To Etiquette or not...that's the question?

This is what a 30-year veteran of the game has to say.

When I started playing, I played with guys who already had experience and had been playing for a while. The showed me the ropes and I'm glad they took the time to explain a lot of things to me. Here are some of the main points they taught me that I believe make everyone from my playing partners to others on the course, groundskeepers and I enjoy themselves a great deal more.

Here are some tips for beginners to help improve the pace of play on the golf course:

1. Be Prepared: Before your turn, choose your club, assess the distance, and plan your shot. This minimizes delays when it's your time to play.

2. Limit Practice Swings: While practice swings can be helpful, avoid excessive practice swings that can prolong your pre-shot routine.

3. Ready Golf: Adopt the "ready golf" mentality, where the player who's ready to hit goes ahead, rather than strictly adhering to the order of play. This keeps the game moving efficiently.

4. Keep Up with Group Ahead: Maintain a reasonable distance from the group ahead. If you're consistently catching up to them, you might be playing too quickly, but if they're frequently leaving a gap between them and your group, you might need to speed up. Adjust your pace to match the day and you'll have more fun.

5. Be Quick on the Green: When on the putting green, mark your ball and line up your putt while others are putting. Be ready to putt as soon as it's your turn.

6. Limit Search Time: If your ball goes off-course, spend a reasonable amount of time searching for it. If you can't find it quickly, use a provisional ball to save time.

7. Keep Conversations Brief: Engage in conversations but keep them concise. Save more in-depth discussions for after the round.

8. Stay Focused: While it's important to enjoy the game, stay focused on the task at hand to prevent unnecessary delays.

9. Walk Efficiently: If you're walking the course, do so with purpose.

10. Use a Cart Wisely: If using a golf cart, park it strategically near your ball to minimize walking time. Drive to your ball and then park in a way that allows for a quick exit after hitting.

11. Limit Distractions: Put away your phone, unless you're using it for yardage or scoring purposes. Minimize distractions that could slow down your play.

12. Learn Basic Rules: Understanding basic rules and etiquette can help you navigate the course more smoothly and prevent unnecessary delays due to rule disputes.

13. Practice Efficiency: Spend time at the driving range practicing different shots and learning to control your shots. This can help reduce the number of shots on the course.

14. Stay Positive: Stay positive and focused even if you're having a challenging round. Dwelling on bad shots can lead to slower play.

15. Play a Few Holes First: If you're new to the game, consider starting with fewer holes before playing a full 18-hole round. This allows you to get accustomed to the pace and etiquette gradually.

Remember, as a beginner, it's okay to take your time while you're learning. The goal is to strike a balance between enjoying the game and being considerate of other players on the course.