Since re-implementing the time clock and time penalties earlier this year, the Pace of Play in our men’s club events has improved greatly, but we could do better. Pace of Play is still a huge problem with the average golfer in general on all public courses, not just Jackson. Here are some common sense tips to help speed up the round. Please share them with your friends and anyone you happen to be paired with.
(click here for a printable copy)
Pace of Play Tips
Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’s.
Consider this: If the average golf score for 18 holes is 90, and each player in a foursome shaved 10 seconds off of every shot. 10 seconds x 90 shots x 4 players = 3600 seconds = 60 minutes = 1 hour. Hard to believe but the math doesn’t lie. If each player averaged 10 seconds quicker per shot, your round would be an hour shorter.
Adopting this mindset – and not being afraid to share it with your fellow players – will ultimately add enjoyment to your golf experience. Here are some recognized tips for improving pace of play:
Start smart
Confirm your tee time in advance and make it a point to arrive at the tee early with your golf equipment in order, ready to play. Remember essentials like extra balls, tees, gloves and appropriate clothing for the day’s weather conditions.
“Tee It Forward” unless you are consistently able to reach greens in regulation from the back tees.
In other words, play from a set of tees that is comfortable for you – one where you are more likely to hit lofted irons into greens instead of hybrids or fairway woods. It is acceptable for players in the same group to play from different tees. (The USGA Handicap System provides a formula for adjusting handicaps from different tees.)
Try alternate forms of play to speed up your round
Match play, Stableford, best-ball and other formats are easy and fun alternatives to individual stroke play because not every player has to hole out on every hole. There are multiple resources online and in print to learn about the many different golf formats. Try one out.
Minimize your time on the tee
On the tee it is usually acceptable for players to “hit when ready.” You can also save time by playing a provisional ball (Rule 27-2) if you think your original ball might be lost or out of bounds. The honor system of allowing the player who scored the lowest on the previous hole should be considered “old news” when adopting ‘ready golf’ practices.
Plan your shot before you get to your ball
Once you are off the tee, think ahead. Determine your yardage and make your club selection before it is your turn to play. Very often, you can do this while others are playing, without disruption. If you take your glove off between shots, have it back on before it is your turn to play. Even a small step like this saves time over the duration of a golf round!
Keep your pre-shot routine short
Pick your line of play once and trust yourself. Try to take no more than one practice swing, then set up to the ball and play your shot. Most importantly, be ready to hit when it is your turn. Be efficient after your shot too. Start moving toward your next shot promptly.
Aim to play in 20 seconds
From club selection to pre-shot routine to execution, strive to hit your shot in 20 seconds when it is your turn to play. Help keep play moving at a brisk pace.
When “Going for it!”
For players who hit the ball far, they often wait for greens to clear on short par 4 holes as well as par 5 holes. If you are that player, let the others in your group tee off first who may hit the ball shorter. The same goes for being in the fairway on par 5 holes that may be reachable. Also, be aware of those types of players in other groups around you. Even if you are not a long ball hitter, someone in the group behind you may have the ability so waive them up when necessary to keep the flow of the round going. Once they hit and are walking/riding to their ball, you will likely be able to hit your shot by that time and prevent a long wait/backup (or at least minimize the long wait/backup at that particular location of the golf course).
Develop an eye for distance
You don’t have to step off yardage for every shot. If you need to determine precise distance, try to find a yardage marker before you reach your ball, then step off the yardage on the way to your ball. Or, consider investing in an electronic range-finder or global positioning system for golf and use it when permitted by Local Rule. If others you are playing with are not familiar with the course, the Rules permit players to exchange yardage information without penalty.
When sharing a cart, use a buddy system
Don’t wait in the cart while your cart mate hits and then drive to your ball. Get out and walk to your ball with a few clubs. Be ready to play when it is your turn and then let your cart mate pick you up. Or, drive to your ball after you drop your cart mate off and then pick him or her up after you hit.
Be helpful to others in your group
Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own. Once in the fairway, help others look for their ball if you already know the location of yours. Volunteer to fill in a divot or rake a bunker for another player if needed. Be ready to attend the flagstick for others.
Keep up with the group in front of you
Your correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you. Arrive at your next shot just before the group in front leaves the area in front of you. If you are consistently not able to keep up and a gap opens in front of you, invite the group behind you to play through, irrespective of the number of players in the group.
Be efficient on the putting green
Mark your ball, lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so you will be ready to replace it when it is your turn to play. You can usually line up your putt while others are putting, without disturbing them. Leave your clubs on the side of the putting green closest to the next tee, and leave the green promptly after holing out. Wait until the next tee box to record your score.
Remember that picking up your ball is permitted by the USGA Handicap System
If not in an individual stroke play competition, it is generally OK to pick up your ball and move on to the next hole if you are “out” of a hole and want to maintain pace of play. This applies in match play and many forms of stroke play, including Stableford and best-ball play.
Don’t Have Time? Play Nine!
You won’t always have time in your schedule for an 18-hole round of golf. But you can still enjoy the game by playing nine. It’s fully compatible with both the Rules of Golf and the USGA Handicap System. And when it comes to golf, nine is better than none.