Miles Bennett
Ready golf is a term used in stroke play golf to encourage golfers to play when they are ready if they can do so safely and it might assist with the pace of play. It is a general practice that most golfers follow, so they are not playing slowly. Ready golf includes thinking ahead so golfers are ready to play when it is their turn. It is not appropriate in match play golf due to the strategy involved between opponents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve the pace of play |
| Rules | Encouraged as long as it is done in a safe and responsible manner |
| Tee-off | Whoever gets there first and is ready to hit should go ahead |
| Carts | Drivers should drop off their partners, let them choose their clubs, and drive to their own balls |
| Putting | Getting ready to putt before it is your turn |
| Out of turn | Allowed under Rule 6.4a to save time |
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What You'll Learn
Ready golf is encouraged to improve pace of play
Ready golf is a term used in stroke play golf only. It encourages golfers to play when they are ready to go if they can do so safely, and it may assist with pace of play. The traditional way to play golf involves waiting for the player farthest from the hole to play first. However, this can slow down the game, especially on busy courses. Ready golf is about being prepared and playing promptly when it is your turn, rather than delaying the game by taking time to assess your options.
Ready golf is not about rushing your play. It is about being ready when it is your turn, so you can take your time and still play at a brisk pace. For example, when putting, you can survey the putt while other players are putting. This way, you can take your stance and make your putt within 20 seconds without rushing.
Ready golf is not always appropriate. It is encouraged in stroke play as long as it is not disruptive to other players and is done in a safe and responsible manner. It is not suitable for match play due to the strategy involved and the need for a set method to determine who plays first. Additionally, it may not be effective on packed courses, as playing out of turn could result in longer waits on the next tee.
Ready golf can be applied in various scenarios to improve pace. For instance, shorter hitters can play first from the tee or fairway if longer hitters need to wait. If a player in your group is taking time to assess a challenging shot, you can hit your shot first if it is safe to do so. Ready golf also applies to putting; if you miss a putt and have an open stance to make the next one, you can putt again instead of marking the ball and waiting for your turn.
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It is recommended that golfers go to their balls and get ready to play as soon as possible
Ready golf is a term used in stroke play golf to encourage golfers to play when they are ready to do so safely, rather than adhering to the traditional procedure of "farthest from the hole should play first". The aim is to improve the pace of play. It is recommended that golfers go to their balls and get ready to play as soon as possible, as this helps to prevent groups from losing touch with the group in front.
Ready golf is not a new concept, but it has gained traction due to the increasing number of golfers on courses and the desire to maintain a brisk pace of play. Golfers are encouraged to think ahead and be prepared when it is their turn. This may involve having the necessary equipment ready, such as the required clubs and a rangefinder, and being mentally ready to take their shot.
It is worth noting that ready golf is not always appropriate. On busy courses, playing out of turn may not significantly improve the pace of play. Additionally, in match play golf, ready golf is not encouraged due to the strategy involved and the need for a set method to determine who plays first.
Ready golf is most effective when adopted by groups towards the front of the field, as they are less likely to be held up by golfers ahead of them. It is also beneficial when one player faces a challenging shot and needs time to assess their options, as it allows other players to take their shots first. By adopting ready golf, golfers can maintain a good pace of play and avoid slow play, making the game more enjoyable for all participants.
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Golfers should be ready to putt before it is their turn
Ready golf is a term used in stroke play golf to encourage golfers to play when they are ready if they can do so safely. It helps improve the pace of play and is considered good golf etiquette when conditions are slow. This style of play is particularly effective on less busy courses to prevent groups from losing touch with the group in front.
When starting a hole, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole typically plays first. After starting a hole, the ball farthest from the hole is usually played first. However, in ready golf, golfers are encouraged to be ready to play before it is their turn and to hit when safe and ready, rather than waiting for the person farthest from the hole to play first.
For example, if a player farther away is taking time to assess their options, a shorter hitter who is ready to go can play first. Similarly, if a player who has just played from a bunker is delayed in raking the bunker, another player who is nearer to the hole and ready to play can go first.
Ready golf does not apply to putting and chipping, and golfers on the green typically wait to putt until everyone has gotten on the green. However, some golfers wish that ready golf applied to putting and chipping to further speed up the pace of play.
Overall, ready golf is a useful concept to improve the pace of play in stroke golf and is considered good etiquette when adopted safely and responsibly. Golfers should be ready to putt before it is their turn to maintain a good pace of play, but the final decision to putt should consider etiquette and safety to ensure a positive experience for all players.
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Ready golf is best played on a less busy course
Ready golf is a term used in stroke play golf to encourage golfers to play when they are ready to do so safely, rather than adhering to the traditional procedure of "farthest from the hole should play first". It is a strategy to improve the pace of play and is especially useful on less busy courses.
On a less busy course, ready golf can help prevent groups from losing touch with the group in front. It is beneficial if the groups towards the front of the field adopt this strategy, as it can speed up play for everyone. For example, if a player is working with a rules official to take a drop from a cart path, another golfer can go first to save time and maintain the flow of the game.
Ready golf is about being prepared and thinking ahead. It involves lining up your putts while other players are putting, so you are ready to putt when it is your turn. It also means putting continuously if your ball is not in someone else's line and you don't need to spend a lot of time surveying the putt. Additionally, shorter hitters can play first from the tee or fairway if longer hitters are taking time to assess their options.
While ready golf is a useful strategy, it is important to note that it is not appropriate for match play golf due to the strategy involved between opponents and the need for a set method to determine who plays first. It is also worth mentioning that playing out of turn to complete a hole quicker on a busy course may not have a significant impact and could potentially result in longer waiting times on the next tee.
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It is not recommended for match play competition
Ready golf is a term used in stroke play golf only. It encourages golfers to play when they are ready to go if they can do so safely, and it might assist with the pace of play. However, it is not recommended for match play competition due to the strategy involved between opponents and the need to have a set method for determining which player plays first.
In match play golf, the player who won the hole (or teed off first and still has honors) continues to play first on the tee box. If a golfer plays out of turn, the other player can cancel the stroke and make them hit again. This is because, in match play, the strategy for the tee shot or approach shot might change, as it depends on the other golfer. For example, if a player closer to the hole puts before another player farther away, they may be showing them the line, which could give the first player an advantage. This would be a breach of Rule 6.4b, which states that the farthest from the hole should play first, and would attract a penalty of two strokes for both players.
Ready golf is more suited to informal events, such as a men's club or a 2-man scramble, rather than bigger events like a USGA qualifier or club championship. It is also more effective on less busy courses, where it can help prevent groups from losing touch with the group in front. On packed courses, it may only have a significant impact if the groups at the front of the field are adopting it.
Ready golf includes thinking ahead so that players are ready to play when it is their turn. For example, players should line up their putts while other players are putting so that they can putt when it is their turn. It does not mean rushing, and players should still take their time to make a smooth, unhurried stroke. Ready golf also means putting continuously if the ball is not in someone else's line and the player does not have to spend a lot of time surveying the putt.
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Frequently asked questions
Ready golf is a style of play that encourages golfers to be ready to play their shot as soon as they get to their ball, even if they are not the farthest from the hole.
Ready golf is played to improve the pace of the game. It is especially useful on less busy courses to prevent groups from falling behind the group in front.
In traditional golf, the player farthest from the hole plays first. In ready golf, whoever gets to their ball first and is ready to hit should go ahead.
Yes, ready golf should only be played in a safe and responsible manner. It is not allowed or recommended in match play competitions.
