Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Shawn Olizarowicz
Everyone wants to play faster golf. Wouldn’t it be nice if a 3.5-hour round was standard instead of lucky? The pace of play in golf can be much faster if golfers simply pay attention to a few key things. I’m a fast player, and I’ll show you 5 ways to play faster golf without rushing.
Play Ready Golf
When playing golf this last weekend with my 7- and 10-year-old, I realized that one of them knew how to play ready golf, and the other didn’t. It’s funny for me because I’ve been playing so long that I don’t think about it; I just do it.
I stopped and taught my son what it means to play ready golf, why you have to be ready to go when it’s your turn, etc.
It helped our group move so much faster, and all it took was about three minutes of an explanation.
If everyone took the time to learn ready golf, we could fly around the course.
Don’t stand on the tee box if it’s clear; go for it!
Don’t stand next to your buddy while he hits his shot; start walking to yours (as long as it’s not in front of them).
Limit Practice Swings
You will not fix your golf swing in the middle of the round. Stop trying to work on things while you are on the course and instead do it on the driving range.
When you play, just take one swing.
Focus on the quality of the practice swing vs. the quantity.
I can guarantee you that the one extra swing is not going to make or break your score but it’s definetly going to slow down your round.
Plan Your Shots in Advance
While riding or walking up to your golf ball, think about the shot that you want to play. Planning your shots in advance can reduce decision-making time.
When you get to the ball, all you need is a number, but you have a plan of attack.
Those who get really good at playing an efficient round of golf already have a general idea of what club they will hit; the yardage they get just confirms this for them.
Be Efficient Around the Green
The green area is where most of the time is wasted.
To be more efficient around the green, read your putt while others are putting. When it’s your turn, be ready to putt.
In addition, be smart about where you park your cart. You want to leave it just ahead of where the pin is so you can walk off and away from the green, clearing it faster for the group behind you.
It’s also fine to wait on the edge of the green while the last players putt out, be ready to make a quick escape to the cart.
When you get to the next tee box, write down the scores.
Use the Right Tee Box
Choose a tee box that is a good fit for your skill level.
It’s not smart to play the tips if you cannot shoot a low score at this length.
Those tees are for the longest and best players in the game. If you push yourself and play from the wrong tee box, you will lose strokes and find it difficult to play fast.
Playing from the right tee keeps the game moving and reduces time spent looking for lost golf balls.
Speaking of which, if someone’s golf ball is headed for the woods, keep a close eye on it and mark it with something. You’ll all find it much quicker.
What else do you do to speed up the pace of play?
