The game of golf was not intended as an all day endeavor. Over analyzing every shot played can lead to a long day. One of the reasons Scotland is my favorite place to play golf is that a round of golf rarely takes over four hours to complete.
Here are a few tips that might benefit all golfers. If you consider yourself a quick player then leave these in a place where the slower ones will find it. These are in no particular order, they are all important.
#1 Play ready golf. Regardless of who has the honour on the tee box be ready to hit when it is safe instead of waiting for others. In the fairway and around the greens do the same, but again remember to make sure it is safe. When you have the hounor make sure you are ready to play.
#2 Record scores on the next tee. Nothing worse than standing in the fairway watching someone write down numbers on the green.
#3 The first person to hole out picks up the flagstick. Be ready to replace it when the final putt is holed. Don’t just exit the green and leave it for the last player.
#4 Leave you golf bag on the side of the green so that it may be picked up on the way to the next tee. Never leave your clubs at the front of the green.
#5 One practice swing is enough for anyone on the tee box or on any full shot. Absolutely need two, make them quick.
#6 Watch your golf ball until it has finished rolling, especially after a bad shot. Many times golfers turn away in disgust when a poor shot has been struck, leaving them with no idea where the ball has come to rest. 5 minutes is the maximum time allotted to find a lost ball. In a tournament be sure to hit a provisional
#7 Tell your longwinded stories after the tee shot, you will have more time after your 300 yard drive.
#8 Play from the correct set of tees. Leave your “ego” at home; you don’t need to see the whole golf course. Play from a set of tees that will make the day enjoyable for your group and those behind you.
#9 Spend as little time needed at the beverage cart as possible. If you are behind maybe pass on the beverages, unless of course water is needed to hydrate.
#10 Keep the time spent at the snack bar between nines to a minimum.
Most golfers don’t realize when they are out of position. Here is a simple way to determine if you need to get your group moving. When arriving on the tee of a par 4 and the group in front has left the putting surface you are out of position. When arriving on the tee of a par five and the group in front has removed the flagstick you are behind. When arriving on a par 3 and the group in front has left the next tee, you best getting cracking.
How to know if you are slow golfer? After the round of golf, you need a fresh shave. Your family sends out a missing persons request before you complete your round. You are so slow you catch up to your own group during a shotgun start tournament. Your clothes are out of style by the back nine. One of the best ways to determine if you are slow: your golf partners refer to you as “methodical”, a polite way of saying you are too slow.
Many people enjoy watching golf on television. Please don’t emulate the time pros take; they are competing for millions of dollars and playing the under the toughest of conditions.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf for over 30 years, and enjoys golf the most when it is played in less than four hours.
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