Golf Instruction

GOLF THOUGHTS

January 2008

 

 

Pace of Play

by: Chris Eikenberg

Assistant Golf Professional

 

      Ever been sitting on the tee box for 15 minutes waiting on the group in front of you to clear and groups begin to back up behind you? Its something that can easily be prevented on the golf course with a little help from everyone. The normal pace of play for a round of golf is around 3.5 to 4 hours, maybe even faster if everyone makes an effort to keep a good pace. Here are a few tips to make your round more enjoyable and faster each and every time;

 

-Use the tees that are appropriate for your golf game.

-Be aware of how long it takes you to complete each hole, and of your position relative to the groups in front of and behind you.

-Is it really necessary for the person who is away to go first? Or would it be ok, and helpful to the groups pace, if another member of the group played first. CAUTION: dont do anything unsafe, or interferes with the player that is away.

-Without interfering with the others in your group, do as much of your preparation as possible before it is your turn to play.

-If you are not bringing your golf bag with you to your ball, be sure you bring enough clubs so that you do not have to return to your bag for a different one.

-Be ready to play when it is your turn. Limit practice swings.

-When approaching the green, position your clubs on your route to the next tee.

-When your group finishes putting, leave the green, and proceed to the next tee, IMMEDIATELY. Do not linger next to the green.

-Do not allow keeping score to prevent you from being ready when it is your turn to play.

Following these "smart" golf tips can help keep a better pace everyday and keep everyone happy. Have fun and hit 'em straight.