A golfer’s cry, also known as a golfer’s grunt or shout, is an audible exclamation that golfers sometimes make when swinging a golf club, especially when hitting a drive or making an approach shot. It is a natural reaction for some golfers as they put effort into their swing and strike the ball. The cry can range from a subtle clearing of the throat or a soft grunt to a loud shout or yell. Professional golfers are known for having signature cries that fans can identify them by. There are several theories as to why golfers make these cries and their origins. Let’s explore what a golfer’s cry is called and the possible reasons golfers do it.
What is the Term for a Golfer’s Cry?
There is no single, official term that is widely used to refer to a golfer’s audible exclamation when swinging. Some common phrases used include:
- Golfer’s grunt
- Golfer’s shout
- Golfer’s cry
- Golfer’s yip
“Golfer’s grunt” is perhaps the most popular descriptor, as it captures the guttural, compressed exhalation sound that many golfers make at the moment of impact with the ball. It is not unusual to hear terms like “Tiger’s famous grunt” or “Michelle Wie’s grunting stroke.”
“Golfer’s shout” refers more to exclamations on the louder, more vocalized end of the spectrum. A shout conveys more effort and energy expended.
“Golfer’s cry” is a more generic, catch-all phrase that can describe any vocal reaction, be it a grunt or shout or something in between. It does not specify volume or method.
“Golfer’s yip” is a less commonly used term, more often associated with the phenomenon of yipping – when a golfer involuntarily jerks or twitches during a stroke. However, it is sometimes used to characterize a high-pitched vocal outburst.
So in summary, while there is no single official name, “golfer’s grunt” and “golfer’s shout” are most commonly used when referring to the vocalizations golfers make when swinging at the ball.
Origins and History of the Golfer’s Cry
The origins of golfers making audible exhalations or shouts on their swing is unclear, but some key points in the history shed light on its emergence:
- In the early history of golf in Scotland beginning in the 15th century, grunting would have been considered impolite and improper in the rather gentlemanly sport.
- As golf grew in popularity and competitiveness into the late 1800s and early 1900s, more vocal exertions likely manifested organically as players put more athletic effort into their swings.
- Iconic figures like Walter Hagen and Ben Hogan in the 1920s and 1930s brought grunting and shouts more prominence through their prolific play.
- In the television era starting in the 1950s and 60s, viewers could now clearly hear expressions from players like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
- As fitness and strength training became a bigger part of golf in the 1990s and 2000s, crisp and powerful swinging actions elicited more forceful grunts from players like Tiger Woods.
In the contemporary game, vocalizations from physical exertion are an accepted norm for both professional and recreational golfers, although excessive shouting can still be considered rude in some contexts. There is a near expectation that several top players will have a trademark “grunt” fans can identify.
Possible Reasons Golfers Grunt or Shout
There are several leading theories as to why grunting and shouting is so prevalent in golf swings:
Exerting Force on the Swing
Swinging a golf club requires a tremendous amount of muscular coordination, torque, and sheer physical force. Golfers are essentially whipped a weighted lever (the club) around their body at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Grunting helps expend this energy and activate muscles efficiently. It provides an audible vent for significant effort and power generation.
Timing and Rhythm
One commonly cited reason is that a golfer’s cry helps establish proper timing and rhythm in the swing. The controlled exhalation synchronizes with shifting body weight and motion while keeping breathing regulated. This rhythm synchs the body and swing smoothly.
Reducing Tension
Some analysts propose that grunting or shouting releases muscular tension in the swing rather than builds it. Allowing the chest cavity to open up diminishes restrictions that could reduce coil and flexibility. Releasing air pressure this way maintains fluidity.
Mental Focus
Grunting is thought to sharpen mental focus and intensity in the swing. The audible cue helps the player concentrate fully on the mechanics and block out distractions. It also signals the importance of the shot and channels energy.
Natural Instinct
On a more basic level, the crying out is simply an innate human response to a strenuous physical exertion. Just as when lifting a heavy object or throwing forcefully, the body’s natural reaction is to vocalize air being pushed out by the effort. It acts as a release valve for physical intensity.
Habit
Once a golfer discovers that grunting helps their swing, it often becomes a permanent habit. It transforms into a cue the brain associates with triggering a smooth, powerful swing. Even if not compulsory, it ingrains as a comforting ritual.
