Is there really "gamesmanship" in pro golf? Who is the cheapest and dirtiest golfer?

Question

I've heard about phantom sneezes and extra slow play on purpose....

Answer 1

Always has been a part of the game and always will be.  I don't know who the worst on tour is now, but one great rattle was Trevino and Nicklaus on the first tee of an 18 holes playoff and Trevino tossed a rubber snake at Jack.

Answer 2

There certainly is. I don't know who has the title now, but for many years it was Seve. Rattling change in pockets while opponents putted just juvenile stuff like that. Golf is a hustler's dream so getting in someone's kitchen is always a plus.

Answer 3

that tall chick on the big break - a few years ago - she moved on the tee when the blondie ( winner ) teed off

Answer 4

I think at the PGA level, gamesmanship is not that effective - you have to be pretty mentally tough to get there and shouldn't be able to get rattled.  

As for cheap, Seve did have the reputation for being tight.  There was a story about playing in a tourney and the lightning alarm going off.  Bernard Langer turned to the guys he was playing with and deadpanned, "Seve must have just opened his wallet."

Answer 5

I have played in hundreds of tournaments and I actually have never experienced cheap or dirty play. Cheating is a different story. "Gamesmanship" is OK depending on what it is and IS common but usually only in match play or a one on one situation. Accepatable would be the following: giving a putt early on but not late, being inconsistent with putt concessions, playing slower when the other person is on a roll and vice verca.  In stroke play when there are so many competitors, you typically end up kind of pulling for the people you're playing with.  It makes the "atmosphere" more pleasant and can help your own game.