Slow play can be one of the most annoying things to a seasoned golfer. The speed, or lack of speed that a beginner shows on the course can throw many people off the game. Just following some basic etiquette guidelines and it will go a long way to making everyone day much better.
These are a few tips about how you can avoid slow play:
* Choosing the appropriate set of tees for you is very important. Not doing so can add extra strokes in your play and delay the game unnecessarily.
* Make sure that you do not walk across to your ball with the whole group. If you don’t, then there will be delay because of talking and chatting amongst each other.
* Save time by dropping the first player (whose stroke it is next) to where his ball is, while riding a cart. While you drop the second one, the first one takes his shot. As a result, the second player is ready to take the stroke as soon as his turn comes.
* While walking towards your ball, think about the shot you will play then only. This will save time and you will be ready to play your shot as soon as you arrive near the ball.
* In case your ball is lost, keep a provisional ball at hand to avoid delay.
* Do not delay your stroke because you are having a chat with another player. You can resume it after your shot.
* When using a cart, take the necessary set of clubs with you so that you wont have to travel back to fetch them when needed.
* After putting, exit the area as soon as you can so that there will be no delay for the other groups.
* Change your clubs and mark your scorecard after reaching the next tee and not where you have taken your shot.
* Park your cart away from the green to give other groups some space.
* Don’t waste too much time in finding a lost ball. Incase you decide to follow the rule (five minutes are allotted to find the lost ball), make sure you tell the other group to play through
* Concentrate on every shot that is played. It will help in case a player loses sight of his ball. You can direct him to it and save time.
* Don’t let your pre-play routine delay the game. Plan it accordingly.
* If your putt is short enough, take it straight away instead of wasting time in marking lag putts.
* Leave your cell phone in your car.
* Do not rush when you walk from one tee to another but do not slow down too much either.
Just following these simple golf etiquettes can help everyone a great round of golf.
