11 Tips to Improve Golf Pace of Play

Want to speed up your golf game? Here’s how:

Come prepared
Use ready golf
Fewer practice swings
Quick pre-shot routine
Use distance tools
Pick the right tees
Limit ball search time
Use carts wisely
Score quickly
Let faster groups pass
Know your place on course

These tips can shave 30+ minutes off your round and potentially improve your score. Slow play adds strokes – 4.5-5 hour rounds add 1.3-1.7 strokes vs 3-3.5 hour rounds.

Tip	Time Saved	Key Benefit
Ready golf	30 min	Hit when ready, not by turn
3-min ball search	10 min	Move on after 3 minutes
Smart cart use	15 min	Drop partner, then park
Quick scoring	5 min	Mark scores at next tee

The goal? A 4-hour round that’s more fun for everyone. Let’s dive in.

How This Article Helps

Want to speed up your golf game? You’re in the right place. This guide tackles common pace of play questions with clear, actionable answers.

Here’s what you’ll get:

11 easy-to-apply tips to speed up your game
Real stats showing how slow play affects your score
Expert advice from golf pros and organizations like the USGA and R&A

Did you know 60% of golfers would enjoy the sport more if it took less time? That’s from the R&A’s Pace of Play Manual.

We’ll cover everything from pre-game prep to on-course strategies, including:

Cutting down your pre-shot routine
Using golf carts effectively
Letting faster groups pass

Each tip comes with specific actions. For example, we’ll give you a pre-game checklist instead of just saying "be prepared."

By the end, you’ll have practical techniques to speed up your game. And here’s a bonus: faster play often means better scores. Playing 4.5-5 hour rounds can add up to 1.7 strokes to your score compared to 3-3.5 hour rounds.

Ready to make your golf game faster, more fun, and potentially improve your score? Let’s dive in.

Come Prepared

Being ready before you hit the course can speed up your play. Here’s how to prep for a quick round:

Get There Early

Arrive 30-40 minutes before tee time. This gives you time to:

Check-in
Warm up
Get in the zone

Pack Smart

Keep your golf bag organized. Here’s what you need:

Must-Haves	Nice-to-Haves
Clubs	Extra socks
Balls & tees	Snacks
Gloves	Sunscreen
Range finder	First-aid kit
Divot tool	Tip money
Water	Rain gear

Warm Up

Don’t skip your warm-up. Try this quick routine:

Stretch
Hit a few wedge shots
Take some full swings with your driver

"Get your body ready before you play." – Practical Golf Author

Plan Ahead

The night before, especially for new courses:

Look at the course layout
Spot potential hazards
Think about club choices

This helps you avoid surprises that slow you down.

Fuel Up

Eat well before your round and bring water and snacks to keep your energy up.

2. Use Ready Golf

Ready golf speeds up play. It’s simple: hit when you’re ready, not just when it’s "your turn."

How It Works

Play when it’s safe, even if you’re closer to the hole
Tee off when ready, don’t wait for others
Prep your shot while others hit
Short hitters can go first if long hitters are out of range
Hit before helping others find lost balls

"Ready golf isn’t about rushing. It’s about your group working together to keep pace with the group ahead." – Golf Australia

It’s now part of Rule 6.4b in the Rules of Golf. That’s how important it is for pace of play.

Why It’s Great:

Less waiting between shots
Keeps groups moving
Helps you stay close to the group ahead

When to Use It:

Where	What to Do
Tee	First ready hits
Fairway	Closest ready player hits
Green	Ready to putt? Go for it
After bunker shots	Others can hit while you rake

Just remember: ready golf is for stroke play. In match play, stick to the usual order unless both players say otherwise.

3. Fewer Practice Swings

Want to speed up your game? Cut down on practice swings.

Here’s why: There’s no rule limiting them, but fewer swings can shave serious time off your round.

Do the math. 75 shots with 12-second practice swings? That’s 15 extra minutes per round!

How Many Swings?

Find your sweet spot:

Skill Level	Practice Swings
Beginner	1-2 per shot
Intermediate	1 per shot
Advanced	0-1 per shot

Pro tip: Pros take about 40 seconds for their entire pre-shot routine, including practice swings.

"The number of practice swings should be based on your comfort level, skill level, and shot circumstances." – Girlfriends Guide to Golf

Make your practice swings count:

Have a goal for each swing
Visualize your shot
Stand naturally

Struggling with certain shots? Work on them at the driving range, not on the course.

4. Quick Pre-Shot Routine

Want to speed up your golf game? A fast pre-shot routine is key. Here’s how to balance speed and preparation:

Club selection and distance check (10-15 seconds)
Visualize the shot (5-10 seconds)
1-2 practice swings (10-15 seconds)
Address the ball and hit (5-10 seconds)

That’s it. 30-50 seconds total.

