Ready Golf Explained

Ready Golf Explained

Ready golf means playing when you are ready, rather than always waiting for the player furthest from the hole or the player with the honour on the tee.

It is mainly used to improve pace of play in stroke play, stableford and general social golf. The idea is simple: if it is safe, sensible and does not distract another golfer, the player who is ready can hit first.

How Ready Golf Works

In traditional order of play, the player furthest from the hole usually plays first. On the tee, the player with the best score on the previous hole normally has the honour.

Ready golf relaxes that order. It allows golfers to keep the round moving by playing out of turn when it makes practical sense. The R&A supports ready golf when it is done safely and responsibly, especially in stroke play. It must not put anyone at risk or interfere with another player’s shot.

Common Examples of Ready Golf

• Hitting your tee shot first when the player with the honour is not ready

• Playing before someone further away if they are still choosing a club

• Shorter hitters teeing off while longer hitters wait for the fairway to clear

• Holing out from close range instead of marking a short putt

• Playing your shot before helping another player search, where appropriate

• Getting ready to play while others are hitting, rather than starting your routine afterwards

When Not to Use Ready Golf

Ready golf is not an excuse to rush or ignore basic etiquette. You should not play if another golfer is about to hit, if your shot could distract someone, or if there is any risk of hitting the group ahead.

In match play, order of play can matter more because playing out of turn may have consequences. Ready golf is mainly associated with stroke play and casual formats, so match play should be treated more carefully unless everyone has clearly agreed.

Why Ready Golf Matters

Slow play is one of the biggest frustrations in club golf. Ready golf helps reduce unnecessary waiting without changing the way the game is played.

It does not mean sprinting around the course. It means being prepared, making decisions earlier and playing in a sensible order. Done properly, it keeps the group in rhythm and helps everyone behind you.

Simple Ready Golf Habits

• Choose your club while others are preparing

• Line up your putt while another player is putting, without distracting them

• Leave your bag or trolley on the correct side of the green

• Mark your scorecard on the next tee, not beside the green

• Play a provisional ball when your original may be lost or out of bounds

• Be ready when it is your turn, even if your group is not strictly following ready golf