8 Best Tips for Speeding up Your Pace of Play in Golf

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Whether or not you are a new player or an old hand at golf these few tips are some good reminders of speeding up your Pace of Play in golf.

These Pace of Play golf tips are utilized at Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club and with a little modification are excellent best practices for all golf courses.

The Pace of Play Golf Top Tips

Magus golf pace of play comic
Pace of Play Comic by Magus

1. Play Ready Golf

Declare “ready golf” on the first tee, which gives up the notion of honor play. Unless this is a high-end golf tournament or the PGA tour, play “ready golf.” Whoever is ready, step up and hit the ball. Prepare for your shot while your partners are hitting. Hit the ball within 5 seconds. Line up your putt before it is your turn. Do not take numerous practice swings before hitting, one practice swing will do.

2. Lost Golf Ball

Hit your ball before you help someone in your group look for their lost ball. Official Rule: You have three minutes to look for a lost golf ball, then give it up. It is considered lost. If you hit into the woods, and it is taking too long to find your ball, just declare it lost and move on. There are too many golfers waiting to play.

3. Scores

Write your scores down at the next hole, not after you finish the hole and lollygag in the cart. There may be another group behind waiting for you to move so they can hit.

4. Be Cart Smart

Park next to your golf ball or partner’s golf ball. If they are close in distance then park the cart in between the balls. Check the GPS or distance marker and have your golf club chosen when stepping up to your ball.

5. Awareness

Be aware of where you are on the golf course. Keep pace with the group in front and keep track of the people behind you. It is never fun to have someone breathing down your neck, so be gracious and let them go through. This is especially true if you are a foursome and they are a twosome.

6. Sand Traps

Everyone gets in a sand trap now and then, before heading to your ball in the trap look for a rake and take the rake with you.

7. Golf Cart Etiquette

When approaching the green don’t leave the cart short of the green; pull the cart around close to the pin, in that way, after completing the hole you have a shorter walking distance to the cart.

8. Conversations

Put the cell phone away and limit your cart conversations to when you are driving.

Final Thoughts on Pace of Play

Overall, these tips are not for hurrying up your golf game; they are for not wasting time. Nothing can ruin a golf game more than too much waiting. It can throw off your timing and get you frustrated.

Eighteen holes of golf should be played in four hours, anything after that is too long. So be a leader and help speed the pace of play. I promise it will make the game more enjoyable for you and other players.

I hope these tips were helpful. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.

FAQs on Pace of Play

What does the Pace of Play mean?

According to the PGA of America guidelines Pace of Play means, “The player shall play without undue delay. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player shall not unduly delay play.”

What is the normal Pace of Play in golf for couples?

According to the PGA of America guidelines, “When play is in groups of four, groups will be required to play at a 4-hour and 21-minute pace for the 18-hole round. When play is in groups of three, groups will be required to play at a 4-hour and 3-minute pace for the 18-hole round. PGA Officials will use discretion concerning the Pace of Play of early groups. All groups will be expected to play at a reasonably fast pace, i.e., groups of four 14 ½ minutes per hole, groups of three 13 ½ minutes per hole.”

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The Pace of Play: Author, Colleen

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AUTHOR

Colleen was born in Michigan and has been playing golf since she was 19 years old. She currently has a 12 handicap and is continually striving to improve her game. As a Senior Golfer, she spends her time playing golf, writing and investigating new golf courses.