Help me play slower.

Sad thing is I usually score a few shots worse when I play by myself doing this method. Maybe because nobody is there and I'm just "practicing". On the flip side I played an extra 9 holes by myself once and started off with 5 consecutive birdies only to shoot 1 under on the side. Nobody would've believed me if they had seen it with their own eyes lol. I couldn't miss that 9 holes.

I like this post! ....apart from the title the last sentence! Yeah! You ain't doin nothing wrong! Ready golf is the only way to play golf! Sure, if your playing new courses ya might wann take time to think a little more, but otherwise.... Whack and walk!

In what way do you feel your normal pace is hurting your game?

My advice would be to not slow down in terms of pace of play, but maybe stand behind your ball for a moment and picture your target.

My pre-shot routine starts about minute before I actually hit the ball. First I look at the lie I have. Next I look at what's in front of me, and where I need to land the ball for an easier next shot. I gauge the distance needed , and pick my club. I step into my stance , give the club a couple waggles, and then hit the ball. I pick up my tee, or fix the turf as needed, and go on my way to my next shot.

When putting my pre shot routine "casually" starts while I am walking up to the green. I get a better visual of any hills, or valleys associated with the green from a distance.. If I'm  golfing with some one, and  have a chance to watch their ball roll that's also part of my pre-putt routine. While waiting for my turn, I read the green as needed. I walk up to the ball, pick my aim point, and stroke the ball over my chosen aim point, which is about a foot or so in front of the ball.

Between any pre-shot/pre-putt routine I am usually not thinking about golf. On average, in a 3.5 hour round (210 minutes) I probably only have golf shots/putts on my mind for 1.5 hours (90 minutes) give or take a few minutes. Plus I never think about my last shot. All the previous shot did was set up my next shot. Good, or bad, that last shot was a done deal,

As for my pace of play, I tend to do things quickly. It matters little what it is. A good example would be the other hobby I have which is desert southwest hiking.  I tend to walk at a not so fast pace. The pace I walk/hike at suits me quite well, which allows me take in the sites, and not step on anything that might other wise cause me grief. Twisted ankles, slips, falls, and western diamond backs readily come to mind. This hiking pace is also my walking pace on a golf course. My walking pace dictates how fast I play, and has a lot to do with how fast I swing a club. My own timing barrier if you will. My point is that everyone does things at their own normal pace in every day life. . If they deviate from their normal pace, in their golf game, they might not play as well as they could.

As for slow play. It's just another part of the game, just as much as balls in divots, and one putts. Golfers should not let slow play dictate how they play the game. Besides, how many time does a golfer actually run into slow play scenarios............

From what I see a good way to slow down when in a group is don't look for your ball or check yardage/figure out your distance until everybody else in the group hits. Also make sure you are out before you hit or putt. If you need to walk it off to see who is out on the green, then for the love of the game, do it. Hope this helps.

This is so what I need to learn and do! It probably doesn't help that I'm a fast walker too! I tend to march a bit! Never been one for standing still, I don't rush intentionally! I just like to be on the move and ready to go! A guy has just started playing with us occasionally! He's painfully slow and starting to irritate me! Shame because he's a nice guy and I like him but if he don't pull his finger out I'm dropping him!

I typically shoot better scores when I play with more than 1 person (3 some or 4 some). I move through the process too fast. Im not looking to slow down pace of play, more or less stop and think for a second before I take my shot. I find myself driving up to my ball 5-7 yards short of the green asking myself why I chose to shoot for the front pin and didnt just take an extra club. I take my time on the putting green trying to feel out the break and whatnot, but tee shots and iron play need to improve.

I also attribute my questioning of myself partly due to the fact that I was a much better player a few years ago and Im trying to get back there quciker than I did originally. Im reading Lowest Score Wins and I know for a fact Im going to shoot a better score each week I practice and read more into the book. (Few chapters a week) I like to let the info sink in before I move on and its been a great read so far.