Rabbit
Rabbit is a colloquial term for a golfer who rushes very quickly, and often hectically, around the course.
The term comes from the English word for the animal and describes the picture aptly: the rabbit hops from shot to shot, chases after their ball and already has the club in hand before they have even thought about the situation. It is not an official rule or technical term but part of course slang. What is typical of the rabbit is that the speed does not come from routine but from restlessness. Beginners in particular tend to hurry because they believe they are holding up the group behind them.
Fast play is not a bad thing in itself — quite the opposite: good pace of play is part of etiquette and is appreciated by every club. The difference lies in the quality of the decisions. Anyone who plays fast but pauses briefly before every shot, checks the situation and has a clear plan plays quickly and well. The rabbit, by contrast, hits first and thinks afterwards. The result is ill-considered club choices, missed targets and, in the end, more strokes — the round then actually takes longer overall.
The antidote to the inner bunny is a firm pre-shot routine: choose a club, set a target, one practice swing, address the ball, hit. This sequence takes less than thirty seconds and prevents most ill-considered shots. If someone in your group is a rabbit, the best help is a calm example rather than reprimands. And if you are prone to rushing yourself, remember: the group behind you would rather wait for a considered shot than for a search in the rough.
FAQ
Is it bad to play fast like a rabbit?
No, fast play is even encouraged and is part of etiquette — every club appreciates good pace of play. The rabbit's problem is not the speed but the restlessness: they hit first and think afterwards. Anyone who pauses briefly, checks the situation and then plays briskly is fast AND good.
How do I get rid of my hectic pace on the course?
Build yourself a firm pre-shot routine: choose a club, set a target, one practice swing, address the ball, hit. This sequence takes less than thirty seconds and prevents most ill-considered shots. Also remember: the group behind you would rather wait for a considered shot than for a ball search in the rough.
How do I deal with a rabbit in my group?
Best with a calm example rather than reprimands — play thoughtfully yourself and set an even pace. Hectic is contagious, but so is calm. If nothing else works, a friendly word about your shared pace of play helps more than criticising individual shots.