11
The Secret Weapon of the Pro Tour’s Fastest Player
How Pro Golfer Dylan Menante Plays Lightning-Fast Golf (And Still Wins)
Meet the Speed Demon of the Korn Ferry Tour
Imagine playing a round of golf where you barely pause to think. You see your target, you swing, and you move on. That’s exactly how Dylan Menante plays—and it’s working incredibly well.
On a recent video, Menante squeezed about 250 words into just under a minute. He talks fast because he plays fast. And the numbers prove it: he’s ranked #1 in speed of play on the Korn Ferry Tour in almost every category.
Quick Fact: The Korn Ferry Tour is like the "minor leagues" for pro golf. The top 20 players at season’s end earn their PGA Tour cards—the golden ticket to the big leagues.
Why Does He Play So Fast? His Simple Philosophy
Menante keeps his thought process ridiculously simple. Here’s what goes through his mind before every shot:
- What side of the green am I aiming for?
- What shot shape do I want? (fade, draw, straight)
- What’s the distance number?
That’s it. Three questions. Then he swings.
The "Perfect Shot" Reality Check
Menante has a refreshing take on pre-shot routines. He references the legend Ben Hogan, who once said you only hit 2 or 3 perfect shots per round.
Important Insight: Menante isn’t saying "skip your routine." He’s saying: don’t freeze over the ball waiting for perfection. If even the greatest ball-striker in history only hit a couple perfect shots a round, why should you stand there stressed, waiting for yours?
His approach: Pick your target, trust your routine, and accept that the ball probably won’t go exactly where you wanted—and that’s okay.
The Fine Line: Fast Play vs. Reckless Play
Menante admits there’s a danger zone:
| Too Fast | Just Right | Too Slow |
|---|---|---|
| Careless mistakes | Balanced, confident | Anxiety creeps in |
| Miss key details (wind, slope) | Smart, efficient routine | Overthink bad outcomes |
| "Reckless play" | Menante’s sweet spot | Analysis paralysis |
His solution: Build a routine that catches potential oversights (wind, lie, trouble spots) but doesn’t let you dwell. Efficiency > Speed for speed’s sake.
The Stats Don’t Lie: Fast Play = Good Play
You might think rushing hurts performance. Menante proves otherwise.
Speed Rankings (Korn Ferry Tour)
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| Overall pace | #1 |
| Off the tee | #1 |
| Around the green | #1 |
| On the green | #1 |
| Approach shots | #2 |
Performance Rankings (Strokes Gained)
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| Off the tee | T-16th |
| Around the green | 24th |
| Putting | 50th |
| Approach shots | 49th |
| Total Strokes Gained | 8th |
| Points Standings | 7th |
Key Takeaway: Menante is 7th in the season-long points race. The top 20 earn PGA Tour cards. He’s playing fast and playing well—exactly where he wants to be.
Menante’s Golden Rule
"Whether you play good or bad, play quick."
— Dylan Menante
He believes pace isn’t just about saving time—it’s about staying in rhythm, avoiding negative thoughts, and keeping the game fun.
Summary: What Weekend Golfers Can Learn
- Simplify your decisions → Target, shot shape, number. Done.
- Accept imperfection → You’ll hit very few "perfect" shots. Stop waiting for them.
- Build a smart, fast routine → Check the essentials (wind, lie, trouble), then GO.
- Fast ≠ Reckless → Efficiency beats both rushing and overthinking.
- Rhythm matters → A steady pace keeps your mind calm and your swing loose.
FAQ
Does playing fast mean I should skip my pre-shot routine?
No! Menante has a routine—it’s just efficient. He checks the key info (wind, distance, trouble), picks a target, and commits. The goal is to avoid freezing over the ball, not to skip preparation.
Isn’t the Korn Ferry Tour easier than the PGA Tour?
It’s a developmental tour, but the players are extremely good. Many are former PGA Tour winners or major champions. Earning a card here is incredibly difficult—only the top 20 do it.
What does "Strokes Gained" mean?
Think of it as a report card for each part of your game. It compares your performance to the field average. Positive numbers = better than average. Menante is 8th overall—meaning he gains strokes on the field nearly every round.
Can amateur golfers play faster without hurting their scores?
Absolutely. Most amateurs lose time between shots (searching for balls, long conversations, excessive practice swings). Adopting Menante’s "target → commit → go" mindset can actually improve scores by reducing tension and overthinking.
Why does Menante say "whether you play good or bad, play quick"?
Because slow play feeds doubt. When you stand over a shot too long, your brain invents worst-case scenarios. A steady pace keeps you in the present—where good golf happens.
Final Thought: Dylan Menante isn’t just fast—he’s intentionally fast. He’s proven you don’t need to play slow to play smart. Sometimes, the best swing thought is no swing thought at all—just a target and a go.