Showmanship
For professional golfers, a unique or loud grunt becomes part of their brand. Drawing attention to themselves and being memorable for fans relates to showmanship and persona. However, critics consider this reason less relevant, arguing it is mainly a byproduct rather than motive.
Analysis by Gender
There are noticeable differences between the cries and grunts of male and female professional golfers:
Male Golfers
- Males exhibit a wider range of tones – from guttural growls to high-pitched shouts.
- Males generally make deeper, more forceful grunts coming from the abdomen.
- Males demonstrate more volume due to greater upper body strength to power the swing.
- Males more frequently employ shouts or yells on tee shots meant to maximize distance.
Female Golfers
- Females predominantly utilize higher-pitched tones originating in the throat.
- Females display more breathy, airy utterances than forceful grunts.
- Females mostly use softer volume aligned with smoother tempo swings.
- Females rely on grunts for timing rather than venting physical power.
These patterns align with physiological differences between genders, but certainly have individual exceptions. Some men utilize high squeals, while some women drop fierce grunts. But the tendencies correlate to strength, muscle mass, lung capacity and swing styles.
Examples of Signature Golfer’s Cries
Many professional golfers are instantly recognizable by the unique way they audibly expel air during their swing:
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods popularized the high-pitched “pre-shot ooh” drill in his practice swings, then transitions to a growling “huh” at impact. The aggressive cry punctuates his power.
Michelle Wie
Michelle Wie is known for a taking a huge breath before expelling an extended “HAAAAA” grunt through her follow-through. Her cry is smooth and controlled.
Sergio Garcia
Sergio Garcia loosens his muscles with a rhythmic “ho-HO-ho-HO” shout as he rocks through his backswing and downswing. His sequence coordinates motion.
Maria Verchenova
Maria Verchenova of Russia exhales two short, punctuated “huh-HUH” grunts synched exactly with her takeaway and impact. The firm cries accentuate her crisp timing.
Lydia Ko
New Zealand’s Lydia Ko inhales through her nose with a juvenile “hhnnnnggg” as she rotates through impact. Her higher pitch fits her effortless swing.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy shapes his distinctive sequence of “Whoosh-AH” by inhaling on takeaway then firing a short blurted grunt at the ball. His compact cry powers his driving distance.
There is great diversity in signature cries, from Dustin Johnson’s restrained growl to Brooks Koepka’s yell to Lexi Thompson’s whoop. Fans often cite the personalized grunting as an endearing trait of golfers.
Purposeful Use of Cry by Golf Instructors
While involuntary, some golf instructors may specifically advise students to employ an intentional grunt, shout, or focused exhale on their swing. Reasons include:
- Grunting blocks out outside factors and quiets mind chatter.
- Sharpening concentration and mental cue of importance of the shot.
- Providing audible feedback on proper sequencing and effort.
- Keeping breathing and chest muscles loose rather than tight.
- Yielding greater activation and unity of muscle groups.
- Funneling physical power efficiently into the swing.
A purposeful cry is not inherently necessary or suited to all players. But it can offer tangible benefits for players, especially novices, looking to maximize swing potential.
Criticisms of Excessive Grunting
While accepted, some critics argue golfers’ cries have become excessive or distracting:
- Volume and shouting can interrupt other golfers in earshot.
- It may represent showboating and bring undue attention.
- Fans dislike when grunts are obviously artificial or forced.
- It stems too much from other sports like tennis.
- Exaggerated grunting may slow down pace of play.
- It could indicate poor fitness or technique requiring such effort.
- Some see it as bad etiquette and improper in golf.
Even advocates suggest grunts should remain moderate and muted out of courtesy. But overall, grunting remains deeply ingrained in golf’s culture and a form of personal expression.
Legality of Cries
Despite some mild controversies over excessive grunting, golfer’s cries are completely legal during professional and recreational play. There are no rules prohibiting grunting or related vocalizations. Considerations include:
- The Rules of Golf contain no applicable restrictions.
- Only subjective concepts of etiquette and disruption apply.
- First Amendment rights allow freedom of expression.
- Grunting is deemed natural to the swing.
- Difficulty objectively determining excessive grunting.
- Long tradition of accepted use by golfers.
