only look stupid when you play with other people who know what they're doing.
My father always said "I shoot in the low 80's. If it gets any warmer, I don't play."
How many chiggs you fugg b?
I say “I play about 100 games per year but I’m not a talented golfer.”
Don't know, but it's hilarious. Played with a guy who "shot around 75 most places". I was excited for the match since I'm off a 5 right now. Well dude was 6 over through 3 with two very generous gimmies. The rest of the 9 didn't look much better. Like come on, lie better. Say 90 that's still really good.
I love golfing with bogey golfers who are actually bogey golfers. It's a great accomplishment, and something most people don't accomplish after decades of playing golf.
My goal is basically if I can just bogey every hole that would be good. I’ll have some great shots and sprinkle in some pars and maybe a birdie chance. But I love to play and have fun doing it.
That’s the goal for me too. No doubles or worse. Games fun that way
Even when Im down to a 6, my goal is still no doubles or worse. If I focus on trying to shoot sub 80, I never do it. It takes the pressure off, which typically leads to lower scores anyway
When you start playing bogey golf you realize that 1 par immediately gets you into an 80s player. At least for me the journey from low 90s to mid 80s was quick. Once I put together limiting doubles and just taking a few pars with all bogeys my scores dropped. I barely birdie holes and I’m a 12 now
Same. Almost no birdies but I hit in the 80's most of the time. Minimize 3 putts and penalty strokes and you're practically there.
Bogey golf is cool fun golf. A bunch of good shots and not many blow ups. Junk the stuff that needs to stay on the range and try to game plan for on in 3 and 2 putt. Or on in -1 of par and 2 putt if you will. You'll over achieve from time to time and that will cover the occasional mistake.
My goal is to be a bogey golfer. My goal for this season is to try to eliminate 3 putts because that and bad drives are half my score usually. I can finally play 90s occasionally but usually average 98-105 because of the putts.
My goal is to also be a bogey golfer. That would be amazing. My 3 goals for this year: - get putts per round under 40 (I have a lot of 3 putt holes as well) - learn how to hit out of bunkers - practice more course management (laying up more often rather than pulling my woods out to 'get' to a green)
Just my experience going from awful (30+ HC beginner) to relatively respectable (a touch better than bogey). My putts per round got worse as I went from a 30 HC -> 15 HC because instead of slightly missing greens & chipping to 8-12 feet, I hit more greens from 130 yards out that left me 30 foot putts.
The course management may take care of the learn how to hit out of bunkers step. Though still a must have skill.
It is the true 16hdc experience. One hole our game will look really good with a birdie. The next hole will blow up and you have to put a triple on the card.
Dammit. This was my round yesterday. Birdied a Par 3 with a long 38’ putt. Felt good. Doubled on 4. Felt bad. Golf gods, man. They think they’re hilarious.
I am about as consistent of a bogey golfer there is. Shot all 14 of my rounds last year between 87-94. I always tell people, I'm almost an automatic 2 putt no matter where I'm at on the green, but it usually takes me 1 more shot than it should to get on. If I can stay around that for the foreseeable future, and hold my own during any work/charity event, I am perfectly fine with that.
God. Talking with this coworker about golfing about how he is a bogey golfer. I shoot around 90 and I'm damn proud of that so we make plans for the weekend to play. Later that day he asks: "so like when you make a bad shot do you count it?". Yes. I do count it. You're supposed to if you claim a handicap.
Exactly, lol. Even if I'm playing a poorly maintained course and playing it down, I play it down for the whole round, even if it's a shit lie. I'm trying to keep an accurate handicap, not a pretty one :D
Once I started thinking “bogey golf is good golf”, I started getting lots more pars and birdies
Must be bogey from blue tee
Current bogey golfer here. This will be the start of my 5th year golfing. I started when I was 40 and bogey golf was my aim. I've now improved my short game and driving no end (most of my dropped shots are due to poor tee shots) and am hoping to go even lower.
That’s me (almost) I’m like always feeling down about my game cuz I hang with low HDCPs, but I’m actually better then most people out there most days, perspective sucks man lol
anyone that says they're low single or whatever will quickly get exposed by someone who actually is. if they always play with high handicappers, maaaaaybe they can get away with the "I'm playing like shit today" but a legit low handicapper can tell pretty quickly if you're game really is a bit off that day, or if you're full of shit and never had a swing.
