Recently I entered an online discussion on the topic of slow play on the golf course. People of all stripes were adding their two cents and it was a lively back and forth. As the game of golf brings more and more golfers out onto the course, encountering slow play becomes almost inevitable. What do you do? What’s the most effective way to deal with slow play, whether it is the group ahead of you, or someone in your own party?

Here is some of the best advice on How to Deal With Slow Play

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First, determine who is actually playing slowly. Is it the group ahead that is slowing you down, or your own group not keeping up? or, are you playing on pace but the group behind is just moving right along? In any case, the situation requires different responses.

If you determine the problem is with the group ahead, you can always ask to play through. If that doesn’t seem possible, at least let the group behind you know that the slow pace is just the way things are. Sometimes, especially on a busy course, slow pace is the norm. But tell the course Marshall the next time he comes by. Sometimes a simple word from him is enough to increase the pace of play of a slower group.

If it’s your own group that is slow (perhaps one of your number is a beginner and doesn’t hit very far, or keeps losing their ball in the rough), encourage your fellow player to pick up the pace, drop a ball in the fairway and keep on playing—especially if he or she is a high handicapper. Let the round be good practice. Picking up the ball to help speed the game along is no big deal.

Other things you can do as a group, is to watch each other’s balls, at least off the tee, and help in the search if one goes off course. And don’t be afraid to hit even if the next group is not off the green, as long as you know there is no chance of hitting into them — one of the rudest things you can do on the golf course. Another way to pick up the pace: once you have hit your own ball, is to move forward to your new ball position, focus and plan your next shot as you approach, so that you are ready to hit again when it is your turn.

Note for the beginning golfer: It is best to avoid difficult golf courses if you are a beginning golfer. Your fellow golfers and your own ego will benefit. Also if you or your group are typically slow players, try to avoid playing at peak times.

If the problem is with your own group, and you notice the group behind having to wait more than once or twice, offer to let them play through. This will take the pressure off of your group and the faster players will surely be grateful.

Bottom Line: The key in keeping up a good pace on the golf course is to focus on the group ahead of you, not the one behind. Keep within a hole of the forward players, and you will do fine.

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