Introduction:
Country music icon Toby Keith is known for his anthemic celebrations of American life, his odes to working-class heroes, and his unwavering patriotism. But in 2017, with the release of his album The Bus Songs, Keith took a surprising detour, offering a hilarious and relatable song titled “Shitty Golfer.”
This genre-bending track, firmly planted in the world of country music with its twangy guitars and driving beat, throws shade at a very specific target: the weekend warrior golfer who lacks skill but possesses an abundance of enthusiasm (or perhaps overconfidence).
Composed by Keith himself, “Shitty Golfer” doesn’t credit any specific producers on the album liner notes, suggesting Keith might have taken the reins on production as well. While the song hasn’t achieved the chart-topping success of some of Keith’s biggest hits, it’s become a cult classic among golfers (both good and bad) for its lighthearted skewering of a familiar character on the course.
“Shitty Golfer” doesn’t take itself too seriously. The title itself is a dead giveaway, employing cheeky humor that perfectly captures the song’s lighthearted tone. This isn’t a mean-spirited takedown; it’s a good-natured poke fun at the weekend golfer whose lack of skill is often overshadowed by their boisterous presence and questionable etiquette.
The song’s appeal lies in its relatability. Anyone who’s ever spent a day on the green has likely encountered the “Shitty Golfer” archetype. Perhaps it’s the guy who holds up the pace with endless practice swings, the one who loses more balls than they sink putts, or the player whose celebratory high-fives come after the most dubious of shots. Keith’s song captures these quirks with wit and understanding, creating a character that listeners can easily picture and chuckle along with.
“Shitty Golfer” might not be the pinnacle of Toby Keith’s artistic achievements, but it’s a testament to his ability to connect with his audience through humor and relatable storytelling. It’s a song that transcends the boundaries of genre, finding humor in the shared experience of navigating the sometimes frustrating, sometimes hilarious world of golf.