Ready golf means playing promptly—and, when it is safe and responsible, playing out of the usual order to help keep a group moving. It is a practical pace-of-play approach, not a separate Rule of Golf. The R&A notes that the term has no official definition.
When should you use ready golf?
Use ready golf when you are prepared to play and doing so will not put anyone at risk, distract another player, or interfere with their shot. For example, if one player is ready while another is still choosing a club, the ready player can go first if everyone is clear and the group is comfortable with the change in order.
- Check that other players and anyone nearby are out of danger.
- Avoid playing while someone else is preparing or making a stroke if you would distract or interfere with them.
- Communicate with your group when changing the order, and follow any pace-of-play policy set by the committee or course.
Ready golf does not erase the usual order of play. Ordinarily, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor on the tee, and during a hole the ball farthest from the hole is played first. Safe, responsible exceptions are permitted in the circumstances described by the Rules.
What do the Rules say about playing out of turn?
Stroke play
In stroke play, players may play out of turn to save time or for convenience, provided they do so safely and responsibly. The USGA describes ready golf as encouraged to improve pace of play. See the USGA Rules Hub guidance on order of play and ready golf.
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In match play, players may agree that one of them will play out of turn to save time. Agreement matters; do not assume the stroke-play approach applies automatically. The USGA explains the distinction in its overview of pace-of-play changes.
Four-ball partners
In four-ball, once it is a side’s turn, partners may play in whichever order they think is best. This is a format-specific allowance in the Rules, rather than a general change to every group’s order.
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How to keep play prompt even when the order stays the same
Ready golf is not only about who plays first. Prepare while others are playing: choose a club, plan your shot, and be ready when it is your turn. Rule 5 recommends making a stroke in no more than 40 seconds after you are able to play without interference or distraction; players should usually take less time. That is guidance for making a stroke, not a promise about how long a round should take. The USGA sets it out in Rule 5: Playing the Round.
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A rangefinder or GPS device is optional, not a requirement for ready golf. The USGA suggests considering an electronic rangefinder or GPS to support pace of play where permitted by Local Rule. Use one only when allowed, and do not let it replace awareness of other players or the course. See the USGA’s tips for improving pace of play.
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