What do you think?
Rate this book
Why You Suck at Golf: 50 Most Common Mistakes by Recreational Golfers
#1 Golf Book on Amazon in the US and Canada 5 times, and now the inspiration for a "Why You Suck at The Movie". Do you suck at golf? Do you know someone who does? While written in a tongue-in-cheek style, Why You Suck at Golf is an informative and education manual chronicling the most common mistakes golfers make when playing this wondrous game. From arriving too late for your tee time, to trying to keep your head too still, if there is a common, easily correctible mistake a golfer makes, it is in this book. 52 chapters in all, each discussing a mistake and how to correct it. So whether you want to have a little dig at the golfaholic among your friends or family, or serious about eradicating shot-costing mistakes in your game, “Why You Suck at Golf” is a must read. Over 400 positive reviews easily read on the Amazon product page. Written by Teaching Professional Clive Scarff, author of the #1 ranked “Hit Down Dammit!” golf instruction book, also available on Amazon. For info on the movie visit www.whyyousuckatgolfmovie.com or www.oneminutegolf.com.
- GenresSports
71 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2011
164 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Clive Scarff
20 books5 followersClive Scarff is a Canadian author, screenwriter, and educator with a diverse career spanning over 30 years. Born in Toronto, he developed a passion for storytelling early on—his first film aired on local cable television when he was just 13 years old.
Scarff is best known for his humorous and insightful golf instruction books, including the bestsellers Hit Down Dammit! and Why You Suck at Golf: 50 Most Common Mistakes by Recreational Golfers. His writing often blends technical guidance with wit, making golf more accessible and enjoyable for readers.
He has also authored fiction works such as Elbows Up: A Hockey Story, Mystic Links, and two sports-themed romance novels, 69 Shades of Green and 69 Runs Batted In.
Beyond writing, Scarff has contributed to television and film, with credits including the sitcom HollyNorth (2023) and Why You Suck at Golf: The Movie (2020). He is also an experienced tutor and coach, teaching subjects ranging from screenwriting to English and coaching hockey, golf, and baseball.
With a background that spans Canadian, Australian, and British cultures, Scarff brings a unique perspective to his work. He continues to engage audiences through his writing, teaching, and creative endeavors.
Scarff is best known for his humorous and insightful golf instruction books, including the bestsellers Hit Down Dammit! and Why You Suck at Golf: 50 Most Common Mistakes by Recreational Golfers. His writing often blends technical guidance with wit, making golf more accessible and enjoyable for readers.
He has also authored fiction works such as Elbows Up: A Hockey Story, Mystic Links, and two sports-themed romance novels, 69 Shades of Green and 69 Runs Batted In.
Beyond writing, Scarff has contributed to television and film, with credits including the sitcom HollyNorth (2023) and Why You Suck at Golf: The Movie (2020). He is also an experienced tutor and coach, teaching subjects ranging from screenwriting to English and coaching hockey, golf, and baseball.
With a background that spans Canadian, Australian, and British cultures, Scarff brings a unique perspective to his work. He continues to engage audiences through his writing, teaching, and creative endeavors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Read
December 19, 2012Great book but I am biased as I wrote it. You can see genuine reviews at http://www.amazon.com/Why-You-Suck-Go...
April 6, 2018
Great jokes
Very short book, but filled, cover to cover, with tips so common sense that you've probably forgotten them, if you've ever really thought about them at all. The humor with which it's written makes it a breezy read and, even if you don't magically come away from it with a sub-70 game, you'll definitely come away with some jokes you'll tell your buddies on the course, probably too many times. But hey, it's refreshing to stumble across a book from time to time that reminds us this is something we do for fun.
Very short book, but filled, cover to cover, with tips so common sense that you've probably forgotten them, if you've ever really thought about them at all. The humor with which it's written makes it a breezy read and, even if you don't magically come away from it with a sub-70 game, you'll definitely come away with some jokes you'll tell your buddies on the course, probably too many times. But hey, it's refreshing to stumble across a book from time to time that reminds us this is something we do for fun.
June 2, 2021
What a joy to read !!!
I was struggling with my game and just happened to come across your book. Read your book and really enjoyed your sense of humor plus you struck a nerve of what I was doing in my own game. My next time out to play i knocked off eight strokes on my game. I now have a better outlook on how I will now play my game.Thanks for a enjoyable book. Oh yes, I have your book hit down damitt, was also a great book.Thanks again.
I was struggling with my game and just happened to come across your book. Read your book and really enjoyed your sense of humor plus you struck a nerve of what I was doing in my own game. My next time out to play i knocked off eight strokes on my game. I now have a better outlook on how I will now play my game.Thanks for a enjoyable book. Oh yes, I have your book hit down damitt, was also a great book.Thanks again.
October 17, 2019
I dunno
It's got good analysis of the wasteful aspects of conduct and thinking by many of us that cause poorer play than practice. However that is probably down to some fundamental flaw, which makes for about five which is why I suck at golf. And Fred Flintstone is pretty good off the tea and as a legendary short game. Club champ!
It's got good analysis of the wasteful aspects of conduct and thinking by many of us that cause poorer play than practice. However that is probably down to some fundamental flaw, which makes for about five which is why I suck at golf. And Fred Flintstone is pretty good off the tea and as a legendary short game. Club champ!
August 26, 2023
Real easy golf read and to the point
I loved that each chapter was short, to the point and told you to do or not do. I read it twice, used a couple of suggestions the author
made in my next round and it made for good results.
