Ready Golf – The New Norm?

Everyone has heard of “ready golf” but how many of us actually know what it is and practice it? You may think you do but do you, really?

Understanding Ready Golf

Ready golf is a departure from traditional golf in the sense that it is more flexible and more efficient. It’s about speeding up the game in an organized, logical and safe fashion.

Key Principles

Play When Ready: Rather than playing the traditional “who’s away” (the player furthest from the hole goes first), ready golf encourages players to proceed with their shot as soon as they are prepared and their fellow players are aware they are doing so.

Advance To Your Ball: If you are able to safely move to your ball without interfering or interrupting your playing partners, do so.  Start visualizing your next shot and be ready when you arrive at your ball.  

Keep Pace Of Play: Keep up with the group in front of you. You want to be courteous and allow them to play at normal speed but remain just behind them. If you are finding yourself falling behind, pick up your ball after double par and move to the next tee.

Keeping Pace

Ideally, a round of 18 holes should take four hours or less. Unfortunately, five- to six-hour rounds are all too common and, in an age where time is precious, a couple of extra hours on the course may not be doable. Extended wait times between shots not only disrupt pace of play but lead to many being frustrated and on the verge of leaving this game. One of the primary reasons for ready golf is to promote a more enjoyable experience for all.

Ready Golf Without Leaving The Traditions

Ready golf is not about reckless or inconsiderate course behavior. It’s not about running through the group ahead. Quite the opposite, actually. You must still respect your fellow players, the course and the Rules of Golf. You still need to rake the bunkers and repair divots and ball marks. Ready golf simply encourages players to practice common sense while looking for ways to speed up the pace of play.

How To Make Ready Golf Successful

Stay Prepared: Anticipating your next shot, taking your practice swings and going through your pre-shot routine while your fellow players are taking their turns will speed up the game.

Limit Distractions: Taking shots with the cart girl and talking on the green before heading to the cart shouldn’t happen. Order your beer on the next tee, not in the middle of the fairway.

Communicate: Tell your fellow players what your intentions are and ensure they will cooperate. It’s absolutely necessary to keep everyone safe.

Keep Up With The Group Ahead: This is the big one! Maintaining the pace of play means that you aren’t falling behind the group ahead. Don’t be the group that is three holes behind. At some courses, the player assistant (ranger or marshal) will ask your group to pick up your balls and skip a couple of holes to get back into position. If you find yourself in this situation, reassess your play or make sure allow faster groups to play through.

Where Do We Head From Here?

All golfers were beginners at some point so we understand that you may have just started learning the game and that’s why you whiffed or that it took you three swings to get out of a bunker. We definitely aren’t upset that you are repairing your divot or ball mark. In fact, we are thrilled that more people are playing a game that so many of us love. We are happy to see you teaching your kids to play. However, we are concerned that it’s taking longer than ever to play 18 holes. Do your part and play ready golf!

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