Have you ever heard of Ready Golf? It’s essentially a faster-paced version of regular golf. Instead of waiting around for the next player to plan their perfect shot, you simply grab your club and go for it. Sounds good? Let’s dive into what it’s all about!
Simply put: if you’re ready, you play.
Ready Golf is all about maintaining the flow of the game and saving time. This means that if you’re ready to take your next shot, you do it – even if it’s technically not your turn. Of course, fairness is key here. You should never disrupt or endanger other players.
Ready Golf was introduced by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews to speed up play and make the game faster and more exciting.
Several national golf organizations, including the German Golf Association (DGV) and the Austrian Golf Association, support this initiative. Since 2019, it has been incorporated into the official golf rules (Rule 6.4b). Now, Ready Golf is especially common in tournaments, but some golf courses also apply it during casual rounds.
In traditional golf, the rule is that the player furthest from the hole always goes first. Ready Golf flips this on its head: Just play when you’re ready. As long as it’s safe, and you’re prepared, you take your shot.
This approach is not only more efficient but also less stressful. Less waiting, more action. Let’s be honest: no one enjoys standing ready to putt while others are still far off the fairway.
If you want to speed up your golf game, here are a few things to remember:
Does all this sound a bit too rushed? Yes, Ready Golf takes some getting used to. But aside from the quicker playtime, there are other benefits. Ready Golf creates a more enjoyable playing experience. You stay focused, keep your momentum going, and can build off your last shot. There’s no time for uncertainty or boredom to creep in. Plus, Ready Golf can be a real lifesaver for friendships. No more annoyed stares or passive-aggressive comments like “Did you really check every blade of grass on the fairway?” It’s all about enjoying the game and having fun with your friends.
