From the USGA Rules of Golf:
6-7. Undue Delay; Slow Play
The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player must not unduly delay play.

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A good pace of play is an important element in having a good experience at the golf course.  Use the group ahead of you as a gauge of your pace.  If they are pulling away from your group, you need to speed up.  Pace of play isn’t about rushing your shots, it’s about being ready to take your shot when it is your turn.

Tips for speeding up play on the golf course:

• Members of a group should not travel as a pack.  Each person should walk directly to her own ball.
• When two players are riding in a cart, drive the cart to the first ball and drop off the first player with her choice of clubs. The second player should proceed in the cart to her ball. After the first player hits her stroke, she should begin walking toward the cart as the second golfer is playing.
• Use the time you spend getting to your ball to think about the next shot – the yardage, the club selection. When you reach your ball you'll need less time to figure out the shot.
• If you are unsure whether your ball has come to rest out of bounds, or may be lost, immediately hit a provisional ball so that you won't have to return to the spot to replay the shot.
• Begin reading the green and lining up putts as soon as you reach the green. Don't wait until it's your turn to putt to start the process of reading the green. Do it as soon as you reach the green so that when it's your turn you can step right up and putt.
• Never delay making a stroke because you're having a conversation with a playing partner. Put the conversation on hold, make your stroke, then pick up the conversation again.
• If using a cart on a cart-path-only day, take more than one club with you when you walk from the cart to your ball. Getting to the ball only to find out you don't have the right club is a huge time-waster on the golf course.
• After putting out, don't stand around the green chatting or take any practice putting strokes. Leave the green quickly so the group behind can play.
• When leaving the green and returning to your cart, don't stand there fussing with your putter or other clubs. Get in the cart, drive to the next tee, and then put away your putter.
• Likewise, mark your scorecard after reaching the next tee, not while lingering on or near the just-completed green.
• When using a cart, never park the cart in front of the green. Park it only to the side or behind the green.
• On the tee, pay attention to your fellow competitor’s drives. If they lose sight of their ball, you can help direct them to it and avoid any time lost for searching.  And, when you are in a position to see other players hit their shots from the fairway, the same tip would also apply.
• When waiting on the tee for the group in front to clear the fairway, don't be so strict about order of play. Let the short hitter - who can't reach the group ahead anyway - go ahead and hit.  (this does not apply to Match Play)
• Work on building a concise pre-shot routine. If your pre-shot routine is a lengthy one, it's probably in your best interest to shorten it anyway. Limit practice strokes to one.
• Don't mark short putts - go ahead and putt out if it's short enough.
• Leave your cell phone in the car or turn it off.
• Walk at a good pace between shots.  A brisk pace can help keep you loose and prevent limbs from stiffening up.

REMEMBER - Proper position is determined by whether or not you are keeping up with the group in front of you.  Do not use the group behind you as a guide.  A good pace of play will make everyone’s experience much more enjoyable.