To All FWGA Members,

I would like to share pace of play tips and tricks with all of you. The biggest step is to be aware and recognize that slow play isn’t just the other guy’s fault.  We all have been guilty of slow play so here are a few tips that have helped me speed up during a round.

1. Keep your pre-shot routine short Pick your line of play once and trust yourself. Try to take only one practice swing, then set up to the ball and play your shot. Most importantly, be ready to hit when it is your turn. Be efficient after your shot too. Start moving toward your next shot promptly.

2. Aim to play in 20 seconds From club selection to pre-shot routine to execution, strive to hit your shot in 20 seconds when it is your turn to play. Help keep play moving at a brisk pace.

3.Be efficient on the putting green Mark your ball and lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so you will be ready to replace it when it is your turn to play. You can usually line up your putt while others are putting, without disturbing them. Leave your clubs on the side of the putting green closest to the next tee or the cart, and leave the green promptly after holing out. Wait until the next tee to record your score.  Have the passenger keep score.  They can record and tally the scores while the driver is moving to the next hole.

3. Do your own housekeeping – Start the round with tees, balls, ball marker, divot repair tool.  Keep an extra ball and tee in your pocket in case you need to hit a provisional. Replace your head covers at the next tee box or while walking back to the cart or while walking.  Write down your scores at the next tee, move on when you finish a hole.

4. Keep up with the group in front of you Your correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you. Arrive at your next shot just before the group in front leaves the area in front of you.

5. Plan ahead of your shot – Determine your estimated yardage and take 2-3 club choices with you before leaving the cart. When in the fairway on a “cart path only” hole, get a general distance to the hole before leaving the cart and take a few club options with you.  Going out to your ball, assessing the distance and then returning to your cart for a club wastes time and energy. Take an extra ball with you in case of a lost or OB ball.

6. Cart strategy – Drop your partner off and drive to your ball.  When you leave the cart take 2-3 clubs with you. When sharing a cart, use a buddy system don’t wait in the cart while your cart mate hits and then drive to your ball. Get out and walk to your ball with a few clubs. Be ready to play when it is your turn and then let your cart mate pick you up. Or, drive to your ball after you drop your cart mate off and then pick them up after you hit. Park behind the greens. This allows the group behind you to hit up as you leave.  If you are parked in front of the green or to a side, they have to wait until you are out of range to hit.

7. Be helpful to others in your group Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own. Once in the fairway, help others look for their ball if you already know the location of yours. Volunteer to fill in a divot or rake a bunker for another player if needed. Be ready to attend the flagstick for others.

8. Play Ready Golf – On the tee it is usually acceptable for players to “hit when ready.” You can also save time by playing a provisional ballif you think your original ball might be lost or out of bounds.

Della Gutierrez, President