Master Ready Golf: Improve Pace & Enjoyment

There's little more frustrating in golf than a slow round. Extended waits on the tee, dawdling between shots, and seemingly endless pre-shot routines can turn a potentially enjoyable day into a test of patience. Slow play doesn't just impact your group; it creates a ripple effect across the entire course, diminishing the experience for everyone.

Why Golf Rounds Grind to a Halt

Several common habits contribute to the snail's pace many golfers experience:

• Strict Adherence to "Honour": Waiting for the person farthest from the hole to play, even if another player is ready and safe to hit.
• Lack of Preparedness: Players only start their pre-shot routine or club selection once it's their turn to play.
• Excessive Pre-Shot Routines: Overly long waggles, practice swings, and alignment checks that delay play unnecessarily.
• Prolonged Ball Searching: Spending too much time looking for wayward shots, especially when others could be playing.
• Post-Hole Delays: Marking scorecards on the green, chatting excessively, or not moving promptly to the next tee.

Embrace Ready Golf: Your Blueprint for Faster Play

The solution is simple, effective, and endorsed by golf's governing bodies: Ready Golf. It’s about playing when it’s safe and you’re ready, regardless of who has "the honour."

• Play When Safe and Ready: This is the golden rule. If your playing partner is searching for a ball 100 yards ahead, and you're ready to hit from the tee, and it's safe to do so, hit your shot. Always ensure no one is in harm's way.
• Don't Wait for the Farthest: If you're 150 yards out and your partner is 160 yards out but still walking to their ball, and you've assessed your shot, go ahead and play.
• Prepare for Your Shot in Advance: While others are playing, walk to your ball, assess the yardage, choose your club, and visualise your shot. Be ready to step up and play when it's your turn.
• Continuous Putting: On the green, if your ball is close to the hole and you can safely putt out without interfering with another player's line or routine, do so. There's no need to mark and wait if it saves time.
• Move Promptly Between Shots: Don't linger after hitting. Walk directly to your ball at a reasonable pace.
• Park Your Buggy/Trolley Strategically: When approaching the green, park your buggy or leave your bag on the side closest to the next tee. This ensures a quick exit after putting out.
• Mark Scorecards on the Next Tee: Resist the urge to mark scores while still on or around the green. Move to the next tee, and while others are teeing off, record the scores.
• Help Locate Lost Balls (with Limits): If a playing partner hits a wayward shot, help them look, but be mindful of the rules (3 minutes maximum search time). If it's clear the ball is lost, encourage them to drop and move on.

The "30-Second Ready" Drill

To integrate Ready Golf into your routine, try the "30-Second Ready" drill. After arriving at your ball, give yourself 30 seconds to assess the lie, confirm your yardage, select your club, and take one practice swing. Once that 30 seconds is up, you should be stepping up to address the ball, ready to play. This encourages efficient preparation and reduces procrastination. CaddieIQ can help you make quicker, more informed decisions by providing instant yardages and club recommendations, further streamlining your routine.

Enjoy Golf, Faster

Adopting Ready Golf isn't about rushing your shots or sacrificing enjoyment; it's about being efficient and considerate. By embracing these principles, you'll not only speed up your own game but contribute to a more fluid, enjoyable experience for everyone on the course. Spend less time waiting and more time playing the game you love.

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