Pace-Of-Play (POP) Tips
When it comes to pace-of-play, it's not about speed: it's about efficiency, and these tips will help you play more efficiently.
On the tee and in the fairway
- Take note of your group's actual start time for your round and aim to finish in four hours
- Always be aware of your group's pace-of-play status so you can fix it as soon as you fall out of position
- Always keep up with the group ahead of you: you should have wait to hit shots when your pace-of-play is ideal
- Never assess your pace-of-play based on the group behind you
- Play ready-golf whenever possible
- Remove driver headcover for the entire round
- When multiple tee-blocks are being used in your group, be aware who's up when — and move forward as soon as those on the back tee have hit
- If you're first to measure yardage on a par-three, share the info with fellow golfers
- Start thinking about and planning your shot as you approach your ball
- Have a quick (under 30-seconds) pre-shot routine and be ready to hit when it's your turn
- Put your glove on while approaching your ball
- Limit practice swings to one or two
- Mark your scorecard after and/or while others are playing
- All players should walk quickly and directly to their own ball
- Minimize talk while approaching your shot
- Measure yardage and plan your next shot while others are hitting
- When playing in a powercart, one player should be dropped off at their bal so the other player can proceed to their ball
- Proceed to next shot before cleaning clubs
- Choose appropriate time for beverage cart purchases.
Around the green
- Begin planning your shot and/or putt while approaching the green
- Place your cart/bag/clubs between the green and your next tee
- If you're on the fringe or in the green-side rough, take whatever clubs you might need to the green so you won't have to walk back to your bag
- When in a bunker, take your club and the rake into the bunker so you can rake it as you leave
- Make sure you have already planned your shot or putt by the time it's your turn to play
- When possible, putt out rather than marking your ball
- Announce your score as you remove your ball from the hole