Pace of Play
Etiquette
Explained Simply
How long it takes to play a round of golf. Most courses expect 18 holes in about 4 to 4.5 hours for a foursome.
Example
“If you're taking 5+ hours for 18 holes, you may be asked to speed up. Be aware of the group behind you.”
Why it matters
Slow play frustrates everyone. Most golf frustrations and conflicts on-course trace back to pace issues.
Common beginner mistake
Spending too long looking for lost balls, taking multiple practice swings, or waiting to be 'invited' to play ready golf.
Related
beginner
Etiquette
Related
- Ready GolfPlaying your shot when you are ready, rather than waiting strictly for farthest-from-hole to always go first. Encouraged in casual rounds to speed up play.
- Playing ThroughWhen a faster group behind you is waved ahead of your group because they're being held up. A common and polite courtesy.
- Lost BallIf you cannot find your ball within 3 minutes of searching, it is officially lost. You must return to where you last played from and hit again with a 1-stroke penalty.