About the Song
Toby Keith, the country music superstar known for his swaggering anthems and unabashedly patriotic tunes, also has a knack for capturing the humor in everyday life. “Shitty Golfer,” a hilarious track from his 2017 album The Bus Songs, is a perfect example. This song isn’t about striving for perfection on the green, it’s a celebration of mediocrity, an ode to those of us who hack our way around the course, losing balls and cursing the sand traps with equal enthusiasm.
Keith’s music often resonates with a working-class sensibility, and “Shitty Golfer” is no exception. It speaks to the universal experience of trying to master a notoriously difficult game, and failing gloriously in the process. There’s a refreshing honesty in Keith’s lyrics, as he owns his lack of golfing prowess with lines like “I’m a scratch all right / Scratching my head trying to figure out where the damn ball went.” He reminds us that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves, and that even the most skilled players have their off days.
The song’s humor is further enhanced by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, making it an instant singalong. It’s the kind of song you blast on the golf cart after a particularly disastrous round, a way to acknowledge defeat with a grin and a shrug. Keith’s gruff vocals add to the song’s charm, conveying a sense of self-deprecating humor that makes him so relatable to his fans.
While “Shitty Golfer” might not be a chart-topping hit or a critical darling, it’s a fan favorite that embodies the spirit of good-natured fun that permeates much of Keith’s work. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about the scorecard, but about enjoying the camaraderie and the absurdity of the game. So next time you’re out on the links, remember Toby Keith’s words, embrace your inner “shitty golfer,” and have a laugh at your own expense. After all, as Keith himself sings, “We’re all shitty golfers, unless we’re on TV.”