Is Slow Play Ruining Golf? And What Can Everyday Golfers Do About It?

There aren’t many things better than a summer round of golf. Good weather, a course in great condition, a few hours outside and hopefully a decent scorecard at the end of it.
But there is one thing that can quickly take the shine off it: slow play.

It’s one of golf’s longest-running debates and, as courses get busier during the summer months, it becomes an even bigger talking point.

In fact, a recent Golfshake survey of more than 700 golfers found that 74% named slow play as their biggest frustration when playing Open competitions and amateur events – putting it ahead of concerns around handicap manipulation.

So, is slow play ruining golf?

We wouldn’t go quite that far. But we do think there are plenty of simple things we can all do to keep golf moving – without rushing, stressing about the group behind or taking any of the enjoyment out of the game.

And there’s one important point to make from the start:
You don’t have to be a good golfer to play at a good pace.

What is considered slow play in golf?
There isn’t one magic number that determines whether a round of golf is too slow.

Course length, difficulty, weather, group size, competitions and how busy the course is can all affect the time it takes to complete a round.

The important thing is your position on the course.

Rather than worrying constantly about the group behind, keep an eye on the group ahead. If there is a completely empty hole developing in front of you and groups are regularly waiting behind, it might be time to pick up the pace.

The R&A has recognised pace of play as an important issue within golf and has produced dedicated guidance covering everything from course management and set-up to player behaviour. Its research has previously found that 60% of 56,000 golfers surveyed globally said they would enjoy golf more if it took less time.

The good news? Small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.

What is Ready Golf?
One of the easiest ways to improve the pace of a round is to embrace Ready Golf.
Traditionally, golf operates on the basis that the player furthest from the hole plays first. Ready Golf takes a more practical approach during stroke play: if you’re ready to play and it is safe and responsible to do so, play.

The Rules of Golf specifically allow and encourage players to play out of turn in stroke play when doing so safely and responsibly can save time.

That could mean a shorter hitter playing while a longer hitter waits for the group ahead to move out of range. Or playing your shot while another golfer is still deciding which club they need.
It isn’t about racing around the course. It’s simply about making good use of the time that’s already available.
Be ready when it’s your turn
This sounds obvious, but it can save a huge amount of time over 18 holes.

While another member of your group is playing, you can often be getting ready for your own shot.

Work out your distance. Choose your club. Put your glove on. Have a look at the wind. Think about the shot you want to hit.
Then, when it’s safe and appropriate for you to play, you’re ready.

Saving 20 or 30 seconds might seem insignificant. Multiply that across several players, dozens of shots and 18 holes, however, and suddenly it matters.

Play a provisional ball if you’re in doubt
We’ve all hit one.
That drive that disappears towards the rough and leaves everyone saying: “I think we’ll find it.”
Sometimes you will. Sometimes you won’t.

If your ball may be lost outside a penalty area or could be out of bounds, playing a provisional ball can save a long walk back.
Under Rule 18.3, you need to make it clear that you’re playing a provisional before making the stroke. If your original ball is subsequently found in bounds within the permitted three-minute search time, you continue with the original.

It’s a simple habit that can prevent a lost ball from creating a significant delay for everyone on the course.
Help each other watch the ball
You don’t need to start a search party every time somebody misses a fairway.
Instead, watch each other’s shots.

Pick a tree, bunker, marker or another reference point close to where the ball disappeared. If everyone has watched its flight rather than immediately putting their head down and walking towards their own ball, finding it becomes much easier.
The R&A specifically recommends watching the flight of other players’ shots carefully as a way of reducing time spent searching for lost balls.

It’s good teamwork – and your playing partner will probably return the favour when it’s your turn to find the deep stuff.
Think about where you leave your golf bag or trolley
Another very small habit that makes a difference.

When you reach a green, think about where the next tee is.
Whenever practical, leave your golf bag or trolley on the side of the green that allows you to walk towards the next hole once everyone has finished.

Leaving it at the front of the green and then walking back to collect it while the group behind waits doesn’t seem like much. Do it repeatedly throughout a round and those little delays add up.

The same applies to golf buggies. A little forward thinking keeps everyone moving.

Read your putt while others are putting
Putting doesn’t have to begin when it’s officially your turn.
While other players are preparing to putt, start assessing your own line – without distracting them, of course.
Look at the slope, consider the pace and get an idea of what your putt is going to do.

When your turn arrives, you can go through your normal routine and hit the putt rather than beginning the whole process from scratch.

And if you’ve got a very short putt remaining, holing out when appropriate can often keep things moving too.
Mark your scorecard at the next tee

Finished the hole? Great.
Move away from the green and then deal with the scorecard.
The R&A recommends marking scores on the way to or at the next tee if doing it beside the previous green would delay the group behind.

There is plenty of time to confirm whether that was a five or a six once you’ve cleared the green.

Do beginners cause slow play?
No. Being a beginner does not automatically mean being a slow golfer.
This is something we think is particularly important.
Golf needs new players. Nobody should feel uncomfortable stepping onto a course because they’re worried that their handicap isn’t low enough or that they won’t hit every shot perfectly.

You can hit 100-plus shots and still maintain a perfectly reasonable pace of play.

Equally, you can be an excellent golfer and take far too long over every decision.

Good pace of play is much more about awareness and habits than ability.

Be ready to play. Keep up with the group ahead. Watch where your ball goes. Help your playing partners. And if things aren’t going to plan, don’t worry – we’ve all been there.

At Leeds Golf Centre, we want golf to be welcoming and enjoyable whether you’re an experienced member, taking your first steps onto a golf course or somewhere in between.
How can golfers improve pace of play without rushing?
Ultimately, that’s the key question.

Golf should never feel like a race.
You should still have time to think about your shot, enjoy the walk, talk to the people you’re playing with and actually enjoy being on the course.

Improving pace of play isn’t about sprinting between shots or feeling under pressure.

It’s about cutting out the time when nothing is happening.
A provisional ball here. Getting your club ready there. Walking towards the next tee before marking the card. Reading your putt while somebody else plays.

Individually, they’re tiny changes.

Across four golfers and 18 holes, they can transform the flow of a round.

So, is slow play ruining golf? Maybe not.

But if we can spend a little less time waiting around and a little more time actually playing the game we love, surely that’s better for everyone.

Quick answers: golf pace of play FAQs

What is Ready Golf?
Ready Golf means playing when you’re ready and it is safe and responsible to do so, rather than always waiting for the player furthest from the hole. It is allowed and encouraged in stroke play where appropriate.

Should I play a provisional ball?
If you think your ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds, playing a provisional can save considerable time. Remember that you must announce that you’re playing a provisional before making the stroke.

How long can you search for a lost golf ball?
Under the Rules of Golf, you have three minutes to search from the point when you or your caddie begin looking for the ball.

Does being a high-handicap golfer mean I will hold people up?
Absolutely not. Pace of play is more about awareness, preparation and good habits than how many shots you take.

What’s the easiest way to avoid slow play?
Keep up with the group ahead, be ready when it’s safe to play, use a provisional when necessary and think one step ahead as you move around the course.

Can I take my time without causing slow play?
Of course. A good pace of play isn’t about rushing your shots. Take the time you need to play – just use the time between shots efficiently.