What are some ways to speed up play on the golf course?

1 Plan ahead

One of the easiest ways to speed up play is to plan your shots before you reach your ball. While you are walking or driving to your ball, look at the distance, the wind, the hazards, and the green. Decide what club you will use and where you will aim. This way, you can avoid wasting time when you get to your ball and be ready to hit as soon as it is your turn.

3 Play ready golf

Ready golf is a concept that encourages golfers to play when they are ready, not when they are away. This means that you don't have to wait for the person who is farthest from the hole to hit first, as long as it is safe and courteous. You can also play out of order on the tee, the fairway, or the green, if it helps speed up the pace. Playing ready golf can save you several minutes per hole and make the game more enjoyable.

4 Choose the right tees

One of the common causes of slow play is playing from the wrong tees. If you choose tees that are too long or difficult for your skill level, you will end up hitting more shots, losing more balls, and taking more time. To avoid this, you should choose tees that match your handicap, your average driving distance, and your goals. Playing from the right tees will make the game more fun and challenging, and reduce your frustration and stress.

5 Respect the rules and etiquette

Finally, one of the best ways to speed up play is to respect the rules and etiquette of golf. This means that you should follow the guidelines for pace of play set by the course, such as keeping up with the group in front of you, letting faster groups play through, and playing a provisional ball if you think your ball is lost or out of bounds. It also means that you should be considerate of other golfers, such as repairing divots and ball marks, raking bunkers, and avoiding distractions and noise.

By following these tips, you can speed up play on the golf course and improve your golf experience. You can also help create a positive atmosphere and a good reputation for your course. Remember, golf is a game of skill, strategy, and etiquette, but also of enjoyment and camaraderie.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?