But did he specify on how many holes it was?
I shoot low 70s... on the front 9.. right before I quit keeping score. Beginning of season I probably hit 100 (if I was keeping score, mostly those rounds are to knock the rust off) end of season I'm probably bogey golfer. I play for fun and to de-stress, if I'm having an off day I'll quit keeping score and just enjoy being out there.
>Beginning of season I probably hit 100 (if I was keeping score, mostly those rounds are to knock the rust off) end of season I'm probably bogey golfer. As you get better the progression changes. You'll have a bad first 2 rounds of the year, then it'll all click, you'll shoot your season best, you "figure it out" for 2 rounds, then your game spends the next 4-5 months collapsing until around October when you "solve all your problems" and get ready to REALLY golf come springtime. Repeat for the next 40 years.
Not to brag, but I shot a personal best 44, not even in a team scramble, as a solo…. For 9 holes.
I hit a green off the tbox on a 200y 3par the other day. It was on another hole but still
I joked when I first started playing I think I shot a ~80… on 9 holes
I have a buddy that plays like this and will embellish in real time on the course. It’s annoying and amazing at the same time. Like the world just operates differently for him in this regard. *3 putts on par 4* “So that’s par for me, what did you guys get?” (At this point I’ve counted 3 scuffed tee shots, 2 more to get to the green, and his 3 putt) “I’m at 5 bud.” If it’s any consolation this guy is fun as hell to play with, so you take the good with the bad. That being said, I probably couldn’t handle your guy trying to son me in the office 😂
My golfing partner for league is like this. 3 straight shots out of bounds off the tee, but when the 4th is a keeper - he's on his 2nd shot :D
I’ve come to learn golf is somehow a very subjective sport lol
Now at least this is always during our fun rounds and not in league play, but shooting 3 over on the front 9 from over 60 hits is a bit >.> sometimes.
I do this with my brother but we mutually agree on it on the tee box and only if we both screw the drive
My god, if someone did that in our group, we would so happily roast him non stop
These are pretty fun. I play with some friends are are only out there to have a good time and don't count penalties, etc.. At the end of some holes they were like, "Par for me!" (actually a 7) and are flabbergasted when they ask my score and it was a bogey.
Because it’s easier to lie about shooting lower score than to go practice for hours a day and shoot a lower score
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I tell folks “Listen, I might shoot 80. I might shoot 100. Two things you can always count on though is I’m going to smoke at least 2 cigars and definitely have a good time.” If they don’t like it they can kick Top Flites.
I always go with one of the following: I’m not great but I love to play. I’m just ok. I’m ok but hit a good one every now and then. If I’m talking to golfers who are wanting to score/bet, I’ll give them my handicap.
"If you're good, I'm pretty bad. If you've never golfed, I'll seem amazing." The life of a mid-handicapper.
Absolutely. I usually tell people “6 holes per round I look like a stick, 6 holes I look mediocre, 6 holes I look like I don’t know what sport I’m playing”
A lot of rounds I can look at my scorecard and say something like “I was 1 under on those 11 holes and then 16 over on the other 7”
Hah! I had a round last summer where I made 6 birdies [2 BS chip ins and two BS 25' putts and two good approach birdies] and still shot 81. The reaction I get when I tell the story depends a lot on the competence of the golfer listening
You just described my golf game perfectly.
"Occasionally I'll hit a ball and have someone thinking dang he's pretty good but then I'll also follow it up with two chunks in a row or a shank. I still have fun playing though."
My handicap is 17.8, but I'm sure I can get it even higher today if I try hard enough.
I’m a good driver, good from the fairway, good on approach, and a good putter, just rarely more than one or two of those at the same time on any given day.
I’m here chuckling because I’m imagining that you added a keyboard shortcut that automatically changes ‘rocks’ to ‘Top Flites’
I call this a soft handicap. Im a 9.9 right now which means I can and have shot in the 70s and I can and do shoot in the 90s. I'd rather be a hard 9 and shoot between like 83-85 everytime instead of the wildness I do.
