Best of 2018: Top-rated courses for pace of play

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes, is known for its service and conditioning.

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Bristol Harbour Golf Club

    Canandaigua, New York| Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "Great Course, Great Views, and Fast play." - jlattimore

  5. 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

  6. Wesburn Golf Course

    Rockwood, Mich.| Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "Great pace of play. Course was in great shape." - Justin3580938

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. Cherry Oaks Golf Course

    Cheney, Kansas| Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "Always enjoy Cherry Oaks. Pace of play never an issue." - u000006421776

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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

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Best of 2018: Top-rated courses for pace of play