With golf experiencing a boom in popularity, courses are more crowded than ever - especially on weekends. A lot of players are relatively new to the game or returning to the tee after being out for a while. That can produce situations where the pace of play slows down. We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy golf and has fun - but please, remember to be considerate and respect others.
The following are a few short reminders to help you RESPECT pace of play.
Remember, golf is supposed to be a 4-4.5 hour game!
R – Ready Golf always.
Ready golf is the standard. Play this way whenever possible. Lost a ball? Call it after 3 minutes; drop a new one and carry on. Don't dwell on lost balls or missed shots to keep the game flowing smoothly.
E - Everyone on the same page.
Each group should do its best to keep up with the group in front of them. Work together to make up time when you fall behind. Tips: within your playing group agree to pick up after your max score and generously concede short putts if you can.
S- Slow group?
Slowing down the group behind you? Let them play through if possible. Your position on the course should always be directly behind the group in front of you, rather than holding up the group behind you. By allowing faster groups to pass, you not only show respect for their time but also help maintain a positive atmosphere on the course.
P - Pick the right tees.
Be sure to pick the right tees for your game in order to have the best experience. Hit it like Rory? Cool, then some of the back tees may be for you. Haven’t been out for a while or have a mid-range Handicap Index? Try the mid-range tees. Need more help deciding, check out USGA’s 7-iron solution to determine which tees to play based on how far you hit your 7-iron.
E - Efficiency for enjoyment.
Enjoy yourself but also try to be more efficient. Be ready when it’s your turn by planning your shot ahead of time. Cut down on practice swings for sure. Friendly mulligan - ok, but just one, please. Grab a few extra clubs if you’re not sure about the distance. Size up your putt while others are putting in order to save time.
C - Camaraderie is key!
Camaraderie is key, having fun with buddies and family members is what it is all about. Just be aware not to get side-tracked on conversations and fall behind.
T - Take care of the course.
Be sure to take care of the course by replacing divots, fixing ball marks, properly raking the bunkers - leave it as you would like to have it left for you! This does take a few minutes, but is part of the respect for the game.
The other benefit of playing the round as intended means you can get to the post-round more quickly!
You can get some additional pace of play tips here - Feel free to share these at your course or club or with friends.
See you out there!