Pace of Play
The bane of every golfer is to be stuck behind some slow playing group. Not only does this extend the time to finish your round, it can disrupt your momentum and if it creates enough agitation, even ruin your game.
So what is slow play in golf? There is a lively discussion over on the GolferChronicles.com about this very subject. How long is too long? A round of golf should be playable within four hours. Some will desire to play at a faster pace but if a course is popular and it’s a weekend, the fact is that 3 1/2 - 4 hours is pretty reasonable.
If you are out for a social round please keep in mind just few play practices that can keep your rate of play at a good speed.
- Shoot from the tees appropriate to your skill level. If you can’t drive the ball 300 yards, don’t play from the black tees.
- Don’t spend more than two or three minutes looking for your ball in the rough.
- When using carts, two to a cart, drop one player off at his ball and immediately drive over close to yours. Thus you are ready to shoot right after he does.
- Know your ball brand or better yet, mark your ball with a ball marking kit like the g-stamp ball marker.
- Know your distance so you select the right club. This will reduce your score and your time on course. There are many laser range finders and golf gps units available today. Golf GPS units are the fastest way to know your distance.
- And by all means, don’t spend more than a few minutes getting your brews from the cart girl - no matter how pretty she is.
Making just a few adjustments to how you and your friends play can dramatically shorten your game.
Good Luck and Good Golfing!
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