Slow play is one of the most common complaints in golf. Long rounds put people off the game, frustrate groups behind and take up time many golfers don't have. The good news is that playing faster rarely means rushing your shots. Most time is lost between shots: walking to the wrong place, waiting for others, searching for balls and dithering over decisions. A few simple habits can take 30 minutes or more off a round without affecting your score.
How long should a round take?
Many courses aim for about four hours for a four-ball and less for smaller groups, depending on the course. That is roughly 13 to 15 minutes per hole. The rules also recommend that you play each stroke within about 40 seconds once it is your turn and you can play without interference.
The best measure, though, is your position on the course: if there is a clear hole in front of your group, you are behind.
Ready golf
"Ready golf" means playing when you are ready, rather than strictly following the order of play, as long as it is safe and does not disturb others.
- Hit if you are ready and the player furthest away is not.
- Shorter hitters can tee off first while longer hitters wait for the group ahead to clear.
- Hit when ready on the green if someone else is still lining up, and you won't stand on their line or distract them.
- Agree to play ready golf at the start of the round.
In match play, the order of play matters more, so agree with your opponent how you will play. Read match play golf.
Prepare before it's your turn
- Work out your yardage and choose your club while others are playing. Read rangefinder vs GPS.
- Have a short, efficient routine. Read golf pre-shot routine.
- Limit practice swings to one or two.
- Read your putt while others are putting, without standing on their line.
- Take a couple of clubs to your ball if you are not sure which you need.
Searching for balls
- Watch every shot, including your playing partners'. Note a landmark where the ball finished.
- Play a provisional ball if a ball might be lost or out of bounds, before walking forward. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
- Search for no more than three minutes, the limit in the rules.
- Help others search, but be quick.
- Wave groups through if you are looking for a ball and the group behind is waiting.
Around the green
- Leave your bag or trolley on the side of the green nearest the next tee, not in front of the green.
- Park carts behind or to the side of the green, near the path to the next tee.
- Leave the green promptly once you have holed out.
- Mark your scorecard on the next tee, not on the green.
- Putt out short putts rather than marking them, when it doesn't interfere with others.
- Keep the flagstick in if your group prefers; it saves time.
Maximum scores and picking up
In many formats, there is no need to finish every hole:
- Stableford: pick up when you can no longer score a point. Read golf formats and games explained.
- Maximum score competitions: pick up when you reach the maximum.
- Casual rounds: many golfers pick up at a set number, such as double or triple bogey.
- Handicap rounds: your score is capped at net double bogey per hole, so picking up beyond that does not hurt your handicap. Read the World Handicap System explained.
In medal (stroke play) competitions, you must hole out on every hole.
Carts and trolleys
- Drop your partner at their ball and drive to yours.
- Take several clubs when you must walk from the cart path.
- Follow the cart rules but avoid long walks back and forth.
Read walking vs riding.
Letting faster groups through
If your group is slower than the group behind and there is space ahead, invite them to play through. Wait at the side, safely out of range, and let them hit. Most golfers appreciate it, and it makes your round more relaxed too. Read golf etiquette 101.
Choosing the right tees and format
- Play the right tees for your game: fewer shots, faster rounds. Read which tees should I play?.
- Play nine holes or a short course when time is short. Read par-3 and short courses.
- Use formats such as scrambles or Stableford in social golf.
For beginners
- Pick up when a hole goes badly in a casual round.
- Play at quieter times while learning.
- Don't worry about being perfect: keeping pace matters more than score. Read golf for beginners: the complete guide.
Quick checklist
- Keep up with the group in front.
- Ready golf, when safe.
- Prepare while others play.
- Provisional balls, three-minute searches.
- Bags on the side of the green nearest the next tee.
- Scores on the next tee.
- Let faster groups through.
Frequently asked questions
How long should 18 holes take?
Many courses aim for about four hours for a four-ball, less for smaller groups.
What is ready golf?
Playing when you are ready and it is safe, rather than strictly waiting for the player furthest from the hole.
Is it rude to ask to play through?
Not if you ask politely and there is space ahead. Many groups are happy to let faster players through.
Does slow play affect scores?
Long waits can disrupt rhythm and concentration. A steady pace usually helps everyone play better.
The bottom line
Faster golf comes from efficient habits between shots, not from rushing your swing. Keep up with the group ahead, play ready golf, prepare before your turn, use provisional balls, park bags and carts sensibly and pick up when the format allows. Everyone, including you, will enjoy the game more. For more on course etiquette, read golf course maintenance explained.