Many circumstances affect pace of play at a golf course.
Hard pin locations, thick rough and bad weather - things that lead to more strokes - can grind a round to a halt. Tee times that aren't properly spaced or groups that merge into a five-some are other issues.
The bottom line is that most of these causes - except Mother Nature - can be controlled by the course operator. Some do it better than others.
The dream scenario is an empty course where we can all fly through at our own favored pace, whether that's 2 and 1/2 hours or 3 and 1/2. Nothing beats a day when you don't wait for a single second. Since the time it takes to play is one of the biggest knocks against golf, pace of play is now more important than ever.
We've looked at your Pace of Play ratings on Golf Advisor to determine which courses earned a reputation as a place for a fast round. Click on each course to read more details.
Top 25 courses for Pace of Play based on your ratings in 2018
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Cedar Creek Country Club
Kemp, Texas | Read Reviews
What they're saying: "They have a fantastic golf course, with an excellent staff, and for sure - it is well managed." - susejohn -
Meshingomesia Country Club
Marion, Indiana| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Not real crowded and we enjoyed a fun round. Always wanted to play here but couldn’t get on when it was a country club. I’ll be back!" - u000005379302 -
Wahconah Country Club
Dalton, Mass.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Played at 8:50 on a weekday morning. Staff was friendly. Pace was excellent." - bfrosty -
Bristol Harbour Golf Club
Canandaigua, New York| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Great Course, Great Views, and Fast play." - jlattimore -
English Turn Golf & Country Club
New Orleans, La.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "The course layout is very enjoyable and challenging. The starter allowed us to start early ahead of a large group and never saw another golfer ahead till the 14th hole. Wonderful experience!" - u815625162 -
Wesburn Golf Course
Rockwood, Mich.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Great pace of play. Course was in great shape." - Justin3580938 -
Duplin Country Club
Kenansville, N.C.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Played 36 holes in 6 hours. Pace of play was fantastic. Course is fun and a little challenging at times. Keep the ball in the fairway because of some tight narrow tee shots or else you will be in the pines! Overall best bang for your buck out there." - David6310705 -
Sun Mountain at Las Vegas Paiute Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Simply an awesome golf course in great shape .... pace of play was brisk round took 3hrs 45 minutes." - Pressone -
Rams Hill Golf Club
Borrego Springs, Calif. | Read Reviews
What they're saying: "We finished our round in under 4-hours, as we never had to wait or ever felt pushed from behind. Overall a great day of golf!" - SDSGOLF -
Priest Lake Golf Course
Priest River, Idaho| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Went on a Saturday, course was pretty wide open. VERY good condition the greens we’re basically flawless." - schwarmann -
Golden Palm at Trump National Doral Miami
Miami, Fla.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "I played this course alone in 2HRs and 40 mins." - elpaso21 -
Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant
Royston, Ga.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Greens, fairways & tee boxes are in excellent condition and are in better condition than most courses in northeast Georgia. The price for three and half hours of golf cannot be beat." - doug0127 -
Gunter's Landing
Guntersville, Ala.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "The elevation change on some of the holes (is) refreshing to see. Being able to see lake Guntersville from 5 or 6 holes is nice too. We had a 8am tee time and didn’t have to wait on anyone." - mikewatts0809 -
Bay Course at Seaview Golf Club
Absecon, N.J.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "We were alone on the course. Considering it was 35 degrees and windy we played well. Course in great shape even with winter conditions." - susan1 -
Meadow Lakes Golf Course
Prineville, Ore.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Course in excellent condition, staff very helpful and pace of play fantastic." - u000002648711 -
Cherry Oaks Golf Course
Cheney, Kansas| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Always enjoy Cherry Oaks. Pace of play never an issue." - u000006421776 -
King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Saint Simons Island, Ga.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Good layout, excellent fairway conditions, nice fast greens. Played two days in a row, a morning and afternoon game. Pace of play was good both times." - FuzzyWuzzyTwo -
St. James Bay
Carrabelle, Fla.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "It is not long, but you better hit it straight. Great value. Great course." - Mark9110573 -
Harbor Links Golf Club at Sagamore Resort
Liberty, Ind.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Had the course to ourselves. Tricky greens and well maintained course." - SandyStiffwood -
Comanche Lakes at Squaw Valley Golf Course
Glen Rose, Texas| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Good course conditions and pace of play was great." - Raymond9315281 -
Royal Hylands Golf Club
Knightstown, Ind.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "This course is just everything you'd want in a round of golf: Pristine greens that roll true and can be very tricky, lots of elevation changes tee to green, scenic views, and great bunkers. They have the whole package here." - HoosierHacker89 -
Indian Hills Golf Resort
Fairfield Bay, Ark.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Love playing this course. Front 9 good for beginners, seniors, juniors. Back 9 a little more challenging. 18th hole is beautiful!" - terrylclemons -
Elk Ridge Golf Course at Carson Hot Springs
Carson, Wash.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Play moved right along. It is on my list to do again!!" - kate2golf -
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes
Orlando, Fla.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Four hr round, greens are quick, fairways and tee blocks in excellent shape as expected at this course. 5star!" - Longironpete -
Los Caballeros Golf Club
Wickenburg, Az.| Read Reviews
What they're saying: "Was a nice day of golf. Wildlife seen, deer, rabbits, hawk, etc. pace of play was great." - u1010006073