This weekend we took our players to the Fast Freddie Memorial Tournament in Lewisville. Fast Freddie, Coach Willis, was the former golf coach at Lewisville High School and a good friend and mentor to many coaches in North Texas. Memorial events like this lead to discussions amongst coaches about the times they spent together and the stories they each share. Listening to these stories over the weekend reminded me of a saying my former head coach and mentor, Mark Wendel, would say regarding the hot button topic of pace of play.
Coach Wendel and Fast Freddie were not only fast players themselves, but also coached their players to be fast on the golf course. At practice, in big events, or at tournaments for development golfers, Coach Wendel would welcome players to the tournament by going over basic rules and procedures for the day. He would talk briefly (of course) about pace of play saying “It’s OK to play bad, just play bad FAST”.
So what does it mean to play bad fast? And how do golfers learn to play fast?
We believe can help golfers learn to love the game and fit in any group regardless of their ability. Most golfers will agree that playing with someone who can get around the course is much more enjoyable than being paired with a better player that is deliberate causing the group to play slow.
Here are some basic tips that we try to instill in our players that help create a good pace.
The USGA now has included the term “Ready Golf” in Rule 5.6. But what does it mean to play ready golf?
Again, most mid to high handicap players can enjoy playing with their preferred group if they learn to play at a good place.
Coach Wendel and Fast Freddie were not only fast players themselves, but also coached their players to be fast on the golf course. At practice, in big events, or at tournaments for development golfers, Coach Wendel would welcome players to the tournament by going over basic rules and procedures for the day. He would talk briefly (of course) about pace of play saying “It’s OK to play bad, just play bad FAST”.
So what does it mean to play bad fast? And how do golfers learn to play fast?
We believe can help golfers learn to love the game and fit in any group regardless of their ability. Most golfers will agree that playing with someone who can get around the course is much more enjoyable than being paired with a better player that is deliberate causing the group to play slow.
Here are some basic tips that we try to instill in our players that help create a good pace.
The USGA now has included the term “Ready Golf” in Rule 5.6. But what does it mean to play ready golf?
- Players are encouraged to play out of their traditional turn in stroke play as long as they are safe and keeping their playing partners safe in doing so. If you get to your ball first then you play first. This includes the tee box which I will explain below.
- Before it is your turn to hit start finding basic information, yardage, wind direction, and choose your club. None of these should affect your playing partners as they play their shot.
- Walk directly to your ball. Too many times players walk in a group down the center of the fairway then separate to hit. Visit, enjoy your time on the course, but do it moving in straight lines to your ball.
- Take multiple clubs, especially if you are in carts and your partner is across the fairway or green. You should both be able to hit shots before getting back into the cart.
- Pay attention to the layout of the course. Once you approach the green, look to where the cart path leads and leave your bag or cart in a position to walk toward the next tee box. There is no need to leave your clubs short of the green causing you to have to walk back to get it before heading to the next hole.
- When walking and playing in groups of 3-4 I highly suggest the AJGA’s Pace of Play Policy. The first player to hole out should walk to the next hole, at that point they may begin their pre-shot routine and hit their first shot. The next to last player to hole out will stay to replace the flag.
Again, most mid to high handicap players can enjoy playing with their preferred group if they learn to play at a good place.