Don't Be the Golfer Nobody Wants to Play With
Over 545 million rounds of golf were played last year, the highest number in decades.
With 47.2 million Americans now playing golf (up 57% in just 10 years), courses are more crowded than ever.
This boom is incredible for the sport, but it's created a new challenge: many new golfers don't know the unwritten rules that keep the game enjoyable for everyone.
Whether you're part of the 3.1 million who picked up clubs for the first time recently, or you've been playing for years, here's your essential guide to being the golfer everyone wants in their foursome.
Master the Art of Ready Golf
Picture this: you're on the 10th tee, and your playing partner slices his drive into the trees.
While he's searching through the brush, you're standing ready with your driver, clear fairway ahead. Instead of waiting for the traditional "honors" system, go ahead and tee off safely.
This simple shift from playing "in turn" to playing "when ready" can shave 30 minutes off your round. Your group stays moving, and nobody gets frustrated waiting around.
These tips come from countless rounds with golfers who've mastered the art of efficient play:
Walk to your ball while others are playing theirs
Have your yardage and club selection ready before it's your turn
Start reading your putt while others are putting (just stay out of their line)
Take practice swings while waiting, not when it's time to hit
Be a Course Caretaker
Imagine walking up to the 15th green and seeing your ball sitting just 8 feet from the pin with a perfect ball mark behind it.
That dent in the green is actually your badge of honor. It means you hit a shot good enough to stick the green from 150 yards out.
Fix that mark immediately with pride.
That small crater you leave behind will take three weeks to heal naturally, but if you fix it properly right now, it'll be perfect again in just 24 hours.
Every golfer has a story about that one player who left the course better than they found it. Be that player.
Always rake bunkers after playing from them. Even if the sand isn't perfect, leave it better than you found it. Your fellow golfers will appreciate the effort.
Replace divots or use sand/seed mix when provided. This small action helps maintain course conditions for everyone.
Choose the Right Tees for Your Game
Here's a scenario that plays out every weekend:
A golfer steps up to the championship tees on a 450-yard par 4, hits his best drive of the day 220 yards, then faces a 230-yard approach shot with a 5-iron into a green guarded by water.
Meanwhile, his buddy playing from the middle tees hit the same quality drive and has a comfortable 7-iron into the same green.
Guess who's having more fun?
Ask any experienced golfer, and they'll tell you the same thing: playing the right tees makes golf infinitely more enjoyable.
If your typical drive is 200 yards, those back tees will turn every hole into a survival test.
A good rule of thumb: if you can't consistently drive the ball past the forward tees, you shouldn't be playing from the back tees.
Recommended tee distances by average drive:
200 yards or less: Forward tees (5,200-5,800 yards)
200-250 yards: Middle tees (5,800-6,200 yards)
250+ yards: Back tees (6,200+ yards)
If you're unsure about which tees match your skill level, my comprehensive guide to golf handicap reality and playing the right tees provides detailed strategies for honest self-assessment.
Keep the Peace on the Course
Music should be personal. If you must listen to music, keep it at a volume where only your immediate group can hear it – or better yet, use earbuds.
Golf is an escape to nature for many players.
Respect others' concentration. Stand still and quiet when someone is hitting, especially on the tee and around the greens.
Watch your shadow on putting greens.
Know When to Pick Up
Picture yourself on a tough par 4:
You're already lying 6 in the bunker beside the green, there's a group waiting on the tee behind you, and your buddies are getting restless.
This isn't the Masters.
It's Saturday morning with your friends. Pick up that ball, take your 8, and move to the next tee with a smile.
You'll save five minutes, keep everyone happy, and still get plenty of practice on the next 10 holes.
The group behind you will silently thank you, and you'll actually enjoy the rest of your round instead of spiraling into frustration.
If you're not in a tournament, consider picking up after a double or triple bogey. This keeps pace moving and reduces frustration.
You can still work on your short game without holding up the course.
Remember, as we've discussed before, no one really cares about your golf score. They care about having an enjoyable round with a considerate playing partner.
Managing Pace of Play
Your drive on the 7th hole looked perfect off the tee, but somehow vanished into what seemed like light rough.
After two minutes of searching through ankle-deep grass and pine straw, with your playing partners halfheartedly kicking around nearby, it's time to face reality.
That ball is gone.
Drop a new one, take your penalty stroke, and get back to playing golf.
The group behind you has been waiting patiently, and honestly, you probably have six more balls just like it in your bag.
The official rule allows 3 minutes, but be realistic about your chances of finding it. Drop a ball, take your penalty, and keep moving.
If there's no group in front of you and a group behind you, you're playing too slowly.
Let faster groups play through when there's space ahead.
For more about timing expectations and strategies for efficient play, check out my complete guide to playing 18 holes of golf, which includes expert insights on optimal round duration.
Smart Course Habits
Use technology efficiently. GPS and rangefinders should speed up play, not slow it down. Focus on getting close to the right yardage rather than obsessing over exact distances.
Learn basic golf rules before playing. Understanding simple things like where to drop after a lost ball prevents confusion and delays.
Arrive prepared with enough time to warm up rather than rushing to the first tee.
Save social media for after your round unless you're playing alone or have blocked time for content creation.
Having the right equipment organized properly can significantly speed up your play.
My guide to mastering golf bag essentials shows you how to arrange your clubs for quick access during your round.
Money-Saving Strategy
With green fees rising everywhere, consider these approaches:
Play during off-peak times for better rates
Look for courses offering walking discounts
Join a group or club for regular play discounts
Consider playing 9 holes during busy periods
When you do encounter challenging situations with difficult playing partners, my proven strategies for handling golf etiquette issues provide diplomatic solutions that keep everyone happy.
Your Next Round Starts Here
These aren't just tips.
They're the foundation of great golf experiences shared by players who've learned these lessons the hard way.
Every golfer has been the beginner who didn't know the rules, the player who held up pace, or the person who forgot to fix their ball marks.
The difference between good and great playing partners isn't skill level. It's awareness and respect for the game and fellow players.
Ready to join golfers who actually enjoy their rounds?
At ParTalk, we're building a community where these fundamentals are just the beginning. Every week, we share the course stories, insider secrets, and practical tips that turn ordinary rounds into memorable experiences.
Whether you're working on your first par or your first birdie, you'll find golfers who've been where you are and know exactly how to help you improve.
From mental game strategies to simple tips that actually work, our community shares the insights that matter most.
Start your improvement journey today - join our community of golf lovers who believe the best rounds are the ones shared with great playing partners.
—Hakan
Founder, ParTalk.com | X/Twitter: ParTalkGolf | Instagram: @golfingphoto