Golf is always more fun when the game keeps moving! This June, we’re focusing on the importance of a good pace of play so everyone can have a fantastic experience on the course.
We’re also giving away some great prizes to thank you for getting involved!
Our Pace of Play Goals (maximum):
- 18-Hole Round: 4 hours, 20 minutes
- 9-Hole Round: 2 hours, 10 minutes
- Par 3 Course: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Enter to Win!
→ After your round fill out a “Pace of Play Contest Card” to enter our drawing in the Pro Shop!
→ A winner for a Foursome with Carts will be drawn from Sykes/Lady & St. Andrews weekly.
→ Every round you play between now and June 30 is a chance to win!
→ Winners will be contacted via email.
→ All leagues and Youth on Course participants are welcome to enter!
*Employees and volunteers not eligible
Pro Tips To Keep Up The Pace:
1. Setting the Pace: Preparation & The Tee Box
Start your round on the right foot by getting organized before you even take your first swing.
- Arrive On Time: Arrive at the tee box 10 minutes before your tee time to check in with the starter.
- Play Your Game, Not Your Ego: Choose the tee box that matches your true driving distance.
- Be Prepared: Have your club, ball, and tee ready in hand before it is your turn to hit.
- Watch All Tee Shots: Follow the flight of all tee shots in your group to locate shots and prevent delays.
2. Fairway Focus: Keep the Momentum Moving
Once you are off the tee, efficiency is key. Keep the game flowing with these smart fairway habits.
- Play Ready Golf: Hit your shot when safe and ready, even if you aren’t the furthest from the hole.
- Limit Practice Swings: Keep practice swings and your pre-shot routine under 20 seconds.
- Stick To The 3-Minute Rule: Limit your ball search to 3 minutes before taking a drop and moving on.
- Pick Up When Needed: Pick up your ball once you have reached your maximum score limit for the hole.
- Learn How To Share A Golf Cart: Drop your partner off at their ball and go to yours. After they hit they can walk to the cart. If your balls are relatively close to each other, park between them to save time.
3. Mastering the Greens: Putting & Transitions
The green is where groups often lose the most time. Use these tips to finish the hole efficiently and transition smoothly.
- Line Up Putts Early: Read the green and calculate your putt while others are putting, without distracting.
- On The Green: Consider leaving the flagstick in the hole, as well as continuous putting. If your first putt leaves you with a 2-3 footer, continue putting and finish the hole rather than marking it and waiting for others to putt.
- Score On The Next Tee: Mark your scorecard on the next tee box, not while lingering around the green.
4. Course Awareness: Mindset & Etiquette
Pace of play is a group effort. Stay mindful of your surroundings and players sharing the course with you.
- Be Accountable: Recognize that slow play isn’t just other players’ fault. Aim to keep up with the foursome ahead of you to keep your position on the course. You should play in an average of 12-15 minutes per hole.
- Respect The Group Ahead: Never hit into or pressure other players. This distraction is unsafe and slows play! Allow the Course Volunteers to manage play. Only contact the Pro Shop for severe delays.
- Give The Phone A Rest: Turn your cell phone off to prevent distractions and enjoy your day!
Thank you for helping us keep up the pace and making our courses enjoyable for every golfer.