Something is in that book for every golfer to use and apply.
I loved that each chapter was short, to the point and told you to do or not do. I read it twice, used a couple of suggestions the author
made in my next round and it made for good results.
Something is in that book for every golfer to use and apply.
September 10, 2017
I finished the book in about 2 hours. Not a heavy read but an amusing and sometimes instructive, read. Simple things, like never aiming at anything when you practice and drinking on the course, are examples of the reasons we suck at golf:)
April 5, 2022
A Refreshing Take on the Golf Book
You're not going to get too much instruction out of this one, but it is a great little reminder about the practical things that can help you be more consistent, and derive greater enjoyment out of the game.
You're not going to get too much instruction out of this one, but it is a great little reminder about the practical things that can help you be more consistent, and derive greater enjoyment out of the game.
August 28, 2023
insightful Observations!
I recommend this book to everyone that is trying to play golf. There is nothing about how to grip the club or swing mechanics, but there is a lot to help you score better.
I recommend this book to everyone that is trying to play golf. There is nothing about how to grip the club or swing mechanics, but there is a lot to help you score better.
November 14, 2023
Great Book with Basic Advice.
This is a great 1 hour read for new golfers and experienced players who needed reminder about the fundamentals of the game. Looking forward to reading Clive's other book.
This is a great 1 hour read for new golfers and experienced players who needed reminder about the fundamentals of the game. Looking forward to reading Clive's other book.
February 9, 2025
A fun read. Some helpful tidbits of information to keep in mind next golf season.
July 9, 2024
As a +33 handicap golfer I am always looking for simple ways to improve my game. This book was a quick read with very simple tips to follow. It is not technical in anyway and is light hearted perspective at golf. I will use the tips in here and may look for my books written by this author.
October 8, 2025
Fun Read with a few decent tips!
If you enjoy golf you’ll enjoy this book. If you’re looking for specific tips to improve your game then before you read this book you must remember the first rule of playing recreational golf— always keep your sense of humor!
If you enjoy golf you’ll enjoy this book. If you’re looking for specific tips to improve your game then before you read this book you must remember the first rule of playing recreational golf— always keep your sense of humor!
May 13, 2017
Pretty good
The book is brief and presents the basics of why we suck at golf. Humor is added which makes it an enjoyable read.
The book is brief and presents the basics of why we suck at golf. Humor is added which makes it an enjoyable read.
October 26, 2017
Interest take on "golf instruction" texts. While not real heavy on how-to, it is informative about many of the pitfalls that trap duffers, and avoiding those that haven't befallen the duffer... yet.
April 11, 2018
Short and simple
Not to in depth but good knowledge to have. I still suck at golf though. Practice before and after the game!
Not to in depth but good knowledge to have. I still suck at golf though. Practice before and after the game!
August 6, 2020
Very interesting.
Pointing out some common mistakes and how to avoid them. Makes you feel normal again! Worth trying if you think you suck at golf!
Pointing out some common mistakes and how to avoid them. Makes you feel normal again! Worth trying if you think you suck at golf!
April 4, 2021
Enjoyed the fast read and easy reminders on a rainy day when I couldn’t get out for a round. Fun to read.
July 22, 2021
Worth a read.
Common sense stuff, good tips. I will 're read this a couple of times. I think I am Norbert. LOL
Common sense stuff, good tips. I will 're read this a couple of times. I think I am Norbert. LOL
December 31, 2023
It doesn’t suck
Fun, breezy read that has some good advice. The app says I need to add twelve more words. Good job.
Fun, breezy read that has some good advice. The app says I need to add twelve more words. Good job.
September 1, 2025
Good info
February 17, 2018
Not much content
Quick read of many known things you should not do and a few you should. I would not recommend for anyone who has golfed for some time.
Quick read of many known things you should not do and a few you should. I would not recommend for anyone who has golfed for some time.
June 17, 2014
A short, semi-humorous, explanation of some of the basics of performance in golf. Worth reading for the average amateur golfer.
September 1, 2014
Brief and insightful.
Short and pointed. Addresses issues that harm recreational golfers, but are typically ignored by those trying for a better score. Insightful and practical.
Short and pointed. Addresses issues that harm recreational golfers, but are typically ignored by those trying for a better score. Insightful and practical.
January 30, 2016
Don t suck at golf
Many common sense thoughts, but ones we often forget. Hit down, not under the ball. Just read the book if you want to get better.
Many common sense thoughts, but ones we often forget. Hit down, not under the ball. Just read the book if you want to get better.
January 8, 2015
Not a whole lot of life-altering new material/analysis here, but I agreed with every listed mistake (and have made most of them). Good off-season read.
July 9, 2015
Why you suck at golf
Love it because , how true it is about my golf game. I try it and followed his advice and lower my score by 5.
Love it because , how true it is about my golf game. I try it and followed his advice and lower my score by 5.
August 9, 2015
Simple and humorous
Even if you gain nothing, this is entertaining. I learned some things I knew and thought of a lot of my friends. I still like to use golf as a verb.
Even if you gain nothing, this is entertaining. I learned some things I knew and thought of a lot of my friends. I still like to use golf as a verb.
April 20, 2016
Fun, quick read. Lots of good advice for things to think about while out on the golf course.
May 9, 2021
Humorous book with good common sense advice.
Read
March 12, 2018Fun, and somewhat informative. More useful for complete newbs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews