Waiting on every tee, standing in the fairway while the group ahead putts out, a five-and-a-half-hour round: slow play frustrates golfers and can wreck your rhythm. You can't always control the pace of the course, but you can control how you respond. Here's how to stay loose, calm and focused when the game slows down.
Why waiting hurts your game
- Stiffness: muscles cool down while standing.
- Overthinking: too much time to worry about the next shot.
- Frustration: tension speeds up the swing.
- Lost rhythm: a stop-start round disrupts your flow.
Stay calm
- Accept it: if the course is busy, it's busy.
- Talk to your playing partners and enjoy the company.
- Enjoy the surroundings. Read golf courses and wildlife.
- Breathe: slow breathing reduces tension.
Read the mental game of golf.
Switch off, then switch on
You can't concentrate for five hours. Relax between shots and switch on only when you start your routine.
- Switch-on trigger: putting on your glove, pulling the club or looking at the target.
- Switch-off trigger: handing the club back to the bag or taking off your glove.
Read golf pre-shot routine.
Stay loose
- Gentle stretches while waiting: hips, back, shoulders.
- Slow practice swings before your turn, without holding anyone up.
- Keep walking around rather than standing still.
- Warm clothing in cold weather.
Read yoga for golfers.
Fuel and hydrate
Long rounds use more energy. Snack every few holes and drink regularly. Read what to eat and drink on the golf course.
Rhythm after a long wait
After a long wait, make a couple of smooth practice swings, use a tempo thought such as "smooth" and choose a safe target. Read golf swing thoughts.
Is your group part of the problem?
- Play ready golf.
- Keep up with the group in front.
- Let faster groups through.
- Limit searches to three minutes.
Read pace of play.
What to do about very slow play
- Speak to a marshal or the pro shop if a group ahead is holding up the course.
- Ask politely to play through if there's a gap ahead of them.
- Choose quieter tee times in future, such as early mornings or twilight. Read twilight golf.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stay focused during a slow round?
Relax between shots, switch on for your routine, stay loose and keep eating and drinking.
Why do I play worse when the course is slow?
Waiting can stiffen your body, increase tension and disrupt your rhythm.
Should I complain about slow play?
If a group is clearly holding everyone up, speak calmly to a marshal or the pro shop.
What is ready golf?
Playing when you're ready and it's safe, rather than strictly following the order of play.
The bottom line
You can't always control the pace, but you can control your response. Accept the wait, switch off between shots and on for your routine, stay loose and fuelled, and make sure your own group plays efficiently. For more on etiquette, read golf etiquette 101.