Composer, thanks for the reply.
Can you give me a breakdown on how a hole might go? For instance, you hit off the tee, are you running from the get-go or waiting to see where the ball lands?
Now you're thinking! It's a trade-off. Running fast and golfing well are not the only keys. Playing quickly is very important. You want to hit the ball and start running. That's why you don't pick up your tee (I only do this in competition). Keep your eye on the ball so you know whee it goes.
Do you drop your bag, take a practice swing or just swing away?
Practice swing!??!?? Not if you want to have a good time. You learn that you don't need them.
On the green, are you reading the green?
You try to approach the ball on the line to get a read. If you're not in easy making distance, you're best to look while you're over it and get it close. Sometimes it goes in. If you're a really good putter and have an 80% chance of making the putt, you may spend an extra 5-10 seconds.
Removing and replacing the flag?
One rule of golf that is waived. Don't remove the pin.
Finally, at what point do you decide to just take a hack vs. taking too much time on a shot?
Funny, but you'd be surprised. As you run up, pull your club. As you get to the ball, drop your bag, stand at the ball and swing. Most people hit the ball just as well.
Fascinating.
I manually keep a separate golf handicap for my speedgolf and slow golf, for just the course I speedgolf on. They are identical.
Thanks again.