Golf in the Social Media Era

Good morning, readers. As we gather this Monday, let’s reflect on tradition and doing things the right way. Tradition anchors us, passing down wisdom like a well-worn path through generations. It’s not about rigid rules but about learning proven ways to live with integrity, respect, and purpose. Yet, tradition isn’t static, it grows when we approach it with humility, eager to learn.

Let’s embrace the lessons of those before us, refine our actions, and walk confidently in faith, knowing the right way leads to abundant life. Amen.

Alright folks. I caved and created a BTG instagram last week in an attempt to broaden the reach of this tight-knit publication. Upon following a few golf-related accounts, I was greeted by a version of golf attire, etiquette, and general promotion of which I was entirely unaware.

Zac Efron, shirtless, playing 9 holes with a camera crew?

An account (not satire) dedicated to posting pro shop “hauls”?

I mean what are we doing here? And word on the street is that TikTok is somehow worse?

We have two types of problems here. The first is the type of content, and the second is the scale and delivery of the content.

The type of golf content I’m seeing shows golf’s full transformation from an elitist sport for the rich and sophisticated class to a game that can be shared an enjoyed by everyone. Now, on the surface level this is great. What’s not to love about growing the game? Well, the motto of this publication added a key word to that phrase, which should be familiar to you all at this point. We want to grow the game, but in the right manner. The content I’m seeing produced by platforms with large followings is childish at best, and downright harmful to the spirit of the game at it’s worst.

Now, onto the medium in which this content is delivered - the most addictive app and piece of technology ever invented. A platform designed to keep you scrolling for profit. Instagram and TikTok onboard new players to the game daily, highjacking their dopamine-fueled reward systems. Kids are learning “golf” from complete strangers on the internet who are not accustomed to proper traditions and etiquette.

I wasn’t aware of the scale, magnitude, and broad of golf content out there until I made the BTG instagram account. It was truly eye opening how mainstream and diluted the game has become in such a short period of time.

So, where do we go from here? I alluded to this in past posts, but it starts at the nuclear family. Kids must learn from authority figures (parents) in their lives, and be introduced to the game on the golf course, not on their phones or iPads. Learning how to swing a club and comport yourself on a course and at a club can only be learned through trial and error.

It’s a shame that social media is glorifying the game in the wrong way. I’ll be doing my part to rectify this via my instagram below. Follow along if you are so inclined.

One of my bad swing tendencies is to bring the club too far inside on the takeaway, leading to the club getting into an “across the line” position at the top. Here is a good drill if you suffer from the same issue.

I was playing with someone last week who told me a rather unbelievable story. He was partnered with a guy who was playing some really old golf balls, and on the 18th, he hit his approach and the ball split in half. I’ve never heard anything like it.

This got me wondering, what is the ruling there? What if your ProV somehow disintegrates in a stroke play event? Here you go:

If a golf ball splits in half during a stroke, Rule 4.2c of the Rules of Golf applies. The player must play the stroke as it lies, but if the ball is deemed "cut or cracked" and significantly damaged, it’s considered unfit for play. The player can replace the ball without penalty, but only if the damage occurred during the stroke that caused it to split.

The procedure involves marking the position of the original ball, then replacing it with a new one at the same spot. If the ball splits and pieces scatter, the player selects the largest piece to determine the reference point for placement. No penalty is incurred unless the player caused the damage intentionally (e.g., by stepping on the ball), which would violate Rule 4.2b and result in a one-stroke penalty.

If the ball splits mid-air and lands in multiple pieces, the player must choose one piece to play from its landing spot or replace it if unfit. This rare scenario requires careful adherence to the rules to avoid penalties, especially in competitive play where officials may need to verify the situation.

Pretty wild stuff. The more you know!

Testing this out to see if the people enjoy it - here’s how I’d spend 3 days in Wisconsin:

Thursday – Arrive in Milwaukee

Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE)
Rental Car: Full-size or midsize with trunk space for clubs
Drive: Approximately 1 hour north to Sheboygan

Hotel: The Draft House, Sheboygan
Approx. $150 per night
Boutique golf-focused inn, 10 minutes from Whistling Straits

Dinner Option:
Harry’s Prohibition Bistro (brick oven pizza and cocktails)
Or Umi Sushi for a lighter meal

Friday – Whistling Straits (Straits Course)

Drive: 10 minutes from hotel
Tee Time: 7:50 AM at Whistling Straits, Straits Course

Post-round Lunch: Irish Barn Clubhouse on site

Hotel: The Draft House, Sheboygan (same night)

Dinner Options:
Field to Fork Cafe
The Black Pig

Saturday – Erin Hills

Early Departure: 6:00 AM from Sheboygan
Drive: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to Erin Hills

Tee Time: 8:00 AM at Erin Hills
Walking only course, caddie required
Lunch: Erin Hills Clubhouse Patio

Afternoon Drive: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes northwest to Wisconsin Rapids

Hotel: Sleep Inn, Wisconsin Rapids
Approx. $120 per night
Clean, basic, 15 minutes from Sand Valley

Dinner: Jennings & Co.
Or simple meal at the Sand Valley bar

Sunday – Sand Valley or Mammoth Dunes

Drive: 15 minutes to Sand Valley Resort

Tee Time: 7:30 AM at Mammoth Dunes

Or choose Sand Valley for a faster, firmer Coore & Crenshaw experience

Brunch: Craig’s Porch

Afternoon: Drive approximately 2.5 hours back to Milwaukee
Evening flight home (recommend flight between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM)

Key reframe for those working to break 90 - bogeys are OK, pars are a bonus. Your goal here is to eliminate the large numbers that instantly blow up a round.

My advice? Work on consistency off the tee and putts inside 6 feet.

My intention with BowtiedGolf is to grow it as the elite clubs do — through referrals.

If you’ve improved your look, laughed a little bit, or learned something because of this newsletter… why keep it to yourself?