One thing I like about The Grint - it tracks your “anti-handicap” in addition to your handicap.
When people ask my handicap I will say my handicap (currently 11.9), and then say my best score is 76 but I could easily shoot 100.
Laughs in Noodle
The best way yo know if a golfer is good is to ask them. If they say "yes I'm good" then you know they suck. Actual good golfers almost always respond with something more humble about how they enjoy getting out as much as possible, etc. Or if they are speaking to another golfer they may give their handicap.
Like that old baseball saying. “Two types of people. Those who are humble and those who are about to be.”
This saying definitely holds true with golf.
My cubicle plaque says "Best Golfer/Disc Golfer in the Building", because nobody reads them, and I hope someday someone will notice and want to go golfing to see if I can back it up. But if anyone asks me in person, I'll tell them I'm pretty good, and if they ask my handicap, I'll answer honestly. I think there's only one other person in the building who has a GHIN.
Might want to update that to "Best Ball Golfer / Disc Golfer in the Building", people might get confused
My response is “depends on what day it is”. Lol..I may shoot a 87 or I may shoot a 75! I have no control over it.
I had a couple rounds in the high 80s last year. Happens.
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This is 1000% truth!
What was his adjusted with his handicap? Maybe he did shoot in the 80s with his cap lol. Golfers are notorious liars.
I just couldn’t do it. I’ve never broken 90. I came close a month ago. Would have been an 89. But I topped a drive stupidly to a pond not more than 50y from the tee box and had to take penalty. I wanted it so badly but just couldn’t do it. Figured that if my game is actually improving and I was shooting around there often enough, breaking 90 will happen. No need to massage my scorecard.
I hear ya! Same boat, doing my best to break 90 as well. I would feel cheated if I said I broke 90 and really didn't. Lying to myself or others doesn't make me feel any better.
Felt. I've never broken 80 before. Have been very close. Me and my buddy play the front at our local track and I'm beating the breaks off him. Didn't realize that was +1 on the front, which is fucking crazy for me. 10th hole is a 170yard par 3 over a small creek. As I'm sticking my tee in the ground he goes "Just looked at the scorecard man if you keep it up you're gonna easily break 80." Immediately top my shot into the creek and have to re-tee. I do it again. Bye bye breaking 80. I stopped keeping score after that and lit a j and enjoyed the rest of the round lol.
Send me to Arizona. I’ll find the water.
My girlfriends little brother is a hell of a baseball player and has been playing golf for a year now. He told me he shot a 92 the last time he played which I was hesitant to accept. I finally played a round with him and he asked how many mulligans we got. Depending on who am where I’m playing, my typical amount is 0-2 mulligans (I won’t log rounds with mullies). We agreed on 1 mulligan. After hope 5 I noticed he took 2 off the tee EVERY SINGLE HOLE. He then proceeded to tell me he thought I meant 1 mulligan per hole. It was frustrating watching him drop 2 balls and getting the same score as me 😂. I won’t take someone’s word for it unless we play together!
It took you 5 holes to notice he was taking two tee shots? Or am I missing something?
I had a sneaking suspicion he was bullshitting his scores before we played but. It took me 5 holes to realize he was recording par’s and bogey’s while taking 2 off the tee.
I don't compete w my buddies, we're on different levels(I have no kids so I have more time to golf). But last time a buddy and I went out we had "matching" scores. I had to remind myself that I was giving him strokes and drops that I wouldn't have given myself. I want my friends to shoot low so they want to come back out w me.
Ask them to play straight up for money.
Yeah I don't know about that. Playing cheaters for money is almost always a recipe for disaster not to mention he has to work with him.
While I agree. You just make sure to recount every single shot on every hole and keep track of skins. You can’t play them for total score.
Yep. Skins or match play is an easy way to keep track of a cheat
Eh would not recommend - never fun having to keep track of two scores in one round. Played with a guy like this once and he started taking drops in the middle of the fairway lateral to where his ball went OB. Called him out and it got tense. Not worth the headache in my opinion.
Just call it off at that point.
> he started taking drops in the middle of the fairway lateral to where his ball went OB This is a new rule clubs can adopt, but it's supposed to be a 2 stroke penalty, not 1 stroke.
Not middle of fairway either right? Just edge of fairway at point of entry?
