Dear Golf Nut, I have a question that is probably more about good manners than rules. I play golf with a buddy who takes forever to putt. He reads from all angles, has a long set up routine, and then stands over the golf ball before he putts for what seems like years. Any advice? Should I say something?

Whether or not you say something depends on exactly when you would like your friendship to end or how stringent your club is about pace of play! Well maybe not, but only you know the kind of relationship that you have and whether it can withstand “unsolicited golf tips (criticisms)”. But I will take this opportunity for some good golf advice that someone once gave me about putting.

First, speed is critical. And I’m not talking about the stimp meter reading of the green. The advice I received many years ago has proven true as I have watched myself and many amateur golfers over the years. My buddy’s advice was that the longer you take to putt and the longer you think about it, the more pressure you put on yourself and invite the yips or bad execution. He wasn’t saying to rush it, but don’t waste time over analyzing or over thinking it. Look at it, step up, and putt with confidence. And expect the golf ball to drop!

He also recommended a consistent, but short set up routine. Just like your full golf swing, consistency matters. So a set up routine that is the same for every putt helps you gain that consistency. It shouldn’t take long and doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be how you set your feet for alignment, how take a practice stroke, or how you step from your look at the line to addressing the golf ball. His advice was “short and sweet, and do it every time.”

This has worked for me and I hope it works for you. Good golfing!