Slow play

Slow play is the number one problem with the game of golf, and has nothing to do with skill level, age, gender, or experience. It is simply a matter of being efficient. From the first drive to the last hole, each player should be ready to play when it is his or her turn. Normally, the player furthest from the hole (being ";away";) plays first, and continues until another player becomes ";away."; While this is a good tradition to follow, play smart. If another player is waiting for the green to clear before launching a 200-yard strike, and you are ready to play, ask if your shot does not interfere with anyone else. Speeding up the game makes it more enjoyable for everyone concerned.

Playing quickly is best. Over-thinking your swing can only produce a bad shot. So line up, take a deep breath and plunge ahead.

Golfers should aim to follow closely the group ahead of them, not to be ";pushed"; by the group behind them. One rule of thumb is that you should have to wait on the group in front of you to hole out as you are teeing up. Otherwise, you are playing too slow.

Should you miss a shot or have it go only a few feet, swallow your pride and hit again. Your fellow players do not want or need excuses. You can do your best by following a poor shot with a quick second one. Do not follow the examples of the pros on TV. While they do often take what seems like forever on a shot, they have a career on the line. Remember, the faster you play the better you will play and the more everyone can enjoy the game.