Okay, so I wanted to get a better handle on the “order of play” thing in golf. I’ve been playing for a while, but honestly, sometimes I still get a little confused about who’s supposed to go next, especially in bigger groups. So, I decided to really nail it down.
Figuring Out the Basics
First, I dug into the basic rules. You know, the stuff you kinda-sorta learn when you start but maybe don’t fully absorb.
- On the tee: It’s usually based on “honors,” which means whoever had the lowest score on the previous hole goes first. If it’s the first hole, you can flip a tee, draw straws, whatever.
- After the tee shot: This is where I sometimes got tripped up. It’s “farthest from the hole” goes next. That’s the big rule. Doesn’t matter who’s on the green, who’s in the rough – farthest away plays.
Putting it into Practice
Knowing the rules is one thing, actually applying them is another. I went out with a couple of buddies to specifically focus on this.
We made a conscious effort to really pay attention to who was farthest away. It felt a little awkward at first, like we were overthinking it, but we stuck with it.
There were a few times we had to really look closely to see whose ball was farther. One time, my buddy’s ball was just a couple of inches behind mine, but it was still his shot.
What is Ready Golf?
Ready golf is a different * all members of your party has agreed you can hit when you are ready, it’s all about speed, so think about this before you start playing with anyone.
The Results
After a few rounds of really focusing on the order of play, I feel way more confident. It’s not just about knowing the rules, it’s about being able to quickly assess the situation and know whose turn it is. It definitely speeds up play, and it makes the game feel a bit more, I don’t know, structured?
I’m still not perfect, and I’m sure I’ll still have moments of confusion, but I’m definitely getting better. It’s one of those little things that can make a big difference in your overall enjoyment of the game.
