Improve your pace of play to build a better course rhythm.

Hello, fellow golfers! Sarah Chen here, your swing coach and instruction editor for The Daily Duffer. I’ve spent over 15 years on the course, teaching everyone from tour pros to weekend warriors, and one thing I’ve learned is that golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. This week, I want to talk about something that impacts us all, regardless of skill level: pace of play. It’s a conversation that recently came up with Matthew Fitzpatrick at the Valspar Championship, and it offers some fantastic insights into how we can all improve our game, not just our speed.

You see, even at the highest levels, maintaining rhythm and focus can be a challenge, especially when external factors come into play. Matthew Fitzpatrick, a fierce competitor and incredible golfer, recently experienced this firsthand, despite going on to win his first PGA Tour victory in nearly three years.

“That was really frustrating. It was slow today. I felt like there was a lot of stop-start,” Fitzpatrick said after his win at the Valspar Championship.

This “stop-start” sensation isn’t just frustrating; it can actively disrupt your rhythm, your focus, and ultimately, your score. If it can affect a tour pro, it can certainly affect us. But instead of just complaining about slow play, let’s look at how we can control our own game and maintain our mental edge, even when the pace isn’t ideal.

The Impact of Rhythm: More Than Just Speed

When you’re out on the course, especially when you’re playing well, you get into a fantastic rhythm. Your pre-shot routine feels natural, your tempo is consistent, and you’re thinking clearly. Slow play can shatter that. Fitzpatrick explained it perfectly:

“When you’re not ready to play a golf shot it gets frustrating after awhile. Particularly when you playing well yourself or you’re in contention or whatever it is. It definitely knocks you out of your rhythm.”

He drew a clear distinction between struggling with a round and simply not being ready to play. We’ve all been there: waiting, watching, feeling our focus drift. The key is to develop strategies to regain that focus and maintain your internal rhythm, regardless of what’s happening around you.

Developing Your Own Internal Pace

One of the biggest lessons I teach my students, especially those aspiring to play at a higher level, is the importance of having a consistent internal clock. This isn’t about rushing your shots; it’s about being prepared and creating a smooth, confident flow to your game. When you’re waiting, instead of getting agitated, use that time constructively.

Try These Drills to Enhance Your Focus and Rhythm:

1. The “Mini-Routine” Reset: When you find yourself waiting for an extended period, instead of fidgeting, engage in a quick mental reset. Take two deep breaths, focusing purely on your inhale and exhale. Then, silently walk through your entire pre-shot routine – visualizing each step, from club selection to feel of the swing – without a club in your hand. This keeps your mind engaged and ready to transition smoothly into your actual shot when it’s your turn. It’s like a mental rehearsal that locks in your focus.

2. The “Walk and Visualize” Drill: As you’re walking to your shot, don’t just chat or think about your next meal. Use this time as part of your active preparation. Visualize the shot you want to hit: where do you want the ball to land? What’s the shape of the shot? What’s the trajectory? This proactive visualization helps you commit to the shot and prevents indecision when you finally get to your ball. Fitzpatrick mentioned how disruptive it is when you “hit, you walk to it, you kind of think about it, you hit again, and you go.” By thinking about it on the walk, you eliminate that second, often slower, “think about it” phase.

3. The “Ready Golf” Mentality (Even When You Can’t Play): While official “ready golf” means playing when safe and ready, you can apply this mentality to your mental game even when waiting. Always assess your lie, distance, and wind conditions as soon as possible. Have your club selection narrowed down to one or two options. Even if you can’t hit, you can be *ready* to hit. This proactive approach keeps your mind sharp and minimizes downtime spent pondering your next move. It also helps you avoid feeling like you’re “chasing your tail,” as Fitzpatrick described.

“It definitely knocked me out of rhythm I felt like for the next two, three holes. I was kind of chasing my tail, because I’m trying to speed up and trying to keep us or get back in position, and at the same time you’re obviously trying to win a golf tournament.”

This feeling of “chasing your tail” is common when your rhythm is disrupted. By being mentally ready, you can minimize its impact.

Course Management and Mental Toughness

Beyond pace, Fitzpatrick’s experience highlights the importance of mental fortitude. Despite what he described as a “glacial” pace from his playing partner, he still went on to win the tournament. This speaks volumes about his ability to compartmentalize and perform under pressure. While we can’t always control the pace of others, we can control our reaction to it.

Remember, golf is a marathon, not a sprint. Every round presents challenges, whether it’s a tough lie, a tricky pin position, or a slow group ahead. How you approach these challenges defines your game. Use any waiting time strategically – to hydrate, to stretch, or to simply enjoy the scenery, thereby diffusing any potential frustration. Your mental game is just as crucial as your swing mechanics. By preparing your mind as thoroughly as you prepare your body, you can navigate any round with greater resilience and enjoyment.

So, the next time you encounter a slow pace, don’t let it derail your game. Instead, see it as an opportunity to practice your mental toughness and internal rhythm. You’ll be amazed at how much more consistent and enjoyable your rounds become.