Blog of the Week | Happy Golf Company
Let’s be honest—we’ve all been there. You’re racing through traffic, juggling your morning coffee, and praying the starter hasn’t given your tee time away. Whether you overslept, got stuck behind a slow-moving foursome at the coffee shop, or underestimated the drive to the course, showing up late to your tee time is far from ideal.
But just because you're running behind doesn't mean your round has to suffer. At Happy Golf, we believe golf should be fun—even when you're sprinting from the parking lot to the first tee. So here’s your 5-minute emergency warm-up to get your body (and mind) ready to swing with confidence.
🕐 Minute 1: Loosen Up on the Way to the Tee
Grab your driver or a mid-iron and do dynamic stretches as you walk—think arm circles, shoulder rolls, torso twists, and gentle leg swings. Keep the body moving. You’re not trying to get loose like Tiger before a major; you just want your joints to stop screaming "why are we doing this?"
🕑 Minute 2: Rehearse Your Swing—Without a Ball
Take a few slow-motion practice swings, focusing on tempo and balance. Work up to a full-speed swing by the end of the minute. This helps remind your muscles what they’re supposed to be doing—especially if you just rolled out of bed 20 minutes ago.
🕒 Minute 3: Hit a Few Chips or Putts (If You Can)
If the putting green is right by the first tee, sneak in a few short chips or lag putts. Focus on feel, not mechanics. Even just rolling three balls toward a hole can make your first few greens a lot less scary.
No time for the green? Use your wedge to hit a few soft swings into the rough near the tee box. You're aiming for touch, not perfection.
🕓 Minute 4: Get in the Zone (Mentally)
Take a deep breath. This is key.
Visualize your opening tee shot. Remind yourself of your game plan: easy swing, find the fairway, and settle in. Panic leads to tension, and tension leads to slices, chili-dips, and broken dreams.
Repeat this mantra:
“Smooth swing. Happy golf. Let’s roll.”
🕔 Minute 5: Commit and Swing
Time to go. Tee up your ball, take one more deep breath, and swing within yourself. Don’t go for the miracle shot. Your goal is just to find your rhythm early, then let the rest of the round come to you.
Pro Tip: Keep a “Late Arrival” Kit in Your Bag
When time is tight, every second counts. Here’s what to keep handy:
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A resistance band for quick shoulder warmups
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A protein bar or hydration pack (don’t golf hungry!)
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A great-looking Happy Golf glove—because style matters, even when you're scrambling
Bottom Line:
Showing up late doesn't have to ruin your round. Stay loose, stay confident, and have a plan for those chaotic first few minutes. Golf’s supposed to be fun—so laugh it off, grip it, rip it, and get after it.
And hey, if all else fails... just blame the traffic. 😎
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