Ready golf is a modern approach to speeding up play by allowing players to hit when they’re ready, instead of strictly following the “farthest from the hole plays first” rule. It’s designed to make rounds faster and more enjoyable while still respecting safety and etiquette.
Key Points:
- What it is: Players take their shots as soon as they’re prepared, prioritizing efficiency over traditional order.
- When to use it: Works best in stroke play, practice rounds, public courses, and bad weather. Not ideal for match play.
- Rules to follow: Stay safe, communicate clearly, and play efficiently without rushing.
- Tips for faster play: Be ready on the tee, head straight to your ball in the fairway, and position gear near the next hole around the green.
Why it matters: Ready golf can save up to 30 minutes per round, improve game flow, and make the experience smoother for everyone. It’s especially helpful for newer or slower players.
Want to speed up your game? Focus on being prepared, playing safely, and staying mindful of others on the course.
Understanding Ready Golf
What Is Ready Golf?
Ready golf is all about hitting your shot when you’re prepared, instead of waiting for the traditional "farthest from the hole plays first" order. The idea is to keep the game moving efficiently while still respecting golf etiquette.
"Ready golf is now actively encouraged in stroke play as a way to improve pace of play." – The R&A, Rules of Golf 2019
How It Differs from Traditional Etiquette
Ready golf takes a more flexible approach compared to the traditional rules. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Aspect | Traditional Etiquette | Ready Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Order | Follows "farthest from the hole plays first" | Hit when you’re ready (as long as it’s safe) |
| Focus | Formal structure and honor system | Prioritizes speed and efficiency |
| Priority | Based on distance | Based on who’s ready to play |
| Application | Used in all formats | Primarily for stroke play |
This approach aims to speed up the game without compromising safety or respect for other players.
When Does Ready Golf Work Best?
Ready golf shines in specific situations where sticking to traditional order could drag things out:
- Public Courses: Especially during busy times when faster play is crucial.
- Practice Rounds: Great for casual rounds where improving your game is the main focus.
- Stroke Play Events: Common in both casual and competitive rounds.
- Bad Weather: When conditions demand quicker play to avoid delays.
It’s worth noting that ready golf isn’t suitable for match play, where strategy often depends on the order of play. To keep things smooth, quick verbal communication between players helps maintain the flow.
These scenarios lay the groundwork for more detailed rules and tips coming up next.
Golf Rules and Course Care: Ready Golf
Rules for Ready Golf
Here are some practical guidelines to ensure ready golf is both efficient and enjoyable:
Take Shots When You’re Ready
Being ready doesn’t mean rushing or skipping your pre-shot routine. It means staying prepared and taking your shot when it’s your turn. If someone else is ready and your shot requires extra thought, let them go first to keep the game moving.
Keep Safety a Priority
Following safety protocols is essential for everyone on the course. The USGA/R&A guidelines recommend these steps:
| Safety Protocol | Action |
|---|---|
| Player Position | Make sure all players and staff are safely out of range. |
| Blind Spots | Double-check that no one is in potential landing zones. |
| Group Management | Clearly communicate your intentions and be mindful of maintenance workers. |
Communicate Clearly
Good communication makes ready golf run smoothly. If you’re playing out of turn, let others know with simple statements like "I’ll play now" or "I’m ready." This avoids confusion and unnecessary delays.
To keep your group in sync:
- Use short, clear verbal cues before taking your shot.
- Agree on communication practices before starting the round.
- Let your group know if you need extra time for a tricky shot.
- Always shout "fore" immediately if your ball might head toward others.
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Tips for Using Ready Golf
On the Tee
The tee box is a great place to speed up play. While one person is hitting, others should focus on choosing their club and planning their shot. Try to be ready to hit within 20 seconds after the previous player’s shot.
"Ready golf is not about rushing; it’s about being prepared to play when it’s safe and appropriate to do so." – Mike Davis, Former CEO of USGA
In the Fairway
Being efficient in the fairway can shave minutes off your round. Head straight to your ball while others are hitting, using that time to evaluate your lie and figure out distances. If you’re using a cart, use the "drop and go" method – drop your partner off at their ball, then drive to yours, or vice versa.
| Action | Time Saved |
|---|---|
| Calculate distance and select club | 30-45 seconds per shot |
| Drop and go strategy | 2-3 minutes per hole |
| Limit practice swings (1-2 max) | 20-30 seconds per shot |
Around the Green
The green offers plenty of chances to keep things moving. While others are putting, read your line without stepping into theirs. Place your gear near the next tee box and mark scores there instead of on the green. If you’re unsure which club you’ll need, bring both your putter and wedge.
- Bring both your putter and wedge if you’re undecided
- Position your gear near the next tee to save time
- Read your putt while others are putting
Handling Lost Balls
Under USGA rules, you have three minutes to search for a lost ball, but smart planning can cut down delays. If you think your ball might be lost, play a provisional ball right away. Keep an extra ball in your pocket for quick replacements or provisionals.
When searching for a ball:
- Let others hit their shots first, then join the search
- Assign each player a specific area to look
- Accept penalty strokes promptly if needed
These tips help keep the game moving while staying within Rule 6.4b’s guidelines for playing out of turn.
Advantages of Ready Golf
Ready golf offers more than just quicker rounds – it improves the overall experience for players and helps courses run more smoothly. Backed by USGA data and player feedback, here are three major benefits that make ready golf a game-changer.
Faster Play
By focusing on efficiency, ready golf helps cut down on the time spent during a round. According to course data, adopting ready golf can lead to:
| Time Savings | Impact |
|---|---|
| Average round time | Reduced by 30 minutes |
| Tee time intervals | Improved by 8–12 minutes |
More Enjoyable Rounds
Playing ready golf isn’t just about speed – it also makes the game more enjoyable. USGA surveys reveal that 74% of golfers feel more satisfied when courses encourage ready golf. Why? Because it leads to:
- A smoother game rhythm with less time pressure
- More flexibility to relax and socialize during the round
Better Experience for Slower Players
Ready golf aligns with Rule 6.4b, which allows out-of-turn play, making the game less intimidating for newer or slower players. It helps by:
- Giving players extra time to prepare when needed
- Offering chances to learn by observing others
- Making group ball searches more collaborative
These benefits highlight why ready golf is becoming a go-to approach for players who want both efficiency and enjoyment on the course.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of ready golf, let’s talk about putting it into action. Research shows that ready golf is an effective way to keep the game moving smoothly.
Here’s how you can make ready golf work for you:
- Communicate clearly: Let others know your intentions on the course.
- Stay prepared: Use the time during others’ shots to get ready for your own.
- Play safely: Take your shot when it’s safe, even if it’s out of turn.
- Be aware: Keep an eye on the game’s flow and adjust as needed.
"Ready golf is not just about playing out of turn; it’s about being prepared and aware. When done right, it enhances the experience for everyone on the course." – Suzy Whaley, PGA of America
If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, How To Break 80 offers tools and tips to help you improve both your performance and pace. With these strategies, you can enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable round while respecting the traditions of the game.