Playing ready golf is really quite simple, and it involves each player taking their turn to hit the ball when they’re ready. This helps to speed up the pace of play by playing smarter, not necessarily faster. If you’re interested in playing some ready golf, then keep reading to learn about some simple tips to make your game more enjoyable and less stressful.
Before the First Tee
If you’re just about ready to start your round, then there a few things you should do to save time before teeing off. In additional to the tips below, make sure to warm up both mentally and physically. Stretch out your legs, arms, and hips for five minutes, practice hitting a few balls, and focus your mind on your golf game.
* Come to the golf course prepared with tees, marks, jackets, socks, and other accessories.
* Mark balls ahead of time.
* Bring or buy drinks and snacks ahead of time.
On the Tee
Once you make it up to the tee, pay attention to everyone’s tee shot so you can help look for lost balls. This can speed up the game tremendously, especially if an errant ball lands in the rough.
* Start to tee off as soon as the group ahead of you is clear.
* Let short distance hitters tee off first.
* Always carry an extra ball or two in your pocket.
* Hit a provisional ball if you think that your ball may be lost or out of bounds.
On the Fairway
You and your fellow golfers don’t need to head towards the closest ball and wait for the player to take their next shot. Everyone should head to their own ball and start club selection.
* Start your club selection as soon as you know the distance you want to hit the ball.
* If more than one player is ready to hit, communicate and go in the agreed order.
* Watch carefully where your ball and everyone else’s lands.
On and Approaching the Green
If you’re using a cart, the partner with the shorter shot should drop off the other player (who has all needed clubs with him/her), and leave the cart at the exit point of the green.
* The first golfer to the hole should tend and take out the flagstick.
* The first one in the hole should pick up and replace the flagstick.
* Study your putt while waiting for your turn to putt.
* Putt until holed out. Don’t mark your ball unless you are in someone’s way.
* Quickly exit the green and move to the next tee when all players are finished.
* Wait to record scores until you reach the next tee.
* If using a cart, hold clubs and replace them when stopped at the next hole.
Now that you’re all set on the tee, fairway, and green, consider a few more tips to speed up the pace of play:
* Call before the turn to order drinks and food so they are ready when you arrive.
* You should always be able to see the group ahead of you.
* Limit searching for lost balls to no more than 3 – 5 minutes.
* If someone has lost a ball, hit your shot before helping them look for their ball.
* Try to never go back to the tee to hit a provisional ball.
* Keep your pre-shot routine consistent and stay focused.
* Don’t be afraid to call your ball unplayable. Take your stroke and get back into the game.
* Get your ball back in the fairway as quickly as possible if you repeatedly hit in the rough.
* Limit yourself to one practice swing.
* Don’t be hesitant to take a lesson and get help with your problems, everyone has them!
“Ready golf” is a wonderful time management solution to keep yourself and your fellow golfers playing smart. Of course, make sure to have fun as well as you keep your mind in the game.