Is it rude to flat out tell someone you dont need any advice or tips in golf?

Question

Yesterday I was at the range, and doing quite well in my opinion, then someone came up to me, and told me my swing was wrong, and told me plenty of things wrong with my swing and setup. I thought I was doing allright, as I was satisfied with my distance, hitting the ball straight and the ball flight was decent. I am a 15 handicap, and I have been golfing for a year and a half, so I know I dont have the perfect swing, and there is much to improve on. His advice, actually made me start to slice the ball, and when it wasnt working, he got quite offended when I pretty much told him "thanks but it doesnt work for me" he kind of curtly responded thats what his instructor taught him, and if I work on it iit will help me in the long run. But the advice mentally screwed me up, and I finished up the rest of the bucket mainly hacking, and am still upset about it today. So my question is, when people try to give you advice, is it rude to just flat out say no? Thanks.

Answer 1

Advise should only be given when it is asked for. There are plenty of golfers out there that don't go by that rule and will tell you everything that your doing wrong. But guess what, they aren't any better and should really keep their mouth shut.

It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

I have had golfers give me advice on what to do or not do and then I watch them muff all kinds of shots.

I would not just flat out tell them you don't need any advise, because you probably do. We all do. But if it is working for you don't fix it. Slicing the rest of your bucket probably just pissed you off more than it helped.

Also, if you are playing with someone that plays better than you, don't be afraid to ask for tips. They might just say no, but then again they may give you some pearls of wisdom.

Answer 2

Well, unless he was a pro, which from the way you made it sound he wasn't, just ignore him and do what you do.  You invite comments if you respond in some way.  If he doesn't get the point, then say what you said.  It doesn't work for me.

Answer 3

What was rude was this guy coming up to you, uninvited, and pumping your head with unwelcomed suggestions. The damage is done, it's up to you to fix it. It's time to shake it off, recognize that he was wrong to do that, and get your old swing back. It's there, you'll find it!

Have fun!

Answer 4

People think they know what they are doing.  I would just politely thank them for their advice and tell that you are working on your game right now.

Following that, just keep playing.

Answer 5

Yeah, I'd definitely tell anyone "...If I want advice, I'll go see a pro.  Have a nice day."

Answer 6

Nothing wrong if you say the truth... if you dont need his advise... just say it...

But, say it politelly.... I'm sure the guy who give you advise, also want to share his knowledge... i'm sure he doesn't mean he want to screwed your game.

There are tahousands way to say no without hurt anybody feel...

Answer 7

Never give advice to someone that doesn’t ask for it!

And even if someone does ask for advice always be positive and concentrate on drills and ways to practice better.

To give unsolicited advice is very rude, impolite and you defiantly have the right to ask that person to leave you alone.

Answer 8

It is not rude to tell someone you do not want their advice.  Everyone has a different swing, and body make-up.  You can try to make everyone do the same thing, but some people are not as limber, so a longer back swing etc. will not work for everyone.  It's against the rules of golf in a tournament for another player to give you advice.  You to a pro if you need to fix your swing back to how it was.  Then go play and have fun.

Answer 9

No.....it would be rude for you not to accept the corrections cuz everybody needs help; even TIGER WOODS, so stop being a jerk and accept the advice

Answer 10

Try to forget about that guy, and his advice. Your swing is just that...yours. You and a pro (or just you) can decide what will help or not. He's probably just trying to help, but doesn't realize it's not working. If he doesn't know that, I don't see a problem with you or anyone else telling him so.

Answer 11

It may be arrogant, but it is also rude to offer tips/advice where they aren't wanted or requested.  I would suggest finding your own instructor if you want advice/tips.

Answer 12

I have seen all kinds of swings and can generally tell what is causing the problem.  I always preface any advice by asking the person if they want to know what I see.  I also tell them to take the advice to the range where they can work on it.

Answer 13

JUST SAY THANK YOU, MOVE ON WITH YOUR RANGE TIME... IF ANYTHING ELSE IS SAID, TELL HIM TO BACK OFF...  "HIT 'EM STRAIGHT"

Answer 14

Just tell them no thanks, you already have an instructor and a program to improve your swing. Even if you don't. This works for me and they will leave you alone. To answer your question, no , it is not rude. What IS rude is the people approaching you with advice. Like they are as good as Tiger Woods themselves. He was probably a 15 handicap too. Whatever. I hate that. Just tell them to leave you be from now on.

Answer 15

It's not rude! Trust me. I have had to tell people in soccer many times that im ok and don't need any advice/tips. That person is either a busybody and needs to worry about themselves! You have only been golfing for a year and a half so your still in the full process of learning! Its ok to say your ok and dont need any advice, I promise you!

-I really hope this helps never be afraid too say no=]

Answer 16

The general rule is, never give any advice or tips to anyone, unless of course the person happens to be your next of kin or very close friend or buddy of yours.

If the advice comes from a total stranger to you it will definitely catch you off guard. Just be polite to him, say a quick "Thank you, I'll take note of your suggestion." Just finish off hitting your range balls as quickly as possible, then pack up & leave. He might just take the cue from your action.

Answer 17

If you know your game could be better, listen to a tip or two ... but that guy seemed to go overboard listening to his own voice.

You take advice from someone better than you, so if ih is trying to change something that you feel good with, get him to hit 3 balls first, and see if they slice or not. Ask what his handicap is. Ask how long he's had an instructor ("er, 2nd lesson is when he gets back from holidays ... he said he needed a holiday after teaching my 1st lesson")

If he is plainly worse than you, "Thanx, but No Thanx"