Pace of play is a big deal at golf courses everywhere—and your course is no exception. No one wants to wait forever between shots, and when the pace is right, everyone has a better time. You don’t have to rush, but by being mindful of how you play, you’ll help things move along quicker, and you’ll still get to enjoy the game.
Play "Ready Golf"
Being ready when it’s your turn is one of the simplest ways to keep the game moving. If you're always a step ahead, you’ll save time and keep things on track:
- Think ahead: While others are taking their shots, grab your club and decide on your strategy.
- Skip the “which club should I use?” moments: Pick your club while others are hitting, so you’re ready to go the moment it’s your turn.
If you’re always thinking ahead, you’ll spend less time standing around and more time enjoying your game.
Keep Your Focus Between Shots
Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted while waiting for your turn, but staying focused between shots can help things move quicker. Here’s how:
- Stay active: Walk to your next shot while thinking about what’s ahead. It keeps you engaged and moving.
- Visualize: Use your time between shots to mentally line up your next move. The more prepared you are, the faster you’ll play.
A little focus and a bit of forward thinking can really speed up the round.
Be Efficient at the Halfway Hut
The halfway hut can quickly become a bottleneck, especially on busy days. But you can keep things moving if you’re smart about it:
- Plan ahead: If you know it’s going to be a busy time, stock up on snacks and drinks before you head out for the next hole.
- Skip it when you can: If you’re on the tee and see a long line, don’t waste time. Skip the hut and wait until it’s less busy to grab something.
Being efficient at the halfway hut can save you valuable minutes and keep you and everyone else in the group on track.
Keep a Playlist Ready (No Skips)
If you’re someone who likes to listen to music on the course, having your playlist ready to go is key. Here’s why:
- Save time: When your music is queued up, you won’t waste time scrolling through your phone trying to find the perfect song.
- Stay in the zone: A playlist that’s ready to go keeps you in the groove and doesn’t take your focus off the game.
Less time fiddling with your phone means more time enjoying the game.
Be Mindful of Lost Balls
We’ve all been there—looking for a lost ball. While it’s tempting to keep searching, it’s important to keep the pace moving:
- Don’t get stuck: If you can’t find your ball after a short search, take a drop and move on.
- Be efficient: Sometimes, it’s best to accept the loss and get back to the game as soon as possible.
This helps everyone keep the pace steady, without holding up the game over a single ball.
Respect the Course Etiquette
It’s not just about how fast you play; it’s about respecting the course and other players too:
- Fix your divots and ball marks: A little attention to detail makes a big difference in keeping the course looking great for everyone, and helping the group behind you stay on pace, too.
- Stay aware of the group ahead: If your group is falling behind, don’t be afraid to pick up the pace a bit.
Little actions like these keep the round flowing smoothly for all.
At the end of the day, playing faster is all about being considerate and staying aware of your surroundings. By being ready, keeping focused, and respecting the pace, everyone can enjoy their round free of delays.