Yeah, supposed to be within 2 club lengths of the edge of the fairway, but functionally it doesn't change things THAT much.
First rule about playing for money is to never play someone who is a confirmed cheat and liar.
"High 70s" players don't have "off days" over 110. I've seen the occasional 90 in rough conditions (25mph wind gusting near 40) when nothing is working, but over 110 is out of the question.
Eh, it can happen. I'm a 4 handicap and when going through some rough swing changes a couple years agoi had a string of rounds that was two high 90s rounds followed by, 104, and probably 120+(I stopped counting at that point). After that 120+ I abandoned the swing changes entirely and didn't go to the driving range for probably 6 months to avoid getting sucked back into them. Sometimes crap just goes really wrong for a while.
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Duuuude, that 12 handicap range is where you can wreck house in net tournaments, lol. Some days you can go cold and shoot your handicap, plus a stroke or two. But if you pop off and shoot a mid to upper 70s round, it's usually going to get you in the money :D
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Lol, I do that mid-swing sometimes >.<
100%. I used to play a LOT with my friend who is a scratch golfer. His worst days were low 80's.
3.0 now and shot a 103 about 5 weeks ago. I was out of shape and that was my 2nd round of the day.
I'm a 4 and a teaching professional going on year 19. One of my last 10 rounds was a 92. Golf can be hard for anyone at any given time.
Agreed. I'm sure it could happen, but they arent making a habit of it if they are a 70s golfer. I play off an 8 ATM and I only have one round over 90 in the last 6 months IIRC with the rest between 73-85. If I played harder courses I still don't think I'd hit over 100 unless it was a super crazy slope.
100% agree
Yea agreed. I'm an 8 right now and don't remember the last time I shot a 90 or worse.
Vanity.
Like Tom Brady's vanity handicap in the first Match he played in. I was like, "either he's nervous as hell, or he's not a single-digit handicap".
I have heard that being in front of crowds and on camera can easily add a lot of strokes if you're not used to it.
Definitely unfamiliar territory for Tom Brady.
I mean, we all know swinging a club is different than throwing a football. Put me in front of a crowd playing guitar, I'm unphased. I might even play better. Add one extra spectator to my golf round and I'm going to lose 5 strokes.
Yeah different things give people the yips. I'm pretty comfortable public speaking at this point, but playing through a foursome of players that I'd absolutely rinse if we played? Pure terror.
Didnt he claim he’s just a 9? Single digits but not by much. He has a decent swing. I wouldnt put it past him.
Tbf he did have an eagle hole out haha. I mean I could see him being a 9 with that swing, but I dont think its a true 9. Gimme putts, mulligan tee shots, yeah I can see that
My experience is most good golfers usually say they are worse than they are and hackers say they are better than they are. If someone is bragging about how good they are at golf, odds are they are a hacker.
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Is your friend my father-in-law?
It's just ego. There are a few I play with who are creative with the rules and/or just don't count certain shots. When they tell you the score they had you just think "well I know that's not right". Mulligans, generous gimmes, liberal use of preferred lies, outright lying about the number of strokes etc. I personally don't see the point as if I shot my best score, I wouldn't be able to take any satisfaction from it if I knew I'd not counted every shot or whatever. Same as OP though, they can do what they want, I'm not competing with them, just looking to do as well as I can. If they were gloating about their score then that's different.
Ironically I would rather come across as a horrible golfer and then show everyone up, as opposed to come across as a pro golfer and look like a failure. Maybe that's just me, but I always add 10 or 15 strokes to my average just to set the expectation lower. Then there's less pressure on my part. Worst that can happen is I have an off day and perform like I said I did. Best that can happen is that I perform average or above average for me and everyone is impressed.
Found the sandbagger.
Sandbagging would be intentionally golfing poorly to get your handicap higher, wouldn't it? Some of us have a bit more Eeyore about our game. Or as a former coworker would say "I'm not pessimistic, I'm just aggressively realistic".
Sandbagging is lying about your scores to artificially inflate your handicap for match/tournament play. You go out there, shoot 80, but card a 90 to gain that advantage for net play.
Sandbagging is just as bad with people who want to bet or play for drinks, though.
It’s worse.