Barring unreasonable distractions, grunting provides no grounds for penalties or disqualification. The governing bodies do advise keeping it reasonable and situationally appropriate as a courtesy.
Famous Moments in Grunting
Some legendary golf cries stand out in highlight reels and golf history:
Tiger Woods, 2008 U.S. Open
Needing a birdie on 18 to force a playoff, Tiger Woods let out an iconic primal yell after chipping in from the fringe. His celebration grunt capped an unbelievable comeback.
Sergio Garcia, 1999 PGA Championship
Only 19 years old, Garcia’s “HO-HO-ho-HO” shout endeared him to fans during his runner-up major finish to Tiger Woods.
Michelle Wie, 2005 Sony Open
Michelle Wie became the second youngest and first female to make a PGA Tour cut by unleashing her trademark grunt on a fairway bunker shot, eliciting roars from spectators.
Paula Creamer, 2010 U.S. Open
Creamer’s “Come on!” shout preceded a lengthy putt that forced a playoff with Na Yeon Choi. Though she lost the playoff, Creamer’s vocal motivation helped seal her only major win.
Brooks Koepka, 2019 PGA Championship
Koepka punctuated his fourth major title with a long rolling “Yeeeeaahhhh!” after sealing his victory putt. His yell underlined his reputation as golf’s fearsome power hitter.
Usage in Other Sports
While most associated with golf, vocalizations are prominent across many sports:
Tennis
Tennis may have the most crossover with golf in terms of audible grunting during athletic motion. From Rafael Nadal to Serena Williams to Maria Sharapova, tennis grunts help enhance rhythm, motion, and power on strokes.
Martial Arts
The “kiai” shout in karate, taekwondo, and Eastern martial arts uses yelling to focus energy and strength on strikes and movements. It also startles opponents.
Boxing
Boxers often use guttural shouts on forceful punches to boost power while also displaying aggression. Muhammed Ali’s cries on his punches fueled his image of intimidation.
Weightlifting
Weightlifters frequently cry out during maximal lifts like squats and deadlifts. Similar to golf, this channels physicality and releases muscular tension against resistance.
Track & Field
From shot put to discus to javelin, track athletes utilize grunts to apply strength in synchronized motions. Sprinters also vocalize when driving out of the blocks or leaning through the finish line.
Grunting exists across sports requiring great physical exertion and concentration. The golf swing is simply unique in needing both finesse and power together.
Prevalence Among Amateurs
While most associated with professionals, amateur golfers commonly grunt or make related exhalations as well:
- Occasional social players may grunt sporadically on long drives or tricky shots.
- Competitive amateurs, like collegiate players, grunt more often to optimize play.
- Weekend hackers may grunt in hopes of summoning more power.
- Driving range patrons often vent shouts trying to bust long balls.
- Lesson-takers echo instructors’ tips to grunt for focus.
- Those mimicking famous professionals replicate their cries.
- Seniors with deteriorating muscles increasingly grunt struggling for distance.
- On packed public courses, cries spread contagiously group to group.
In many regards, the rituals and tendencies of professional golfers filter down into widespread habits across the recreational ranks.
signature golfer’s grunts
| Golfer | Grunting Style |
|---|---|
| Tiger Woods | High-pitched inhale then aggressive growl at impact |
| Michelle Wie | Big breath out creating an extended “HAAAA” through motion |
| Sergio Garcia | Rhythmic “HO-ho-HO-ho” shout synchronizing swing |
| Maria Verchenova | Two punctuated “HUH-huh” exhalations at takeaway and impact |
| Rory McIlroy | Smooth sequenced “Whoosh-AH” inhaling then firing at ball |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the various vocalizations golfers make when swinging have many descriptors like grunts, shouts, and cries but no single official term. The origins likely stem from physical exertion required in the swing. Leading theories of why golfers grunt include releasing power, timing rhythm, reducing tension, focusing mentally, innate reaction, and ingrained habit. Men tend to make louder, deeper-pitched grunts while women employ softer, higher-pitched cries. Iconic golfers possess personalized grunts adding to their flair. Grunting remains fully legal and broadly accepted, though some argue it has gone too far. The vocalizations persist both on professional tours and among everyday amateurs looking to maximize their swing. So while individual styles may differ, the familiar sound of exertion remains etched in golf traditions.
