Eighteen holes of golf should not take more than four hours to play, even if you're playing as part of a foursome. Three hour rounds and less are quite possible if the group you're in agrees to play 'Ready Golf' rather than 'Honors Golf'. There are also other ways to speed up the round so that you don't spend half the day on the links (although there are worse places to spend half a day).
Ready golf vs. honors golf
When playing the traditional 'honors golf' style, the player who is furthest from the hole always plays first, then the person second furthest away plays, and so on. Also, the person who got the best score on the previous hole always tees off first, then the second best score, etc. This is the normal way to play during tournaments and official golf events.
When playing 'ready golf' rather than 'honors golf', the player hits the ball when they are ready to hit the ball, regardless of their place in the order. The first person to reach their ball hits away instead of waiting for the player further away from the hole to reach their ball. The same concept holds true on the green, and on the tee-box. There is a much more even flow to 'ready golf' because there is less standing around looking at each other trying to determine who has 'honors'. Cumulative time saved is significant as well, which is the prime benefit.
Line up your putt while others are putting out
Try to read the break of the green and pick your target line while the other players are putting, rather than having to go through the entire pre-shot routine only after they've holed out. Keep in mind that excessively obsessing over reading the break of a putt from all angles is probably not necessary unless you are in a competition or playing for serious money. This holds up play and is irritating to everyone. Also, try to take your practice swings and pick your target line on the tee box and fairway while others are hitting. Less can be more with practice swings, too (take two at the most).
When approaching the green to putt, make sure to place the golf bag as close to the next hole as possible.
There is very little that is more aggravating that following a slow group and watching someone put their bag on the opposite side of the next hole on every green. They have to walk all the way over to their bag after holing out and then walk all the way back over the green to the next hole, meanwhile you could have been hitting your approach shot. Not a big deal if it happens on one hole, but not something to make habitual.
Guys, ease up on flirting with the cart girl
Seriously, she ain't interested in anything but that green stuff in your wallet. I know she's attractive and you've had a few, but it's a little pathetic and the group behind you is starting to tap their feet.
And ladies, there is a time to get together and talk and it shouldn't be during the round. Hit the nineteenth hole afterwards and gab away.
Hopefully following this advice will get you around in less time because hey, time is precious!
