TIPS TO SPEED UP PLAY

1. WHO¹S FIRST?-- YOU may need to take the lead in determining the order of play. If YOU are ready, approach the tee, especially if your playing partners are lingering at their cart. Through the green, hit whenever YOU are ready as long as you are far enough from the other player(s) that you will not disturb them.

2. TRACK ALL BALLS-- Follow each player¹s ball (especially your own) and make a mental note of where it has landed. By knowing where your partners' balls have landed, you will reduce time searching for them.

3. GET TO YOUR BALL-- Get to your ball as soon as possible. It gives you more time for club selection and more time to hit. When sharing a cart, it is not necessary to drive to both balls.  Many times one player can walk to his ball.

4. REDUCE PRACTICE SWINGS-- I am sure you have watched the golfer who takes one practice swing after another....after another....after another. The shot will not get easier or harder, regardless of how many practice swings are taken. The precious seconds used taking those swings will add up in a hurry. Rather than taking three, four, or five practice swings, take only one. The round will move along much quicker, and it will not harm your game.

5. TAKE MORE THAN ONE CLUB-- When you have to be separated from your cart, you can save steps and the time needed walking back and forth from your cart to the ball by carrying several clubs. Taking several clubs will ensure you have the right one for the shot.

6. BE READY FOR EACH SHOT-- It is not necessary to wait until your playing partners hit before you approach your ball and decide which club to use for your shot. As you approach your ball, check the distance. While your playing partner is hitting, plan how you want to hit your shot. When your turn arrives, you will be ready to hit without delay.

7. BE READY TO PUTT-- As you approach the green, you should be thinking about your first putt. Prepare while you are waiting your turn. You can gauge the distance or judge the break of the green by looking from the side or from behind your ball. This not only prepares you mentally for the putt, but also saves time. And it can be done while others in your group are putting. When it is your turn, be ready to stroke the ball.

8. KEEP THE PACE-- From the time you arrive at the first tee until the time you walk off the 18th green, always be aware of your group¹s position in relation to other groups. Your responsibility as a golfer is to keep pace with the group ahead.