PACE OF PLAY: A QUICK GUIDE TO A BETTER ROUND

A friendly reminder from your Long Beach Golf Team

Why Pace of Play Matters-Pace of play isn’t about rushing — it’s about keeping the course flowing so everyone enjoys their round.
On busy weekends, Long Beach courses send out groups every 7–10 minutes, which means one slow group can affect the entire tee sheet.

A smooth pace helps:

• You enjoy your round more

• Groups behind you stay relaxed

• The course stay on schedule

• Everyone finish before the sun goes down

What’s the Ideal Pace? Most courses aim for 4 hours to 4 hours 15 minutes for 18 holes.
On weekends, SoCal municipal courses often average 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours — mostly due to crowded tee sheets and newer players still learning the rhythm of the game.

Why Weekend Play Feels Slower Weekends bring:

• More new golfers

• More social groups

• More fivesomes

• More shots per hole

• Less familiarity with etiquette

Here’s the math: If four players each take 8 shots on a par 4, that’s 32 strokes — 16 over par.

When you’re “over par,” you’re also over pace.

Biggest Causes of Slow Play: These are the most common reasons rounds back up:

1. Not Ready to Play, Searching for tees, clubs, balls, or yardages when it’s your turn.

2. Playing From the Wrong Tees, If you can’t reach the fairway or carry hazards, the hole becomes much longer.

3. Poor Etiquette: Not watching partners’ shots, taking too many practice swings, or chatting instead of preparing.

4. Inexperience: New golfers often don’t know pace expectations — and that’s okay. We just need to help them learn.

5. Weather & Conditions: Wet turf, wind, cart‑path‑only days, and slow greens all add time.

How to Keep Your Group on Pace: These simple habits make a huge difference:

• Be ready when it’s your turn

• Limit practice swings

• Play “ready golf” safely

• Watch each other’s shots

• Choose the right tees

• Keep up with the group in front of you

• Move quickly between shots

• Mark scores on the next tee, not the green

If you fall behind, a quick walk to the next tee or letting a group play through can reset the pace.

A Gentle Reminder: Golf is a game built on honesty, integrity, and respect — not just for the rules, but for each other.
Keeping pace is part of that tradition.We’re all here to have fun, enjoy the course, and keep the day moving for everyone.