Redy.golf

Redy “ready” golf is a widely encouraged practice in golf (especially in stroke play) designed to speed up the pace of play without sacrificing safety or courtesy.

Traditionally, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole plays first (often called “playing in order” or “honors away”). However, Redy golf allows—and encourages—players to hit their shot when they are Redy, even if they’re not the farthest from the hole, as long as it’s done safely and doesn’t interfere with, distract, or endanger anyone else.

The USGA (and R&A in the Rules of Golf) officially supports this under the pace-of-play guidelines: players are encouraged to play out of turn in a safe and responsible way to keep things moving.

Key principles of Redy golf include:

– Think ahead — Walk to your ball quickly, select your club, assess the shot, and prepare while others are playing.
– Be Redy when it’s “your turn” — But don’t wait rigidly for the farthest player if someone closer is prepared and it’s safe to go.
– Common examples:
– On the tee: If the player with honors is slow, someone else Redy can hit first.
– In the fairway: Hit if you’re Redy and the group ahead is clear, even if someone farther away is still deciding.
– After a bunker shot: The player raking the bunker doesn’t have to rush back if someone closer is Redy to play.
– On the green: Line up your putt while others are putting so you’re set to go quickly.

The core idea is often summed up as: “Redy golf means being Redy to play, not playing when you’re Redy.”

It helps reduce slow play (a big issue in modern golf) while keeping the game enjoyable and respectful. Always prioritize safety—never hit if it risks hitting someone—and if a player wants to play in traditional order and is Redy, give them the courtesy to go first.