Letting a Group Play Through
Also known as: letting people play through, let a group play through, letting faster groups through, when to let people play through, group behind us is waiting, how to let a group play through
Let a group play through when they are faster and waiting on you, especially if there is open space ahead of you. Also wave them on if you are searching for a ball. The Rules of Golf encourage players to allow faster groups to play through.
If the group behind is waiting on most shots, they are faster than you. If the hole in front of you is empty, you are holding them up. Wave them through at a natural stopping point. A tee or a green is often easiest.
On a par 3, many groups mark their balls on the green and step aside. The group behind tees off, then the first group finishes. On a longer hole, step to the side of the fairway, out of range, and let them hit.
If the course is full and your group is keeping up with the group ahead, letting others through will not help. In that case, stay close to the group in front.
Tips by skill level
Look back now and then. If the group behind is waiting every shot, invite them through.
If you are searching for a ball, wave the group behind on early. Then keep searching once they have passed.
Example
A two-ball keeps waiting behind a slow four-ball. On the next tee, the four-ball steps aside and waves them on. Both groups enjoy the rest of the round.
Why it matters
Letting faster groups through keeps the whole course moving. It also takes the pressure off your own group.
Common mistakes
- Refusing to let faster groups through out of pride
- Waving a group on when the hole ahead is full
- Standing in range while the faster group hits
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to let people play through in golf?
It is not a penalty rule, but the Rules of Golf encourage players to let faster groups play through. It is good manners when you are holding them up.
How do you let someone play through on a par 3?
Mark your balls on the green and step aside. Let the group behind tee off, then putt out once they are clear.
Sources
Related terms
- Ready Golf (Pace of Play)"Ready golf" means whoever is ready hits next, instead of strictly waiting for the golfer farthest from the hole. It is widely encouraged in casual and recreational rounds to keep pace of play reasonable.
- Golf EtiquetteGolf etiquette comes down to safety, pace and care of the course. Wait until the group ahead is out of range, shout 'fore' if your ball heads toward anyone, and keep up with the group in front. Repair ball marks, replace or fill divots and rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Where to Stand When Others HitStand to the side of the player, roughly facing them, well out of reach of their club. Never stand directly behind them on their line or ahead of the ball. Stay still and quiet from the moment they set up until the ball lands.
- The 90-Degree Cart RuleThe 90-degree cart rule means you keep the cart on the path until you are level with your ball. Then you turn at a right angle, drive straight across the fairway to it, and return the same way. It spreads cart traffic and protects the turf.
Related guides & benchmarks
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