Golf’s Biggest Annoyances (And How to Fix Them Fast)
What’s Hurting the Game (and How to Fix It)
Welcome back to ParTalk! Golf is booming, but with growth comes habits that frustrate players and slow the game down.
Here are the biggest issues many golfers are experiencing today, plus the fixes that make golf better for everyone.
The Pace of Play Crisis
The Problem: Rounds that should take 4 hours now drag past 5.
The Fix:
Play ready golf — whoever’s ready hits first.
Walk to your ball while others are hitting (safely).
Have your club ready before it’s your turn.
Max two practice swings.
Limit ball searches to 1–2 minutes, then let faster groups play through.
If you want a full breakdown of etiquette rules that keep rounds moving, check out our Essential Golf Etiquette Guide. It’s a must-read for every player.
Pro Tip: Efficiency beats speed. Think “ready, aim, fire,” not “aim, aim, aim, maybe fire.”
Course Etiquette Essentials
Green Care
Fix your ball mark plus one more.
Avoid walking on others’ putting lines.
Keep your feet away from the hole when retrieving your ball.
Replace or fill divots.
Bunker Basics
Always rake — no exceptions.
Enter from the low side.
Smooth all footprints and club marks.
Sound Management
If you play music, keep it to your group. Better yet, use earbuds. Let the course’s natural sound be the background.
Play the Right Tees
Match tees to your ability, not your ego.
Forward tees (5,200–5,800 yds): Beginners, seniors, improving players.
Middle tees (6,000–6,400 yds): Most golfers driving 200–250 yds.
Back tees (6,600+ yds): Single-digit handicaps, 250+ yd carry.
Right tees mean more fun and faster play. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s our Golf Handicap Reality Check: Playing the Right Tees to guide your choice.
Social Media & Filming
If you’re creating content:
Book late tee times or quiet days.
Keep setups quick.
Maintain pace.
Respect nearby groups.
Managing Rising Costs
Look for twilight/off-peak rates.
Walk instead of riding.
Play municipal courses on weekdays.
Join local golf associations for discounts.
For more ways to enjoy the game without overspending, see our Best Golf Gifts for Beginners, many double as budget-friendly gear upgrades.
What Courses Can Do Better
Space tee times 10–12 minutes apart.
Enforce the pace of play.
Give etiquette guides to new players.
Maintain basic conditions (sand, ball washers, water).
The New Player Challenge
For New Golfers:
Take a few lessons before a full round.
Start with shorter courses.
Learn rules and etiquette basics.
Pick up if you’re slowing the group.
For Experienced Players:
Be patient and helpful.
Model good habits.
Offer guidance politely.
I’ve covered this in depth in Golf Etiquette: Handling Difficult Players, perfect if you often play in mixed-experience groups.
Simple Rules for Better Golf
Play fast, not rushed.
Respect the course.
Keep noise down, pace up.
Play tees that fit your skill.
Come prepared.
And That’s It
Golf’s best rounds aren’t always your lowest score. They’re the ones where everyone had fun, felt respected, and couldn’t wait to play again. Let’s keep it that way.
Got your own course stories or frustrating experiences? Hit reply. I read every email and love hearing from our ParTalk community.
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—Hakan
Founder, ParTalk.com | X/Twitter: ParTalkGolf | Instagram: @golfingphoto