Duck Golf Association
How to play Ready Golf
General Recommendations
· Play ready golf - don't stand on formalities. Play honors when possible, but not if the owner of the honors is not ready.
· Always be ready to hit your ball. Plan your next shot as you are approaching it.
· Walk at a good pace between shots.
· Have all the necessary tools in your pockets – tees, ball marker, extra ball, divot repair tool – so that you may play quickly, but don’t have so much stuff that you can’t find what you need.
· Never delay making a stroke because you're having a conversation with a playing partner. Put the conversation on hold; make your stroke, then pick up the conversation again.
· Know what ball you’re playing. Make sure to mark the ball so that you don’t mistake another ball as your own.
· Reduce the length of time of your pre-shot routine. Limit practice strokes to one or two at the most.
· Each member of a foursome should take his or her shot within 40 seconds or less of the previous player's shot.
· One slow player in a group is not a reason for slow play; use peer pressure to get your friends to play faster.
· When you've reached the “Ugly Duck” limit, pick up and go to the next hole.
· On par 3's wave-up the next group, IF the next tee is occupied.
· If you have a doubt about a ruling, play the first ball and a second ball, under two possible optional conditions, until holed out under Rule 3-3.
· When another player’s ball is lost, hit your shot FIRST, then help look for the lost ball.
· Focus on a landmark when watching a ball so you can walk directly to it.
· Take appropriate clubs to your ball and hit without delay.
· Speak to your fellow competitors and encourage your group to stay in position before being timed.
On the Tee:
· Tee off promptly at each hole without undue conversation.
· After teeing off, walk directly to your ball.
· Mark your card for the previous hole on the next tee.
· On the tee, pay attention to your partners' drives. If they lose sight of their ball, you can help direct them to it and avoid delays while searching.
· Shorter hitters should hit first.
· Tee-off as soon as the group ahead is clear.
On the Fairway:
· Members of the group should not travel together as a pack, walking first to one member's ball, then to the next.
· Walk to your ball as soon as possible, so that you can choose your club and think about the shot in ADVANCE, not when it is your turn.
· Get your yardage on the way. Instead of walking to your ball and then looking for a yardage marker, look for them on your way to the ball.
· Do not spend too much time searching for lost balls. Five minutes is the maximum time allowed. However, the pace of play is still enforced, regardless of how many golf balls are lost.
· Watch your shot. Each group member should watch the other players’ shots.
· If assistance is required and you can help, play your own shot before assisting.
· If you think your ball may be out of bounds, hit a “provisional ball” to ensure that you won’t have to backtrack later on.
On the Green:
· Begin reading the green and lining up putts as you approach and reach the green. Don't wait until it's your turn to putt to start the process of reading the green. Do it as soon as you reach the green, so that when it's your turn, you can step right up and putt.
· Watch what other putts are doing and have your putt prepared before it’s your turn.
· Don't bother marking lag putts. Continue to putt out when possible. More time is wasted marking putts and replacing the ball than in any other situation on the golf course.
· When chipping around the green, carry both the club you'll be chipping with plus your putter, so you don't have to return to the bag.
· If a playing partner just hit from a bunker, putt your ball while you’re waiting for the raking of the bunker.
· Leave the green immediately after holing out and proceed to the next tee.
· If you have fallen behind the group in front of you, as soon as you putt out, GO TO THE NEXT TEE.
· Never park a pull cart or riding cart in front of the green. Park it only to the side or behind the green closest to the next tee.
Riding in a Cart:
· When driving a cart, drop off your partner first, let your partner choose his or her club, and then drive to your own ball to get READY to play.
· When it's cart-path only or if you walk out to your ball, take 2 or 3 clubs so you have a choice.
· When leaving the cart for an approach shot, take a putter and sand wedge and walk to the green.