Members of the Pembroke Lakes Men’s Golf Association (PLMGA),

As you all know there have been ongoing complaints regarding slow play within the membership. Slow play on the golf course is usually a habit that a golfer acquires over time or maybe the result of the golfer never having been taught proper golf etiquette. This means a slow golfer can usually be "cured". Of course, that golfer has to be aware that he's slow, and that's where buddies come into play. Here are a few simple “TIPS” that will speed up play.

1. First and foremost, chose the correct set of tees from which to play.

2. Carry a spare ball in your pocket so that you do not have to go back to your bag when you need to hit a provisional. If you’re unsure whether or not your ball has come to rest in a hazard or is out of bounds, immediately hit a provisional ball so that you won’t have to return to the spot to replay the shot.

3. Limit searches for a lost ball (5 minutes is the USGA rule but try to make it shorter).

4. Minimize practice swings.

5. When two members are riding in a golf cart, drive to the first ball and drop off the first player with his choice of club(s). The second player should proceed in the cart to his ball. After the first player hits, he should begin walking toward the cart as the second player is playing. Always, consider safety first!

6. Use the time you spend getting to your ball to think about the next shot - the yardage, the club selection. When you reach your ball you'll need less time to figure out the shot.

7. Most importantly, play "ready" golf. If you're ready to hit either from the tee box or fairway, then hit, even if it's not your turn. Get your foursome on board so that no one will be offended or fail to follow suit. Ready golf sends your rounds into warp speed and has little effect on a match, since honors even out over time. Of course, BIRDIES maybe the exception. Again, safety first!

8. If your next shot is a pitch or chip around the green, automatically take your putter with you.

9. Park golf carts to the side or behind the green so that when you finish putting you will be moving away from the field of play and towards the next tee.

10. Begin reading the green and lining up putts as soon as you reach the green. Don’t wait until it’s your turn to putt. Read the green as soon as you reach it so that when it’s your turn you can step right up and putt.

11. If you are the first in the cup, pick up the flag stick so that you can replace it after the last person has putted out.

12. Fill out the scorecard on the next tee box, not beside the green where you just putted out.

13. Always pull a club while replacing another. For example, keep your putter in your hands for the cart ride to the next tee after you hole out, then place it in your bag as you take out your driver. [Then keep your driver in hand until you pull your approach club.] The minutes you save by limiting club swaps will add up quickly.

14. On a cart-path-only days, take more than one club with you when you walk from the cart to your ball.

15. FINALLY, AWAYS keep up with the group ahead of you.

Most of all, let’s all enjoy the day, enjoy the game, have a good time, while also considering and respecting our fellow members.