Golf Mental Game Excuses

The practice swing felt easy, then someone started watching. This collection covers nerves, overthinking and concentration that disappeared over the ball. Browse the mental-game alibis for a line to use after a tense putt or a hesitant drive.

53 rulings

Choose an excuse for your round

#19
Working on something new.
#20
Overthinking the putt.
#21
I play better alone.
#22
No warm up.
#23
You warmed up, I didn't.
#24
3-footers kill me.
#25
Still thinking about last year's triple.
#26
Left my swing at home.
#27
Cart path only threw me off.
#28
Was striping it at the range.
#29
Haven't hit the range in weeks.
#30
Worst round in five years.
#31
Just once, my normal game.
#32
Didn't want to fly the green.
#33
Pin's tucked too tight.
#34
Never charge a downhill putt.
#35
30-footers? Easy. 3-footers? Done.
#36
Practice green? Money. Course? Gone.
#37
Negative thoughts.
#38
Lost concentration.
#39
New course.
#40
Visualized the wrong shot.
#41
Should've watched a tips video.
#42
Never taken a lesson.
#43
Haven't played in 3 years.
#44
Didn't play as a kid.
#45
Over-practiced.
#191
Good bogey hole.
#192
Not losing my Tour card.
#193
I usually slice, why is it straight?
#194
Great at mini golf.
#196
Gonna be one heck of a par.
#197
Thinking about going pro.
#198
Too strong for this game.
#202
Aggressive green reading.
#203
Nice lag.
#204
That's not OB, alternative fairway.
#205
I know where it is. Can't get to it.
#206
Scenic route to the green.
#208
At least I go again.
#209
Different strategy.
#210
Saving good shots for the back nine.
#211
Prefer the rough.
#213
Strategic fairway search.
#216
Better angle from here.
#219
Paid for the whole course.
#232
Four putts build character.
#239
What game is this?
#249
Get lessons
#251
I'm really getting my moneys worth
#252
At least I get to play more golf than you
#263
Can’t believe I hit it straight, that never happens to me!
#269
Forgot to breathe on the backswing.

Take the Mulligan