Mastering Summer Golf: Tips to Improve Your Game and Speed up Play

Summer golf is a beloved pastime for many across the United States, offering extended daylight hours for late-afternoon tee times. The warm weather creates a pleasant atmosphere for golfers to enjoy. However, in places like Arizona, summer golf presents a unique advantage: affordability. With temperatures soaring above 110 degrees, only the most dedicated players brave the heat, prompting golf courses to lower green fees significantly. For instance, a $159 fee can grant access to rounds at just $20 from mid-May to mid-September—a deal that’s hard to resist!

Embracing the Early Morning Tee Times

For avid golfers, morning tee times are crucial to escape the intense summer heat. In Arizona, early starts are ideal, but with school sessions in full swing, my earliest arrival has shifted to around 8:30 a.m. By that time, the sun has already climbed above 95 degrees. Nevertheless, summer mornings can be surprisingly busy on the course. Recently, my mother and I opted to play the back nine first when faced with a backlog of groups ahead of us. This strategic decision led to an exhilarating pace of play—finishing all 18 holes in just under three hours.

What contributed to my surprising success was the brisk pace we managed to maintain. The lack of waiting on other players allowed me to focus and keep a steady rhythm, avoiding the frustrations of slow rounds, especially in such brutal conditions. This preference for speed isn’t just my own—it’s a common sentiment among golfers who seek to avoid the pitfalls of slow play.

Strategies to Speed Up Your Golf Game

To help fellow golfers enjoy faster, smoother rounds, I’ve compiled a list of effective strategies we’ve adopted. Whether you’re riding in a cart or walking, these tips can help you save time and, potentially, improve your score!

1. Tee Off Without Delay

One of the simplest ways to ensure a smooth start is to be prepared to tee off the moment you reach the tee box. Often, players take too long to gather their thoughts or equipment. Make it a habit to be ready to hit when it’s your turn. This urgency not only helps your game but also motivates your fellow players, fostering a quicker pace for the entire group.

2. Record Scores on the Next Tee

Resist the temptation to jot down your score right after finishing a hole. Instead, wait until you reach the next tee box. As one player tees off, take that moment to quickly record your score. This small adjustment can significantly reduce time spent lingering on the greens.

3. Optimize Movement on the Course

Too many players become bogged down by staying with their carts or following in order. Instead, don’t hesitate to drop off a playing partner near their ball, allowing you to hit yours without unnecessary delay. Similarly, if you’re within 100 yards of the green, take a couple of clubs with you as you walk.

4. Commit to Ready Golf

Unless you’re in a formal tournament setting that requires honor-based play, embrace the concept of "ready golf." If you’re ready to hit while your partner is still preparing, go ahead and take your shot. This is particularly effective around the greens, where waiting can be particularly frustrating.

5. Invest in a Distance-Measuring Device

To eliminate guesswork and reduce time spent estimating yardage, consider investing in a GPS golf device. Having immediate access to yardage information transforms your game, allowing for rapid club selection and quicker shots. This can be a significant time-saver, especially for those who often measure distances on foot.

6. Leave the Pin In

Since recent rule changes, it’s become much more convenient and acceptable to leave the flagstick in while putting. This can save valuable seconds and keeps the game moving at a brisker pace—don’t hesitate to make this switch!

7. Putt Until You Finish

In casual rounds, there’s often no need for elaborate rituals around putting. Rather than pausing to clean or overanalyze each putt, focus on hitting the ball when you’re ready, especially if the putt is within a few feet. Make your game flow, and your score will likely improve as a result.

8. One Practice Swing is Enough

When it’s hot outside, conserving your energy is vital. Restrict yourself to one practice swing at most. Repeated swings can tire you out, making you less effective as the round progresses.

9. Efficiently Manage Lost Balls

If you lose a golf ball, stick to a quick search to avoid prolonging the game. A brief reconnaissance is enough; if you can’t locate it quickly, move on and prepare to hit a new one. Time is of the essence for all players on the course.

Conclusion: Enjoying Summer Golf

Playing golf during the summer shouldn’t come with the stress of enduring extended rounds or waiting on others. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your experience. Beyond just improving your pace, you may find that you play better when you’re not waiting around—allowing for a more enjoyable round.

This summer, make it a goal not only to enjoy affordable golf in warm weather but to embrace a faster, more efficient style of play that benefits yourself and your playing partners. In the world of golf, every stroke counts—and so does every moment spent in the sun. Enjoy the game, stay cool, and play fast!