In today’s society where time comes at a premium, golf stands out as one of the slowest activities. Spending four hours on a course to finish 18 holes seems like an age compared to other sports. But while we don’t advocate rushing round the course – golf is, after all, a sport to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace – you don’t want to be taking five or six hours on every round. To help speed things up, we’ve come up with 10 easy ways to play faster golf to ensure maximum enjoyment and minimum wasted time.
Be prepared
This means arriving punctually well ahead of your tee time so that you’re ready to get out on the course. Check your golf bag before hand and make sure you’ve got everything.
Practise off course
While playing a round of golf counts as the ultimate practice, it isn’t the place to deal with problems in your swing or your putt. Save correcting these for the driving range or take a course at the Rio Real Academy – our Stay & Play Like a Pro programmes can knock five off your scorecard. Find out how.
Limit your pre-shot routine
Another way to play faster golf is to keep your pre-shot routine short and sweet – 20 seconds is the recommended maximum time. Take just one practice swing or shot and then play. Use the time while you’re waiting for others to plan and visualise your next shot.
Get into position
While you’re waiting for your turn, position yourself near your ball (obviously out of range of the other players’ balls!) so that you’re ready to play straight away.
Don’t go over more than two
Before you set out on the course, work out how many shots you need to get round the 18 holes based on your handicap. Make a note of these on your scorecard and then don’t hit more than two shots above your handicap. To play faster golf, just pick up your ball and move onto the next hole.
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Get ahead in the buggy
If you’re using a buggy, park it between you and the next hole. That way, you don’t have to go back to your buggy and you stay ahead always.
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Keep an eye on the group ahead
The correct position on the golf course is immediately behind the group in front of you, so keep an eye on them and try to be always right behind.
Don’t waste time searching
Although golf rules allow you five minutes to search for a ball, keep your maximum searching time down to two minutes. The rest of your group and those coming up behind you on the course will thank you for it! And you’ll play faster golf.
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Watch the clock
Keep an eye on the time throughout the game and try to keep up the pace. Aim for a maximum of four to five hours for 18 holes, no more.
Play 9
Perhaps the ultimate way to play faster golf is to choose 9 holes instead of 18. At Río Real Golf we offer players this option and for the very best prices. Check them out here.
