How to Handle Slow Play on the Golf Course

We can all agree that perhaps the two things that bug us the most on the course are bad weather and slow play.

Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about either.

Of course we can plan around bad weather, but how do we cope with groups of golfers moving at a snail’s pace in front of us?

Here are a couple of tips on how to handle slow play on the golf course and most importantly how to stay calm when you’re starring down the barrel of a six hour round.

Slow Down

Use the slow play as an opportunity to find a smooth rhythm.  Maintaining a rhythm keeps you focused on the course which ultimately helps you avoid mishits and over-thought shots.  Since the group in front of you isn’t moving, there is no need to race to the next tee.  By slowing down and maintaining your rhythm you’ll become less concerned and frustrated with the pace of play and more focused on the game itself.

Play a Game

One particular game we enjoy during “waiting periods” is something we call “Tee-Marker Bocce.”

Take wedge and ball and just like Italian Bocce Ball, see if you can land a ball close to the marker from about 10 yards out.  Make a competition of if with your golf buddies to see who ends up closest to the marker.  After a few games, you’ll look up and notice that it’s time to hit, and in that time, you got in a little short game practice!

Take Extra Practice Swings

Waiting around can tighten you up and take you out of your rhythm.  Normally, a golfer will take one or two practice swings on a tee before teeing off.  In the event of a 5-10 minute delay, take a few extra swings and step away from the ball before taking your shot.  It will slow you down a bit and warm your muscles back up.

We will all face slow play on the course, but the key is to not let it frustrate you.  Frustration is what leads to slice shots, chunks, mishits, and blow up holes.  Where would you rather be: stuck in hours of traffic, on a 20 minute line at the bank, or a 10 minute delay on the 6^th tee box on a beautiful day?  The answer should be obvious!

Have fun out there and remember these key points to stay calm.