How to tell someone they cheat?

I recently played with someone who really broke the rules on the green. He would not mark his ball properly. He would toss a coin down, didn’t matter where it landed, and pick his ball up. Then when it was his turn to putt, he placed his ball wherever he decided. Sometimes he would place the marker in front of the ball and then place the ball back in front of the marker giving him a putt 4-6 inches shorter than it should have been.

Here’s the thing: It was in a tournament. I had played with him before and had seen him do this. I just try not to bust anybody balls about stuff when playing, especially people who get so emotional.

Is there a way to tell him that it’s not cool for him to do that? He’s a nice guy off the course and I’m trying not to get into with him but it does get a bit ridiculous.

Is he winning in these tournaments? Or even putting up a competition? And is he beating you? Cheaters shouldnt be tolerated, but in all reality if your still beating him after cheats you should just laugh at him and ridicule him fo rbeing an idiot. Otherwise call him out on it; if he acts like an ass them bring it up in front of everyone.

He did win a couple on our Amateur golf tour but he always seems to be right in the mix. I don’t want to seem like I’m saying it just cause he wins or comes close. I just think it’s messed up that he does it at all.

I agree…

(Even though he is a nice guy of the course) I tend to believe that if people will cheat at something in your presence, then they have no problems lying to your face.

But as with everything in life, we must choose our battles wisely.

i would try to call him out jokingly at first. “hey, i didn’t know we were playing ‘ball-in-hand’ rule in this tourney.” if he doesn’t get the hint, i would toss a coin like 10’ in the air & putt from where it landed next hole. others would certainly take notice. but then maybe that’s being too much of a smart@ss.

definitely not cool, though.

Mc, I like that. I’m a smartass anyway. I could try that and if he says something, I could just say I was following his lead. Thanks for the advice.

Wow! If someone I considered a friend did this type of thing the last thing I would do is let him get away with it. Come on! You’re playing in a tournament and he is able to get away with this and no one else in the group will say anything? Is he a linebacker or a local bouncer when he isn’t playing golf? I would have to guess that you haven’t had a side bet with him for a really long time and if you did you would be….an Idiot! Tell him like it is and get over this silly approachment issue and get on with life.