Dear Bonnie,
I get anxious when there are players behind my group and my game suffers. What can I do to keep my mind on my own game and not on them?
Pace of play is a responsibility of all golfers. I imagine you are concerned with your group playing too slowly and causing irritation for those behind you. Or you may be concerned about hitting a bad shot that the players behind you might see. Let’s talk about both of these issues.
The United States Golf Association reports the average round of golf is four hours. The recommended time allowed for a player stepping into the tee box and hitting the ball is 40 seconds or less. If your group members are following those guidelines, you can stop your thinking about the players behind you. Keep your thoughts focused on your game instead of theirs. If they are playing faster than your group, and it makes sense to let them play through, you can extend that courtesy. However, if the course is crowded, and it doesn’t make sense for them to advance, it’s up to you to keep your mind on your own game and not let it stray to those behind.
If you are worrying about what they are thinking about your group or how your shots look to them, it’s actually none of your business. You cannot control another person’s thoughts no matter how hard you try to meet their approval. You can be playing faster than average, hitting exceptional shots, and people can still choose to find something negative to think about you. Other people’s thoughts are out of your control. And not just on the golf course. Everywhere. No matter what you do, other people can think and feel however they choose. The same is true for all of us. We think and feel whatever we want. Others cannot control our thoughts and feelings either.
If you are playing within the recommended guidelines, you have nothing to think about except your play. If you hit a “bad” shot, by your standards, so what? It’s golf. It’s part of the game. Get your thoughts focused on your next shot and remember to have fun!
Do you have a question for Bonnie? Let us know in the comments, or send an email to voices@lpgawomensnetwork.com, and you might just see your question answered.
Excellent advice. On the golf course it’s ok to “be all about me”! As a mom we rarely concentrate on us. have let my fear of what others think go on much too long.
Thank you
Thank you, Donna. Your statement, “have let my fear of what others think go on much too long,” is true for many women. “Awareness” is the first step towards change. You got this!
The tee times today are too short. There is No time in there for relaxation golf or for beginners not to feel the pressure on them. I walk, and we always golf 2 hours and 15 minutes almost every single time – and we are decent golfers. Not beginners who need to look for balls – and then let them go, or pick up their balls once they reach 10. I do not remember that pressure when I started golf 58 years ago. I think the tee times were longer to give players a chance to move forward. I may be wrong – when I was young we kept up but most of us back then walked! Now the pressure with golf carts is too much stress when behind walkers.
That 4 hour golf time is for professionals and great golfers (who may golf in less time), but not real golfers. If you want to keep golf growing then they must give some more time between teeing off.
I wholeheartedly agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You mention 40 seconds for time in the tee box. What is the recommended time for other shots, especially fairway shots? I have a friend who agonizes over every shot.
Having this information is very helpful to know whether to coach a friend about her pace of play or just recognizing she’s within an acceptable time frame.
On the USGA website, under Rules FAQs, is the following: “It is recommended that you make a stroke in no more than 40 seconds. However, the Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that change this time (see Rule 5.6b(1) and Rule 5.6b(3)).” Therefore, Katherine, it appears 40 seconds, or less, is recommended for fairway and other shots. In my opinion, the less time we stand over the ball minimizes the chances of our thoughts falling into “paralysis by analysis'” which may negatively affect our game.
Just remember, the people behind you are bound to be thinking about their own golf, not you or your shots! Stay calm and just move smartly between your shots.
Is there any special pace-of-play rule for putting? My friend said for the casual golfer it’s ok to pick up putts inside 5 feet. My reaction was no way. She said look it and I did. Not a mention.
Thanks.