How long does it take you to play a round of golf? Let’s say, as a beginner, it can take up to 5 hours to complete a round of golf. This is just an estimate and you may play much quicker, which is great but for this example, let’s set it at 5 hours.
Now, how long does it take you to play a shot, on average? From address to hitting the ball, it might take you around between 60 and 90 seconds to play each shot. If it takes 90 seconds, this means it will take you just over an hour and a half of shot time, to complete a round of golf to par.
This leaves you with 3 and a half hours on the golf course without playing a shot. You may think this time is irrelevant if you are not playing any shots but as it is such a significant amount of time, what you do with it can have a huge impact on your round of golf and final score.
Body language can play a big part in golf and something as simple as how you hold yourself when walking between shots can have an impact on your mental state.
If you always walk with you head down and find yourself looking at shoes between shots, you should try looking up. Even if your previous shot did not go to plan, do not allow your head to drop and become hunched when walking.
This is not only a very negative position but it takes your eyes off the golf course. It may sound ridiculous but if you keep looking at the ground between shots, your vision needs to adjust to looking up and seeing the golf course and the sky.
Not only that but if you are playing with friends or in a team, your body language can tell them a lot and if they see you with your head down, it may have a negative impact on their performance. If you are in a match play event, if your opponent sees you with your head down, they will think you are struggling and take confidence from that. So always walk with you back straight and head up between shots.
If you are playing with someone who is very slow and you find yourself standing around, waiting for them to play it can be very frustrating.
Instead of just standing there, becoming anxious while you wait for your shot why not have something prepared to do? Perhaps you could have some notes in your pocket about the course you are playing and use the time to read them.
If you would rather take your mind off the golf, you could have some quiz questions or a game to play. Anything like this is much better than standing around and doing nothing between shots. If you allow yourself to get worked up while waiting for shot, it will ultimately result in a poor shot.
What you do between shots can have a huge impact on your round, so use the time wisely and do not allow your head to drop.