Speed It Up

Start your routine while others are walking. Pick a trigger action like reaching the tee box or putting on your glove. Stick to 1-2 practice swings max. Make quick decisions on clubs and shots. Use an intermediate target for faster alignment.

"Tailor your pre-shot routine to your style. Methodical or rhythm-based, it should play to your strengths."

Practice at the driving range. Grade yourself after each round. The more you do it, the faster and more natural it’ll become.

Remember: A quick routine doesn’t mean a rushed shot. It’s about efficiency, not speed at all costs.

5. Use Distance Tools

Golf GPS devices and rangefinders can speed up your game. They give you quick, accurate yardages without hunting for sprinkler heads or pacing off distances.

These tools offer several benefits:

Faster decision-making
Improved accuracy
Less guesswork
Better course management

Tool Type	Pros	Cons
GPS Devices	Front, middle, back yardages Hole overviews Often wearable	Less precise Need pre-loaded maps
Laser Rangefinders	Accurate within 1 yard Target any visible point Some offer slope compensation	Need clear line of sight No hole overviews

To use distance tools effectively:

Practice before hitting the course
Keep it easily accessible
Use it while others are hitting
Don’t obsess over exact yardages

The goal? Speed up play, not slow it down. Use these tools to complement your course knowledge and instincts.

"Using a rangefinder improves accuracy in club selection and shot execution, speeds up play, boosts confidence, aids in course management, and helps lower scores." – Matt Stephens, Inventor, Pyramid Golf

6. Pick the Right Tees

Choosing the right tees can make or break your golf game. Play from tees too advanced? You’ll slow down and get frustrated. Here’s how to pick the best tees for you:

Tee Selection Guide

1. USGA’s "Best Tees" Approach

How far do you hit your 7-iron? Use this as a guide:

7-Iron Distance	Course Length
138 yards (avg. male)	~6,100 yards
100 yards (avg. female)	~4,438 yards

2. Driving Distance Method

The USGA’s "Tee It Forward" suggests:

Average Drive	Course Yardage
200 yards	5,200 – 5,400 yards
225 yards	5,800 – 6,000 yards
250 yards	6,200 – 6,400 yards
275 yards	6,700 – 6,900 yards

3. Course Layout Analysis

Pick tees that let you:

Hit par-3s in one shot
Reach par-4s in two
Use an iron for your second shot on par-5s

4. Check the Scorecard

Many courses list handicap recommendations for each tee box.

5. Ask for Help

Not sure? The pro shop or starter can guide you.

Don’t be shy about moving up a tee box. It could mean lower scores and faster rounds.

"99 percent of PGA and LPGA professionals believe golfers have a better experience when playing from tees that match their ability." – USGA survey

7. Limit Ball Search Time

Lost balls can really slow you down. Here’s how to keep things moving:

The USGA changed the rules in 2019. Now you’ve got 3 minutes to find your ball, not 5. This speeds up play for everyone.

Here’s how to search smart:

Watch it fly: Keep your eyes on the ball until it stops. Note landmarks.
Mark it: Use a tree or rock to line up where you last saw the ball.
Grid search: Walk in a pattern. Go one way, then back 3 feet over. Repeat.
Bring a club: Use it to move plants and see better.
Know the ball: Ask your partner about their ball’s brand and markings.
Time it: Set a 3-minute timer on your phone.

Can’t find it in 3 minutes? Time to move on. Take the penalty and play a provisional ball.

"Limiting the search period to 3 minutes is more consistent with the underlying principle that golf is to be played in a prompt and continuous way, without long pauses in play." – USGA

Others can help you look, but the clock starts as soon as anyone begins searching.

8. Use Carts Wisely

Golf carts can speed up play, but only if you use them right. Here’s how to zip around without holding others up:

Smart Cart Use

Stick to paths: Follow the course’s cart paths. It keeps the grass nice and traffic flowing.
Park smart: Always park behind the green. It clears the way for groups waiting to tee off.
Drop and go: Playing with a partner? Drop them off with a few clubs, then park. Cuts down on back-and-forth trips.
Keep your distance: Stay at least 50 yards from greens and tees. It’s safer and shows respect.
Watch your speed: Golf carts top out at 15 mph. Going faster? That’s asking for trouble, especially on bumpy ground.

"Parking behind the green is a small move that makes a big difference for everyone on the course."

