Pace of play

Golfers are frequently reminded about “pace of play” from playing partners, course marshals and normally from the people playing behind.  Find out the recommended playing time of the golf course from the score card or clubhouse, then check your play every 3-4 holes. Here are some things to help you manage pace of play around the golf course.

  • Play ready golf whoever is ready can play their next shot, always be ready at your ball to play, and keep playing if required to catch up if it is safe without endangering others, if you are a beginner or playing badly just pick up your ball and move on to play the next hole.
  • More than two practice swings probably won’t help you and will likely make you play more slowly, good thought time around your game will help you play fewer shots meaning faster play!
  • Green to Tee - place your trolley/bag in the direction of the next tee, clear the green, marking your card whilst others drive off the next tee, then be ready to play with your ball, tee and golf club in hand.
  • Better to be behind the golfers in front than in front of the golfers behind - on a Par 5 you should be able to see players on the fairway, Par 4 you should be able to see players on the green, Par 3 you should see players on or leaving the green.
  • Be prepared and walk quickly between playing  .. If you think your golf ball is lost or out of bounds, hit a provisional. If you are not sure your golf ball is on the green, take your putter and a wedge with you to the green.
  • Limit your search time for lost balls in golf competitions the limit is 5 minutes in casual play the time is often less, when your time is up drop another ball and play on.
  • Hole in front is free and the golfers behind is waiting for you, move to a safe place off the main fairway and raise your hand to call them through to play.
  • If you do get behind, don’t panic if everyone in your group plays just a little quicker including walking between holes you can catch up. If you get really behind you can skip a shot or hole and catch up.

Sometimes beginner golfers are pushed beyond the point that is fair or reasonable by advanced golfers behind them here are some further helpful tips...

" You are waiting on almost every shot from the golfers in front, the golfers behind are getting annoyed and blaming you, if they ask you to speed up simply inform them that you are also waiting."

"If the golfers behind are playing faster, play your next shot move to the side rough, wave them through, walk up the fairway with them so you are ready to play your next shot when they are out of the way."

"Players behind are starting to hit into you, either make them aware of this if you have a mobile phone to hand call the clubhouse and have them send a marshal out to deal with the situation as this is a very dangerous practice and should be stopped."