Most golf courses place subtle reminders that your golf round should take four hours or less. I have seen clocks on tee boxes, overhead displays in golf carts that inform you where you should be right now, all types of reminders that pace of play is on every course managers agenda as a top priority. And rightfully so.

Have you ever raced to the golf course anxious to get your best round ever underway only to regret that you ever left the house because it took three hours to finish the front nine? If you play with any regularity you know this is just wrong and easily prevented. Please don't find yourself being screamed at from the group behind you for slow play. Hopefully you have arrived here for a few pointers before you head out to a course and have no understanding why everyone around may be upset with you.

Here are a few pointers that can help you keep up with the group in front of you. If you did not know, staying ahead of the group behind you is not the goal. Your goal instead is too push forward the group ahead of you. But don't insult them by hitting your ball into the group or yelling out to "speed up" or "get going." Just keep pressing forward and they will feel the sense of urgency you have placed on them.

* Plan you shot while walking to your ball or while others are playing. Most often slow play results from walking together from each persons next shot in a group. Start down the fairway with your group then break off from the pack towards your ball. Once there study your lie, decide which club to use, factor the elements, and get ready before it is your turn. Once it is your turn to play take your time getting into a comfortable stance, clear your mind of all prior planning, exhale and swing. Repeat this routine all the way to the green and you will be just fine.
* Line up your putt when others are putting and be ready to play when it is your turn
* Walk briskly between shots.
* Walk directly to your golf ball unless you are assisting others with a search
* If riding, take several clubs with you so you do not have to return to the cart.
* Be efficient with your pre-shot routine. Take one or two practice swings not seven or eight. Save that for the range. This is play, not practice.
* Play a provisional (extra) ball if you think your original might be lost in a hazard or out of bounds.
* Leave your clubs on the side of the green you will exit towrads the next tee.
* Exit putting green promptly after holing out. Tell your stories on the way to the next tee box not on the green.
* Unless experienced play the standard tee and not the championship tee.

Have your group follow these guidlines and if they need help understanding why you are pushing them around explain why pace of play is so important. Everyone will appreciate your contribution to the game