One golfer says repeated run-ins with staff at a popular San Diego course have left her wondering whether the treatment is personal or if other players have had the same experience.
In her video, which has garnered over 78,300 views, TikTok creator Liv (@liv_loeffler) recounted a series of frustrating experiences she says she’s had at Torrey Pines Golf Shop.
“I am the last person to speak negatively about a business on the internet,” she begins. “But I just had my fifth poor experience at Torrey Pines Golf Shop.”
For context, Torrey Pines is a 36-hole municipal golf course in San Diego, California, known for its picturesque views and for having hosted major championships.
Liv says she started golfing at Torrey Pines in 2022 after first moving to San Diego. “I have the residence card,” she says, adding that she golfs there about once a week. “I played golf in college. I’m aware of etiquette and everything.”
However, Liv says she has encountered issues with staff each time she checks in. “Those guys are so rude and irritable,” she says. “I have no idea what is up with them.”
She recounts one recent experience when she arrived to check in before teeing off at around 5 a.m. In golf, “teeing off” refers to hitting the first shot of a hole from the tee box, which is the designated starting area.
She says she was wearing a sweatsuit because of the cold morning temperatures.
“Keep in mind this is a muni—of course I wouldn’t wear sweats out on the course,” she explains. “But I’m bundled up, freezing cold in the morning.”
A staff member allegedly commented on her appearance. “The guy goes, ‘You’re playing and you’re wearing that?’” Liv recounts.
Liv found the remark unnecessary. “And what’s it to you?” she says. “I’ve seen other guys wearing jeans out here.”
It Made Her Question Whether Gender Played A Role
“I hate to be like, is this because I’m a female?” she says. “I don’t want to admit that we get treated differently, but I’m like, is that what’s wrong with you guys?”
She also wondered whether others had similar experiences.
“I just need to get on here and ask, is anyone else having these weird experiences today?” she asks.
On the day she filmed the video, she says she also stopped by the gift shop to change her tee time and purchase a gift card.
“After switching my tee time, he goes, ‘Now you’re gonna have to go wait in the back of the line with everyone else for your next request,’” she recounts.
Liv says the store was busy at the time. “There were 16 people in there,” she says. “I waited in there for another 25 minutes to get my gift card for my dad for his birthday.”
She concludes by explaining why she decided to post the video.
“I felt like something needed to be said because what is wrong with these guys?” she says.
Viewers Share Thoughts And Advice
In the comments section, viewers suggested next steps for Liv, while others said the issue seemed widespread.
“Ask them, have I done something to upset you?” one viewer advised. “Because that’s what your behavior indicates.”
“SD girlie here, babe please report this feedback to the course,” another suggested. “Torrey Pines is a very nice and expensive course to play at. There’s no room for poor customer service. Not to mention, it’s one of the most beautiful locations in all of San Diego… why is anyone in a bad mood there.”
Another said the problem may be bigger than just one course. “I feel like this describes 95% of pro shops in the US,” they wrote.
Why Some Say Golf Culture Can Feel Unwelcoming
Golf has a reputation for being reserved for high-income individuals, often older and already established in their communities. Nearly everything involved can be expensive, from equipment to membership fees to basic training.
One theory is that while a worker may not feel comfortable expressing frustration toward someone of a higher social status, they may feel more comfortable directing it toward someone their age or younger.
One Reddit user responding to a post asking whether there’s a reason golf shop workers often seem rude shared a similar sentiment.
“Not excusing it but I think it’s a cultural issue that stems from the days where golf was exclusive and the industry looked down on outsiders,” they wrote.
“Golf culture is definitely changing and becoming much more accessible to younger folks,” another stated. “I love the game and want more people to enjoy the game for themselves, but as we all know, golf is a game that is founded in tradition and etiquette. Some of these traditions are starting to break down a bit and become more lax, but as long as the old guard is still around, there will always be that negative stigma of the snotty golfer.”
@liv_loeffler torrey pines golf shop what’s the beef i just want to play golf
BroBible has reached out to Torrey Pines and Liv via email for more information.