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Pace of Play Police: 7 Practical Tips to Keep Your Golf League Moving

HHunter Trego
·June 3, 2025

Six-hour rounds? Waiting on every shot? Slow play is a plague on golf courses everywhere, but it can be especially frustrating in a league. Here are 7 tips to speed things up.

  1. Play 'Ready Golf': This is the golden rule. The person who is ready to hit goes first (safely, of course). Don't wait for the person furthest away if they aren't ready.
  2. Implement a Max Score: Set a maximum score per hole, like double par or a net double bogey. This prevents one player's nightmare hole from holding up the entire course.
  3. Use Provisional Balls: If you think your ball might be lost or out of bounds, hit a provisional ball immediately. It saves you the long walk (or ride) of shame back to the tee.
  4. Continuous Putting: Once you start putting, continue until you hole out (unless you'd be stepping in someone's line). Don't mark a 2-foot putt and wait.
  5. Plan Your Next Shot While You Walk: As you approach your ball, assess the lie, check the distance, and select your club. When it's your turn to hit, you should be ready to go.
  6. Drop Scorecards at the Next Tee: Don't linger on the green to tally scores. Drive to the next tee box, mark the card there, and then get ready to hit. Using a digital scorecard on Leaderboardr is even faster!
  7. Be the Example: As a commissioner or engaged league member, model good pace of play yourself. It's contagious.

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