Playing through is one of the great mysteries in the world of golf….

For those that are not sure of what I speak, playing through is when one group of players, playing faster than the group in front of them, overtakes and “passes” them to continue playing at the pace they were playing at. Nothing seems to be more misunderstood or looked at in a worse light, to some, than playing through.

Having a group play through yours is not a commentary on your ability as a golfer or on your status as a man or woman. Allowing a group to play through yours is not a “weak” decision and should not be a strange situation or incite nervous feelings.

If your group is having a blast playing golf and is the slowest group in the history of mankind, WHO CARES?? You are having a good time. Just let every group in the world play through and allow them to have fun at their own pace so that their time is not hampered by your fun.

You will hear every golf course in the world speak out against slow play. The reason for this is monetary. Obviously, if you can pump people in and out there is more opportunity for added revenue. But would they need to if the slower players allowed faster players to play through? I argue no.

But most people do not let faster players play through. They look at as some kind of attack on their ability or something. I contend that allowing a faster group to play through is something that you should look at as noble and friendly. If you know when and where to let faster groups play through, you won’t even have to alter your pace or the pace of the faster group.

The best place to let faster groups through are the par 3 holes. Your group can tee off and once ALL of your group has reached the putting surface, wave the faster group behind you up to play. They will all hit and finish their putts and cruise right to the next tee which will keep both groups pace through the playing through process.

If a par 3 hole is not available in the next few holes, I find that waiting on a tee for the faster group works very well. When the faster group approaches, allow them to tee off and play in front of you. This does not mean that your group can not hit their balls off the tee until the faster group arrives. Just let the faster group know where you hit your tee shots and I can GUARANTEE you that they will make every effort to NOT hit your balls.

Playing through can make a round of golf much more enjoyable for every group involved and will allow you to play the game at the pace that makes you enjoy it best. Let’s erase the stigma that playing through somehow makes you less a golfer and focus on playing better. We don’t all play best at the same pace. Find your pace and recognize that others are not on the same pace. Golf will be much more fun.

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