Nothing slows down a good round faster than poor pace of play—and ironically, it usually leads to worse performance, too. If you're tired of long rounds, restless playing partners, or just want to play better golf in less time, there’s good news: speed and skill actually go hand-in-hand.
At Legends Golf Course & Villas, where pace of play is something we take seriously, players of all levels are finding ways to keep things moving without sacrificing their scorecards. Here’s how you can do the same—while improving your game in the process.
Use a Rangefinder: The #1 Pro Move for Faster, Smarter Golf
One of the fastest ways to cut time—and strokes—is by using a rangefinder. Professionals and competitive amateurs rely on them to dial in distances quickly and accurately, and it’s time the rest of us follow suit.
No more walking off yardages, guessing based on sprinkler heads, or pulling the wrong club because your playing partner gave you an estimate. A rangefinder gives you the exact distance to the pin, to a bunker, or even to that tree you’re trying to cut a draw around.
Benefits of using a rangefinder:
- Speeds up club selection dramatically
- Helps you build confidence and consistency
- Reduces time spent second-guessing
- Teaches you how far you really hit each club
Need a recommendation? We’ve seen everything from Bushnell to Garmin to Blue Tees on the course—and they all get the job done.
Nail Down a Pre-Shot Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to both playing faster and performing better. A solid pre-shot routine doesn’t just help you get into the zone—it also keeps the round flowing for everyone.
Here’s a sample pre-shot routine to follow:
Off the tee or fairway:
- Grab your yardage with a rangefinder
- Visualize the hole and pick your target
- Take one or two practice swings to feel the shot
- Step behind the ball to line up with a specific intermediate target (like a leaf or divot in front of the ball)
- Set up and swing with purpose
On the green:
- Read the putt from behind the ball
- Check for elevation changes and slope
- Take a couple of practice strokes to feel pace
- Line it up and go—no need to second-guess
This repeatable routine will keep your mind calm and your tempo steady—plus it keeps everyone behind you happy.
Be Ready When It’s Your Turn
Sounds simple, but this one makes a massive difference. When someone else is hitting, you can still:
- Grab your club
- Check your yardage
- Visualize your shot
- Read your putt
- Plan your next move
Being prepared means you’re not starting from scratch when it’s finally your turn—and it adds up big time over 18 holes.
Play “Ready Golf” (Unless It’s Match Play)
Unless you’re in a match play tournament, you don’t have to wait for honors on every shot. If you're ready to go and it's safe, play the shot. 'Ready Golf' has been embraced even in most competitive settings—and it's a real pace-saver.
Plan Ahead on the Green
Once you’ve putted out, don’t linger. Head toward the next tee, write your scores down there, and make sure you’ve got the right club ready. On the walk to your ball, you can also:
- Drink water or grab a snack
- Look ahead at what’s coming next
- Keep the round flowing for the group
Know the Course Ahead of Time
This one’s big, especially if you’re prepping for a tournament like the UIL state championship held at Legends. Studying the layout, knowing where to miss, and understanding the flow of the course means fewer mistakes and less indecision.
In this blog post, we covered how high school players prepare for a big event at Legends, including visualization, short-game prep, and hole-by-hole strategy. It’s worth a read for anyone looking to play smarter and faster.
Don’t Be the Cart Delay
Driving a cart doesn’t automatically make you faster—unless you use it wisely. That means:
- Drop your playing partner off at their ball and head to yours
- Park behind the green or to the side, not in front
- Bring multiple clubs with you so you’re not running back to the cart
Golf carts can be a big help or a big holdup—it’s up to you.
Control the Social Side
Golf’s a social game. Chatting is part of the fun. But if you’re still telling a story when it’s your turn to hit, you’re adding unnecessary minutes to the round. Focus when you need to, talk when it’s not your shot. It’s a balance, but one worth striking.
Keep It Moving on the Range, Too
Pace of play starts in your practice sessions. If you’re prepping for a big round—or just trying to tighten up your game—make your time on the range intentional. That means quality over quantity, a routine you can take to the course, and working on shots you’ll actually use.
Check out our recent post, “Perfecting Your Short Game: Tips for Mastering Chip Shots Around the Green,” for more ideas to help shave strokes and time during your rounds.
Faster Rounds, Better Golf
The best part about improving your pace of play? It’s not just courteous—it’s effective. You’ll see better rhythm, more consistency, and less time standing around overthinking shots.
From rangefinders to pre-shot routines, from visualizing the course to using common sense on the green, the tools are all there. At Legends Golf Course in Kingsland, TX, we pride ourselves on maintaining a pace that makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
So play smart, keep it moving, and make every round count.