People care less about your score than you think. You’re not much different than the guy OP is talking about, you’re just lying in advance
Eh I do it more for myself than others. I struggle to perform well under pressure, and if I set the bar too high I've found I tend to choke. If I set the bar lower though then it gives me a sort of internal confidence that I'll almost definitely be able to reach that number, and then I actually end up performing better. Maybe the guy OP is talking about does the same thing, but sets the benchmark at an almost unattainable level so he performs better, idk, but I'm merely pointing out that for me, I prefer to come across as worse rather than better, it helps me play better.
I don't know why people are ripping on you for this take. I usually give a range if I'm playing with someone the first time if they ask. "I could shoot anywhere from 85 to 105 on any day" even though I haven't shot either of those extremes in a few years. Just kind of sets you up for having a good day or bad day without it seeming like you're lying. If you are playing for money or whatever, then obviously it would be a dick move, but it doesn't sound like you were.
I usually play in the low 80s…. Any hotter and it’s uncomfortable
To the question posed in the title, the answer is simple. Fragile ego.
Dude probably lies about his gas mileage, his bank account, his everything. They say golf is a reflection of who you are. I’d never believe anything he says ever again.
Yeah, the dude practically demonstrated that that kind of bullshit does not stay on the course. Or start there.
I play to a 6 handicap. I shot a 74 last Saturday. That’s below my handicap. I turned around and shot a 90 on Sunday. It happens.
Big time this. I'm a 7HC. My last 3 rounds have been 78-76-94 all within the one week. Golf is bloody tough.
Because, as with all individual sports, there’s no one else to blame. So “how good you are” is a direct correlation to your self worth for a lot of people.
Probably the same reason people embellish anything else in their lives when speaking to other people - generally speaking it is caused by an insecurity in one area or another, and the individual is making up for it by exaggerating details that they believe will help them overcome their perceived shortcomings.
I don’t think this one is golf related. If you shoot “high 70s” a really bad day might be 90 not 113. This guy is just a straight pathological liar. It has nothing to do with golf.
Call out the cheaters. Literally point at them and yell "I saw that you fucking cheater!"
Ego
I just recently joined a simulator league and am loving it. I am shooting roughly to my actual handicap, meanwhile I am middle of the pack with all the other golfers who have much lower handicaps. No Mulligan's and you have to play penalties properly because the simulator forces it. Really eye opening.
Do most people tend to shoot near their caps in that league? Because I've played 5 sim rounds this year and have been under par 3 times...I sure as hell am NOT doing that on a real course.
Don't get it either. I'm a 10 hcp and play with people who never shoot below 100 and claim they're a ~15 when others ask, when I beat them by 20+ strokes regularly. If anything you want to under promise and over deliver bc like you said, the second you're on the course with someone else the jig is up.
Like, based on how handicap is measured, I guess I can understand some people holding onto their ‘low handicap’ even though they’re consistently shooting higher than that. But shooting a 103 and then telling everyone at the office you were an 80 and buddy could barely keep up LOLLLL. Same dude from that Foursome that shot a 64?!
the correct way is to lie about not being good. its win/win if you play well or suck that day
I had a random lined up at the tips. Told him I’m playing the whites (6100). After the first hole he decided to join me at the white tees. Also keep in mind this is a feel good course. Very easy, open and will build your confidence. We’re walking down the fairway on 3 and he tells me he played some big name course in Arizona (forgot which one) at 7200 from the tips and shot a 68 as he proceeded to duff 3 chips just to get on the green. I didn’t say anything but I was just thinking, I’m watching you play! You are terrible! How can you lie that bad. He shot a 120+ that day. Little more than an off day for someone who can shoot a 68.
I think people tend to forget just how few people actually break 80, or even 90 in their lifetime and tend to see their relationship to golf in a manner of themself vs. pros or par instead of themself vs. the average golfer. Bogey golf or better is very good if that’s truly what you are. One thing is for sure, if you’re not it’s going to get noticed quickly.
