1. Who's First?
Make the game a pleasure to play from the start. Do not waste time discussing who is going to tee off first. You may need to take the lead in determining the order of play or use your tee as you would in a coin toss. If you are ready, approach the tee, especially if your playing partners are lingering at their cart. Of course, according to golf etiquette, the lowest score from the previous hole has the "honor" once play has begun.
2. Track All Balls
Follow each player's ball and make a mental marker of where it has landed. The golf course has many natural objects to mark the position: a shrub, a tree, or the edge of the fairway, rough, or bunker. By knowing where your partners' balls have landed, you will eliminate time searching for them. You also will know immediately whose turn it will be to hit next.
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. If you are sharing a riding cart, it is not necessary to drive to both balls. When leaving the tee, decide on which side of the fairway to proceed. Drive to the first ball. The second player can walk to her ball. In fairness, you may want to alternate this procedure. The golf course is a beautiful place, so whether riding or walking, enjoy the sights, but do not delay play.
4. Cut 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 any easier or harder, regardless of how many practice swings taken. The precious seconds used to take those swings, however, will add up in a hurry. A practice swing allows you to get set mentally and relieve tension in your body. Rather than taking three, four, or five practice swings, take only one. The round will move much quicker, and it will not harm your game.
5. Take More Than One Club
When you are separated from your cart, save unnecessary steps and time walking back and forth from your bag to the ball by carrying several clubs to the ball. Taking several clubs will ensure you have the right one for the shot. If your shot missed the green and a chip is required, remember to take your putter with you. Always lay the extra club on the edge of the green near the next tee side or between you and your cart in the fairway, so it is visible once your shot is made. More short irons are left behind on the course than any other club. Keeping them in sight or close by will save you a trip to the lost and found.
6. Be Ready For Each Shot
Do not wait till your playing partners have hit before you approach the ball and decide which club to use for your shot. As you approach the ball, check the distance. While your partner is hitting, plan how you wish to hit your shot. When your turn arrives, you will be ready to hit without undue delay.
7. Club Placement
Players usually enter the green from the front and exit to the rear. If you are carrying clubs, or using a pull cart, continue toward the next tee side of the green before setting down your bag. This will save steps and time once you have putted out. If you are riding in a cart, position it either to the side or rear of the green (but always at good distance so the apron or approach are not damaged). This allows the gofers following you to hit their approach shots without waiting, or worrying about hitting your equipment.
8. Be Ready to Putt
As you approach the green, think about your first putt. Prepare while waiting for your turn. Gauge the distance or judge the break of the green by looking from the side or from behind your ball. This prepares you mentally for the putt, saves time, and can de done while others in your group are putting. When it’s your turn, be ready to stroke the ball confidently.
9. Counting Strokes
How often have you seen players standing on the green, replaying the hole stroke by stroke? After you have holed out and placed the flag into the cup, proceed to the next tee. The next tee is the appropriate place to figure out your score, not on the green.
10. Keep The Pace
From the time you arrive at the first tee until the time you walk off the 18th green, be aware of your group's position in relation to other groups. Your responsibility as a golfer is to keep pace with the group ahead. By remaining alert and using these tips as a part of your routine on the golf course, you will find that your round will go more smoothly.
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