Secrets to Speeding Up Your Golf Round

You may be asking yourself if there is a way you could spend less time on the course and still enjoy the game while saving some of that precious time. As the saying goes, "Time is Money!" You can save time if you view golf as a pleasurable activity and don't take it too seriously. If you are very competitive and want a perfect round with a good score, these ideas may not work for you. In other words, if your goal is to enjoy the day, get some exercise, spend some relaxing time with a golfing buddy, and not spend a lot of time on the golf course, here are some pointers to help you speed around the golf course in record time.

You must take a golf cart. If you choose to walk the course, while having good health benefits, it will take too long. If you are playing with a partner, park the golf cart in the middle of where the two golf balls lie. Have one person drive the cart while the other starts walking to the next shot.

Whenever you reach the ball, take the shot. Be sure to watch closely where it lies by picking out landmarks close to where it lands. The last thing you need to do is spend 15 minutes looking for the ball. If your partner has already shot, ask them to watch your golf ball. With both of you watching, you will have a better chance of tracking it and not losing it.

This may seem radical, but don't keep score. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise associated with the game. If you feel you must keep score, do it at the next tee.

You know what your most difficult golf shots are be it sand, water, tall rough, etc. When your ball lands in any of these tough areas, declare the ball unplayable and take a one-stroke penalty. You will get to drop the ball as close as possible to the spot from which you last played. The idea here is to not waste time by trying to get out of a sand trap where it may take three strokes to do so.

According to rule 26, you are allowed to take a one-stroke penalty after hitting any water and drop the ball where it crossed the water. This is a great time saver.

Think about hitting a provisional shot if your tee shot may have gone out of bounds. Make sure you announce to your partners that you are hitting a provisional. You can then choose the one that is in bounds. If the first drive was not out of bounds, you take it. Otherwise, you have your provisional and a one-stroke penalty. Choose whichever ball is in the best position and take the penalty if necessary.

Declare any putt that is closer than four feet to be a "gimmie". This will benefit both you and your golfing partner. You may even go for a greater distance than four feet. You and your partner just need to agree.