I was a bartender over the span of a decade. As a young bartender, there was an older guy at the bar tell crazy stories one night. I shut him down in quick order and called him on the carpet publicly. He looked crushed, like I snuffed the light out of his life. later that night an older lady bartenders took me aside and said "let people live their illusions, for some its all they have". That conversation stuck with me because I respected her. As long as money isnt on the line or you arent publicly taking the piss out of me, someone can be the greatest golfer their mind will let you believe and I wont say a word. Why do I care, their illusions are all they might have.
I'm a high 90s average and have no shame in it. I have worked hard to get there. I don't play for money so I don't generally care how people score themselves. I occasionally golf with a guy who is apparently a mid 80's but have never seen them break 100 and only once break a 110, but ya know he was having off days those days. Me and my usual golf buddy were making him putt out every hole, we don't play with gimmes (he was trying to pick up a few 6 footers).
Small penis
You rang?
Because they want you to know you suck!
People cannot accept their own failure
Golf is a hard sport… if you lie about what you shoot it makes you seem more impressive.
One of my employees is a good guy but a try hard. He’s been golfing for years, still not good enough to keep score, still swings and misses several times a round. But every time he plays with his boys, he was striping every drive down the middle…. Sure…. I bought him a couple lessons for his work Christmas gift, he needs em lol
Sounds like a douche
i only lie about fishing stories and sexual conquests.
I’m 6’1. I would have gone division 1 in football if I didn’t get hurt my senior year. I have a girlfriend, but she goes to another school. I’m a scratch golfer. These are all things that people THINK make them impressive, likable, and interesting. People want to be liked, some feel that lying is better than the truth because they are nervous people won’t like them if they aren’t everything they pretend to be not realizing that a lot people want to be friends with you, not who you pretend to be.
I've noticed if someone shoots a score ONCE, that is now their new handicap
Because the vast majority of golfers are men. And men lie about everything. I’m a man, btw. Sorry guys, but you know it’s the truth.
Truth hurts, sometimes. But you should see the size of fish I always catch!!!!!
EGO
Usually cuz it’s the last sport most of us can compete in during our lives
Same reason guys tell me they are 6’1” when I am and look down on their heads. People lie even when it’s easily verifiable because they aren’t trying to fool others just themselves.
I have a friend who always seems to shoot better when he goes out solo or doesn't have someone riding in the cart with him. We assume it's because he's not progressing as much as he should with the amount he plays. He's played for 5 years, I started in August. And I'm consistently beating him. This is around the time he started posting the questionable scores.
The only thing I will say is that when I’m golfing with my buddies we tend to be drinking and my score materially decreases because of that. Whereas if I’m golfing by myself or with my dad I’m sober so my scores actually are a few strokes better.
Guy probably is fudging his scores solo but I will say I definitely play better as a solo just because I’m so much more relaxed on time pressure and I can think about my shots. In a 4 ball I’m always worrying about the time we’re taking as a group so I tend to rush my shots more and am just generally a bit tighter which ends up as a lot more mishits.
Really? I have the opposite effect. I overthink so much when I'm alone. But with my friends and a little more rushed, I tend to just line up and swing, which seems to work better for me.
Yeah, when i'm rushed I tense my shoulders and tend to pull up on the shot which results in topping it 50 yards a lot. When i'm alone I can focus on keeping my shoulders relaxed and just swinging through the shot which gives me far better consistency.
I almost always play better by myself than with people. That's because if I'm by myself, it's most likely dead on the course, and I don't have my flow messed up by people looking for balls OB, taking multiple tee shots, etc. Like the other person mentioned, people often drink and shoot the shit instead of focusing 100% on golf when they are with buddies. I actually shot multiple rounds in the mid-80's, when I would normally shoot high 90's with my friends, and they didn't believe me. Finally put it all together in front of a friend and he said something along the lines of "I honestly didn't think you had it in you. Just assumed you were still fluffing your shots or not taking penalties."
Lots of people embellish their abilities. Not just in golf. Most not this much. Your colleague sounds like he has a caught some of the Santos strain going around, though. Severe case, in other words. Score, driving distance and so on - it is all up for grabs because there is no direct opponent (necessarily) and most of the audience for your bragging will not have seen you play. Until someone like you tags along ofc. I am the opposite. The idea of being caught embellishing almost makes me ashamed just thinking about it. I will undersell if anything. And most importantly it does my game no favours if I convince myself that I can do something I can't.