From ‘one shot at a time’ to ‘I found something on the range’ we’ve heard them all. Here, we at europeantour.com bring you a selection of familiar golfing soundbites – and break down what our players are actually trying to say.
I’m going to take it one shot at a time
When you’ll hear it: Any time a golfer is asked to look ahead
What it really means: If I think too far forward, I’ll implode
The game is solid, I just need to put two good rounds together
When you’ll hear it: When a player is leading after 36 holes
What it really means: It will be a miracle if I ever shoot two sub-70 rounds again – can we end this thing now?
The golf course suits my eye
When you’ll hear it: After any post-round interview
What it really means: I have no idea why I’m playing well this week
Stick to the process
When you’ll hear it: In 99% of interviews
What it really means: I’m trying to become a robot controlled by my swing coach
I found something on the range
When you’ll hear it: Following a run of eight missed cuts, a player cards a 65
What it really means: I must have found a lucky coin as what just happened was a miracle
It really helps when the other players in the group play well
When you’ll hear it: Three guys all out in the same marquee group do what they do best
What it really means: Thank god I wasn’t out with two guys who have just hacked it round
I’m hitting good putts, I just need to wait for them to start dropping
When you’ll hear it: An aggrieved player laments after a 68
What it really means: I’m putting so badly I can’t actually see the hole
It’s really gusting out there
When you’ll hear it: After most rounds in Scotland or Ireland
What it really means: Where the hell is the ball going? I’m ready to just go full Happy Gilmore here
These are some of the most knowledgeable golf fans in the world
When you’ll hear it: Any time a golfer appears in front of their home crowd
What it really means: This is the one event I play all year where my parents, my partner, my children, my aunties, my uncles, my second cousin twice removed and the guy who runs the local butcher can all make it out to see me play
I’m just going to go out there and try to enjoy it
When you’ll hear it: A novice leads going into the final round
What it really means: We both know that I’m definitely not going to win tomorrow
You can’t win it on a Thursday, but you can lose it
When you’ll hear it: After a poor first round
What it really means: Why are you talking to me? I’ve already changed my flight, packed my bags and I’ll be walking through my front door at 9pm tomorrow night
Some times all the questions can become overwhelming
I’m not a leaderboard watcher
When you’ll hear it: When a third-round leader is asked if they’ll be looking over their shoulder on Sunday
What it really means: I can’t take my eyes of it – I’ll even be refreshing the European Tour scoring app as I walk round. I have a problem – help me
We played well out there today
When you’ll hear it: During a post-round interview when a caddie is in ear shot
What it really means: Yes, I am using the ‘royal we’ here! It was me, and only me, who did all the hard work out there
This is the first time I’ve played here for ten years, I’m really enjoying it
When you’ll hear it: When asked why they have flown half way across the world to compete for less than they spend on Christmas presents
What it really means: I’m desperate for a win – I’ll take any win, from anywhere
I came here because I want to grow this great game in all corners of the world – and beyond
When you’ll hear it: During the opening press conference of the inaugural 2085 Moon Open
What it really means: I’ll play anywhere for the right price