how to speed up pace of play in golf

18 Tips to Improve Pace of Play on the Golf Course

1. Get to the course in plenty of time - don’t turn up two minutes before your tee-time.
2. Hit some balls on the range if you can - it helps you to loosen up and you will feel more confident on the first tee.
3. Switch off your mobile phone - quite apart from the fact that many courses frown upon the use of phones, if...

Full Answer

How can I improve my pace of play in golf?

Jun 06, 2017 · Wearable GPS can help pace and a smartphone can help you sneak out of the office to play without anyone knowing you're gone (not like I ever do that, boss-man). But …

Is pace of play affecting our enjoyment of golf?

Dec 21, 2018 · Urge them on the best you can. One alternative is not to talk at all. Communicate instead through your own comportment. When sloth-like playing partners shift into super-slow …

How do you convince people to play faster on the golf course?

Feb 24, 2016 · Keep an extra ball in your pocket if you are in search of one; bring more than one club, particularly if you are chipping and have a variety of choices. Golf is a thinking man’s …

How do you play golf on your own time?

If it is cart-path-only (an estimated 30-minute drag on pace of play), always take three clubs with you to your ball. If you chunk a shot (yes, you), just walk to the ball and play the next one …

How do you deal with slow play in golf?

What causes slow play on a golf course?

What is the normal pace of play in golf?

How long should a 2 ball take?

How can I improve my pace of play?

How Long Should 18 holes take?

How long does a round of golf take for 1 person?

How many miles does a golfer walk in 18 holes?

How long should a four ball take?

How long should a 3 ball take in golf?

How long does 9 holes of golf take for 2 players?

How did golf become 18 holes?

Can distance markers be used for pace of play?

Installing or retaining discrete, yet obvious, distance markers can only ever help when it comes to pace of play as they are still more than adequate for golfers perfectly content with rough, rather than ultra-precise, yardages. However, if a golfer has reached the stage where he or she can only play confidently with a precise yardage, then it’s probably time to invest. Yes, it’s perfectly within the Rules to obtain distance information from another player with such a device, but that will wear thin after a while, and is unlikely to be something a matchplay opponent or arch strokeplay rival is eager to provide willingly!

Is golf a frustrating game?

Golf is a frustrating game, which can push us to the very edge. A bad shot at a crucial moment can be almost too much to bear sometimes, and rather than following the errant shot closely, it’s all too easy to spin away in disgust, frustrated by our own inability. Unfortunately, it’s at just such times that we are best served by following the ball as closely as possible to give ourselves the best chance of finding it and keeping any dropped shots to a minimum. It’s also not in the best interests of the field behind if we have to spend some time looking for a ball we didn’t really follow, and possibly even traipsing back to the tee if we neglected to play a provisional.

Is golf a race?

Golf is not a race, so you don’t have to be relentless in your pursuit of the finishing post. But you do need to be ready to go as soon as it’s your turn rather than a minute afterwards, to prevent unnecessary frustration for others in your group and all those behind you.

What is the priority on the next tee?

If it’s clear to play, the only priority on the next tee is for the person with the honour to be ready to hit – or anyone if you’re playing ‘ready golf’ and someone else is ready to go first. There’s plenty of time to mark cards while others are hitting. So if you know it’s you to go first, have your glove on ready to tee it up as soon as you get there.

1

Get to the course in plenty of time - don’t turn up two minutes before your tee-time.

2

Hit some balls on the range if you can - it helps you to loosen up and you will feel more confident on the first tee. And more likely to hit a decent opening drive.

3

Switch off your mobile phone - quite apart from the fact that many courses frown upon the use of phones, if you are constantly checking your phone and answering calls it is clearly going to slow you down - and annoy your playing partners!

4

When it’s your turn to play, make sure you have already selected your club and have gone through your pre-shot routine.

5

You don’t have to wait for your playing partners - if you get to your ball before the others in your group, it is fine for you to go ahead and play your shot. Similarly, if you are on the tee before anybody else, you can go ahead and play.

8

Keep an eye on where your ball has finished, but also watch where those in your group end up.

9

You are allowed three minutes to look for a golf ball - don’t take any longer.

Pace of Play for 18 Holes

A full 18-hole round with a foursome should take less than 4.5 hours, given the group is not waiting on groups ahead. However, when taking into consideration course management, course design and the players themselves, that number can vary. Use the following chart to get a general idea of how long it should take your group to complete each hole.

Pace of Play Strategies

Knowing the proper pace of play is one thing, but actually following it is another. To help you keep up with the proper pace of play, follow these strategies.

Quick and Useful Tips for Good Pace of Play

In addition to the strategies above, consider these tips for keeping the proper pace of play on the golf course.

Enjoy Your Round

Golf is more fun for everybody when it’s played at a good pace. Help your group and the groups around you enjoy their day on the golf course by doing your part to maintain the proper pace of play.

About the Author

Savannah Richardson is a staff writer for GolfLink. She’s a daily golfer and has worked for two years covering amateur and professional golf events with Amateurgolf.com and The Brunswick News. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia.

Is it okay to walk up ahead in golf?

There is no "offsides" in golf. It's quite okay to walk up ahead and off to the side while other players are hitting. Just be still, turn around and watch the shot for your own safety.

Can you see where the ball lands when you're ahead of someone?

In fact, if you're ahead of them, you may have a better vantage point to see where the ball lands.

Can a foursome play a tee box?

Too often, a foursome will play the tee box based on the best player in the group. There is no shame in playing a box up collectively, or playing a different tee than everyone else in your group.

Who is Brandon Tucker?

Brandon Tucker. Brandon Tucker is the Sr. Managing Editor for GolfPass and was the founding editor of Golf Advisor in 2014, he was the managing editor for Golf Channel Digital's Courses & Travel. To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and nearly 600 golf courses worldwide.

How many hours to beat a 40 minute pace?

You’re already keeping a scorecard. Check the clock every three holes and agree to try to beat a 40-minute pace (four hours for 18). When everyone is calling out scores, call out the times, especially at the turn.

How many shots should a new golfer take on a hole?

A new golfer should stop at 10 shots on a hole. Pick up the ball, say, “I’m in my pocket,” and tend the flag or help others to move along.

What does "play ready" mean in golf?

PLAY READY GOLF. Many players don’t realize that “play ready golf” means to step up to the tee when you are ready and other players are still fiddling around. It also means that when you arrive at your ball, you should prepare for your shot and be ready to hit it when no one else is, no matter who’s away.

What to do if you miss your first putt?

If you miss your first putt, you do not have to mark your ball and wait. You can say, “I’ll finish,” and do so unless you’ll be stepping on someone’s line. First to finish putting usually stands by the flagstick to replace it when the last has finished putting. But there are exceptions.

Do you have to look for a ball in a foursome?

The entire foursome does not have to look for a ball. Two can look, two should play. And limit the search to a minute or two, not the allowed five, unless you’re playing golf with gold balls.