You need to stay focused on your game and you can use golf etiquette to help you.
Here’s what I mean. The biggest issue on any golf course or in any golf competition is slow play.
To the point that most people will hurry their shots because they don’t want to be labeled a slow player or simply out of good manners and respect for others.
Slow is fast
A paradox if you like. It is crucial that when you approach your golf ball that you start your golf routine as usual. Take the same amount of time.
Tiger Woods has a pre shot and shot routine that is identical in sequence, nature and time frame every time. So should you.
When I say slow, I mean your golf shot routine should allow you to relax and focus. Plus the best way to find your rhythm is through a slow swing.
Most golfers swing too fast and rush their shots
You know the result of a rushed shot. A mishit, topped, duffed, a terrible slice or hook from hitting the ball instead of playing to a target.
Now you are getting frustrated. Your ball is lost, on another fairway or out of bounds and you need to go again.
Do yourself a favor.
When it comes to your shot. Slow down!!!
You will save strokes and time
Golf etiquette at it’s best is you keeping your ball in play. Going through your routine, playing to a target and hitting a good strategic shot.
Here’s how you can speed up play. Walk briskly between shots. If your ball is not in the line of play of someone behind you in your group.
Move to your ball. Get ready, start preparing, making your decisions, be ready to start your shot routine with club in hand.
Start your routine again if you have too, you will still save time
If your routine is interrupted for any reason. A distraction, your mind wandered, you started thinking about what you didn’t want. Or you lost your commitment to your shot through doubt, fear or lost concentration.
STOP
Start again from the very beginning. If Tiger Woods does it he might be a good person to model. In fact he has such discipline he will stop a shot in the down swing.
Your pre shot and shot routine is the best form of golf etiquette
Stick to your routine. It will allow you to relax, make good strategic decisions, to focus on your target and play to it with ease instead of forcing the ball.
Good rhythm, timing, commitment to a shot and letting the club do the work for you will always produce a better shot.
Golf etiquette is about good golf practices.