Here’s a quick guide to smart cart use:

Do	Don’t
Follow designated paths	Drive on tee boxes or greens
Park behind greens	Block views of waiting groups
Take extra clubs when dropped off	Make multiple trips for clubs
Stay 50+ yards from greens/tees	Get too close to playing areas
Drive at a safe speed (max 15 mph)	Speed or drive recklessly

9. Score Quickly

Keeping score shouldn’t slow you down. Here’s how to mark your scorecard fast:

Speed Up Your Scoring

1. Use a golf app

Golf apps like Golf Pad GPS, Golfshot, and TheGrint make scoring quick. They offer fast score entry, GPS rangefinding, and auto-advance features.

2. Pick a scorekeeper

Have one person keep score for everyone. It’s faster than everyone fumbling with scorecards.

3. Mark scores at the next tee

Don’t linger on the green. Jot down scores while waiting to tee off on the next hole.

4. Use shorthand

Develop a quick notation system:

Score	Notation
Par	•
Birdie	–
Bogey	+
Double	++

5. Tally later

Focus on recording hole scores during play. Add them up in the clubhouse.

"The Scorecard Picture Service lets users snap a photo of their scorecard for automatic score entry." – TheGrint app feature

10. Let Faster Groups Pass

Golf isn’t just about your game—it’s about everyone’s experience on the course. Letting faster groups play through is a must-know etiquette rule.

When to Let Others Pass

You should let another group go ahead when:

You’re holding up the group behind you
There’s a big gap between you and the group ahead
A single player or smaller group is waiting behind you

The best spots to let others pass? Par-3 tee boxes, wide fairways on longer holes, or after your tee shots but before the green.

To let a group pass:

Wave them up as you approach the green
Step aside while they hit
Let them finish the hole before you do

"If a group can’t keep its position on the course and is delaying the group behind, it should invite that group to play through." – The R&A’s Pace of Play manual

Don’t wait too long to let faster groups through. It only leads to frustration. But on a packed course, letting groups pass might not help. Use your best judgment and talk to other players if needed.

11. Know Your Place on Course

Tracking your group’s pace is crucial for a smooth round. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

Pace Tracking Tips

Watch the clock: Aim for 13 minutes or less per hole. A full round should take about 4 hours.
Check course markers: If you’re behind pace-of-play signs, speed up.
Keep the group ahead in sight: Can’t see them? You’re probably falling behind.
Use tech: Golf apps can help. One Unknown Golf user said, "It streamlines scoring and helps us stay on pace."
Mind your position: Big gap ahead but holding others up? Speed up or let them through.

Here’s a quick pace guide:

Hole	Par 4	Par 3	Par 5
1-6	15 min	12 min	18 min
7-12	14 min	11 min	17 min
13-18	13 min	10 min	16 min

These are just guidelines. Adjust based on course difficulty and your group’s skill level.

Wrap-Up

Playing faster golf isn’t about rushing. It’s about being smart and considerate. Here’s how to speed up your game without sacrificing enjoyment:

Show up ready: Get to the course early with your gear set.
Play "Ready Golf": Hit when you’re ready, not just when it’s your turn. This can shave off 30 minutes per round.
Cut down practice swings: One or two max. More just slows everyone down.
Use distance tools smartly: Check yardage as you walk up to your ball.
Pick the right tees: Match them to your skill level. It’s faster and more fun.
Stick to 3 minutes for lost balls: Any longer and you’re holding up play.
Be cart smart: Drop off your partner at their ball first.
Score while walking: Fill out your card on the way to the next tee.
Let faster groups pass: If there’s space ahead and pressure behind, wave them through.
Keep up with the group ahead: If you can’t see them, you’re probably too slow.

Aim for a 4-hour round for a foursome. These tips will speed up your game and make it better for everyone.

"Golf overrules proper etiquette every time; unless it is sanctioned play. The first one to their ball should be the first one to play." – Joe Hallett, Director of Instruction, Vanderbilt Legends Club

Hallett’s advice nails the "Ready Golf" concept. It’s about efficiency, not strict order.

FAQs

How do you fix slow play in golf?

Slow play in golf is a common issue. Here’s how to speed things up without rushing:

1. Be ready

Show up early with your gear set. This cuts down on pre-round delays.

2. Use "Ready Golf"

Hit when you’re ready, not just when it’s your turn. This can save up to 30 minutes per round.

3. Plan ahead

While walking to your ball, check the yardage and choose your club.

4. Be cart smart

When sharing a cart, use a buddy system. Drop your partner at their ball, then go to yours.

5. Quick ball searches

Limit searches to 3 minutes max. Even better, aim for 1 minute.

Other tips: Limit practice swings, keep pre-shot routines short, score on the move, let faster groups pass, play a provisional if needed, and pick up when you’re out of the hole.

Remember: Playing faster isn’t about rushing. It’s about being smart and considerate on the course.

"To three-putt is forgivable; to three-putt slowly is not." – GOLF Magazine

This quote nails it. Even when you’re struggling, keep the pace up.

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