Pace of play in golf for young players

What pace of play means

Pace of play is how quickly a group moves around the course. Golf is a game with long gaps between shots, so a few slow habits add up quickly, and the group behind can end up waiting at every hole. Good pace is not rushing. It means being ready, staying close to the group ahead and wasting no time between shots. Young players who learn this early are welcome on any course, and rounds are more fun for everyone.

Ready golf

In formal play, the player farthest from the hole usually hits first. In casual and youth rounds, many groups play ready golf, which means the player who is ready and safe to hit goes ahead, regardless of who is farthest away. It saves time and keeps players from standing around. Safety always comes first: never hit until nobody is within range, as covered in golf etiquette for kids and parents.

Habits that keep a group moving

1. Think about the next shot while others hit. Look at the distance and pick a club before it is your turn.
2. Carry extra clubs. Bring the putter and a spare club toward the green so you do not walk back for something.
3. Take a simple routine. A short, steady routine before each swing is quicker and calmer than a long one.
4. Watch every ball. Following your group's shots makes lost balls rare.
5. Leave the green quickly. Write the score on the next tee, not on the green.
6. Limit the search. Look briefly for a lost ball and then play on, or hit a provisional.

Walking, carts and bags

Where you set your bag matters. Park it at the side of the green nearest the next tee, so you can leave without crossing back. Some courses let juniors ride in a cart, and some require walking. Cart rules vary by course and age, so ask. If you share a cart, park out of the way, and never drive on restricted areas.

When you are holding up the group behind

If your group falls behind the one ahead and a gap opens, speed up. If a faster group is waiting behind, it is polite to wave them through, and many courses encourage it. A friendly "go ahead" is almost always appreciated, and there is no shame in it. Courses sometimes have a staff member or ranger who helps with pace. Follow their directions politely.

Good pace versus slow pace

What parents can do

• Pack the bag the night before so nothing slows the first tee.
• Help your child set a simple routine that is about the same length every time.
• Praise being ready and aware, not only good shots.
• Stay out of the way if you are allowed to walk along, and keep your talk quiet.
• Ask the coach about any pace guidelines your program uses.

For packing ideas, see the youth golf equipment checklist.

A note for coaches and group leaders

Teams and junior programs can build pace into practice. A short exercise is to time how long a group takes to play a hole without rushing swings, then discuss where time was lost. Often it is in walking to a different spot, waiting for a turn, or searching for balls. Another idea is to assign roles: one player watches every shot, another tends the flagstick, another notes the score at the next tee. Everyone has a job, and the group stays engaged instead of standing around.

Praise the group when the pace is good, and tie it to courtesy and safety rather than speed alone. Make clear that a quick round never means skipping a safety check or the care of the course. Players who learn that balance early become welcome partners on any course, and they carry the habit into every game they play later.

Myths about slow and fast golf

A few myths come up often. One is that fast golf means swinging quickly. It does not. Good tempo is smooth, and speed comes from preparation. Another is that beginners should not play on a busy course. In fact, young players are welcome when they are ready, safe and aware of the group behind. A third myth is that slow play is always the fault of the last player to hit. Usually it is a series of small delays, such as a long search, a late club choice and a few extra practice swings.

Finally, some families think that pace only matters in tournaments. Habits are formed in casual rounds, so practicing them there makes them natural when the stakes are higher. Start small, such as a goal to have the club chosen before the group arrives at the ball, and build from there. Over a season, those little habits can shave real time from a round and make every player feel more welcome on the course.

Common mistakes

• Rushing swings to keep up. Pace comes from preparation, not from hurrying the swing.
• Skipping the safety check in the name of speed.
• Blaming slow groups instead of staying focused on your own game.
• Letting a bad shot cause a long frustrated pause. Take a breath, and see how to handle nerves in youth golf.

The aim is a round that is enjoyable for your child and for everyone sharing the course.

Sources and further reading

1. Tips and Suggestions for Improving Pace of Play USGA
2. Pace of Play Resource Center USGA
3. Rules of Golf - Spirit of the Game The R&A

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Frequently asked questions

What is ready golf?

Ready golf means the player who is ready and safe to hit goes next, instead of strictly following who is farthest from the hole.

How can kids play golf faster?

Choose a club while others hit, keep a short routine and leave the green quickly. Brief ball searches also help.

Is it rude to let faster players through?

No. It is polite and common to wave a faster group through, and many courses encourage it.

How long should a round of golf take?

It varies by course, number of holes and group size. Ask your program or the course for their pace guidelines.

Should parents help with pace of play?

Yes, by packing ahead, staying out of the way and praising readiness. Leave swing advice to the coach.