PACE OF PLAY TIPS & TECHNIQUES

“Pace of Play” 

Tips from the USGA 

Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course.  It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as  everyone else’s. Adopting this mindset – and not being afraid to share it with  your fellow players – will ultimately add enjoyment to your golf experience.  

Here are some recognized tips for improving pace of play: 

Minimize your time on the tee 

On the tee it is usually acceptable for players to “hit when ready.” You can  also save time by playing a provisional ball (Rule 27-2) if you think your  original ball might be lost or out of bounds. 

Aim to play in 20 seconds 

From club selection to pre-shot routine to execution, strive to hit your shot in  20 seconds when it is your turn to play. Help keep play moving at a brisk  pace. 

Keep your pre-shot routine short 

Pick your line of play once and trust yourself. Try to take no more than one  practice swing, then set up the ball and play your shot. Most importantly, be  ready to hit when it is your turn. Be efficient after your shot too. Start moving  toward your net shot promptly. 

Plan your shot before you get to your ball 

Once you are off the tee, think ahead. Determine your yardage and make your  club selection before it is your turn to play. Very often, you can do this while  others are playing, without disruption.  

When sharing a cart, use a buddy system 

Don’t wait in the cart while your cart-mate hits and then drive to your ball.  Get out and walk to your ball with a few clubs. Be ready to play when it is  your turn and then let your cart-mate pick you up. Or, drive to your ball after  you drop your cart-mate off and then pick her up after you hit.

Be helpful to others in your group 

Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own. Once in the fairway, help  others look for their ball if you already know the location of yours. Volunteer  to fill in a divot or rake a bunker for another player if needed.  

Keep up with the group in front of you 

Your correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front  of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you. Arrive at your next  shot just before the group in front leaves the area in front of you. If you are  consistently not able to keep and a gap opens in front of you, invite the group  behind you to play through, irrespective of the number of players in the group. 

Be efficient on the putting green 

Mark your ball and lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so  you will be ready to replace it when it is your turn to play. You can usually  line up your putt while others are putting, without disturbing them. Leave  your clubs on the side of the putting green closest to the next tee, and leave  

the green promptly after holing out. Wait until the next tee to record your  score. 

These are tips that have helped players with the pace of play and not hard and fast rules.  

Please use common sense in all instances, for example it is okay  to give your scores after everyone has holed out but don’t hold up  the next players by marking your scorecard at the green. Go to the  next tee and then record your score. 

Revised 6/2022