10 Habits to Eliminate Slow Play

With the start of a new year comes the need for some reminders on how to eliminate slow play on the golf course.  Typically, slow play is not because someone takes too long to execute a shot, but more likely because they wait to long to prepare for execution.  Here are some helpful habits to develop!

1. KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT OF YOU.  Focus on keeping pace with the group in front of you. Do not be concerned with the group behind you. We will worry about the group behind you!
2. PLAY READY GOLF. There is no penalty for playing out of turn in stroke play. If you are approximately 100 yards from the green on the left side of the fairway and a fellow player is the same distance on the other side of the fairway, make eye contact and determine which one is going to play next. 
3. KEEP AN EYE ON EACH OTHER’S SHOTS. Help look for lost balls AFTER you have hit your shot. If all four members are looking for the ball at the same time, the group has come to a dead, screeching halt.
4. THE CART DRIVER should drop off the passenger at his/her ball and then drive immediately to his ball. Do not wait for him to hit UNLESS you would be in his line of flight.
5. THE PASSENGER should take 3 clubs (the one you think, one more and one less) and send the driver to his ball.
6. IF YOUR NEXT SHOT IS A WEDGE OR SHORT IRON TO THE GREEN, take your putter with you and tell the driver to go on without you.
7. KNOW WHEN IT’S YOUR TURN TO PUTT.  Somebody call out the order: “Ray, your away, Jack your next, then Gene ...” If you want to check your putt out from both sides, get a look from one side BEFORE it becomes your turn.
8. PUTT CONTINUOUSLY when possible.  You may choose to putt out to increases your group’s pace of play.
9. NEVER RECORD SCORES AT THE GREEN. Drive off and do it at the next tee box. 
10. NO HONORS! Get ready and tee off! 

None of these points should make you feel rushed - they should only make you feel prepared!