Stop when you are distracted

Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Too often, club golfers go ahead and hit their shots when they are not really ready - or when they are distracted. Don't!

When a bug lands on your ball, a gust of wind blows up, a playing partner talks too loudly or moves his golf car, stop, step away from your ball and start your routine all over again.

Unless you were in the midst of your swing, don't hit the ball and then, when you fluff your shot, angrily blame the distraction.

If you didn't have to hit the ball, you'll only have yourself to blame.

Slow play? Distractions of this nature are not likely to occur too often during a round and, while not adding too much to your playing time, stepping back and starting again could save you a fair number of valuable shots