by Marc Shapiro

Created on: July 02, 2007

Slow play can ruin the golfing experience for your foursome and for those who may be caught behind you. Faster play generally is better play, because players are able to get into a rhythm and set and maintain a pace of play.

To combat slow play, follow these simple guidelines:

1) Always move with a purpose. Whether you are driving a motorized cart, using a pullcart, or walking and carrying your clubs, do your best to move between your shots with a purpose. Getting to your ball sooner gives you plenty of time to plan and execute your shot, it just reduces the time between shots. This will help speed up play in your foursome, and will benefit those behind you as well.

2) Limit the number of practice swings you take, particularly if it is your turn to hit your shot. The old saying is that "If you don't have a good swing when you drive into the parking lot, you aren't going to find it on the course." A practice swing can be used to loosen up your muscles if you haven't hit the ball in a while, but you shouldn't need more than one unless you are trying a really tricky shot.

3) Play "Ready Golf". Ready Golf means that when you are ready, take your turn, provided that no two golfers are executing their shots at the same time. Do not stand on formality of the tee box "honors" unless you are playing a match; who is "away" is less important than who is "ready".

4) Plan how long, on average it will take to play each hole comfortably, and then track your performance against your plan. Each Par 3 should take 8-10 minutes to play. Each Par 4 should take 10-13 minutes. And Par 5's should take 13-15 minutes to play. If your foursome is not that accurate, it may take a bit longer ... but keep working to push the pace so that there is always action in your foursome.

Fast golf is fun golf - not so fast that you have to take a knee to catch your breath - but just fast enough to hit good shots and keep pace with the group in front of you, without delaying those behind you.

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