GOLF GO SLOW

Once again, the subject of slow play rears it’s ugly head. There are those who try to defend it (they are usually the worst offenders) but the fact is, slow play is selfish, anti-social, expensive and eminently avoidable. The fact that groups of three top professionals can take five hours to play eighteen holes is irrelevant. They are playing for big bucks and for their livelihoods. Holiday golf is supposed to be fun, but if you happen to be following some of golf’s road hogs, it can become sheer misery. Any four-ball which cannot complete a round of golf in four-and-a-half hours should not be allowed to start at a time when they are going to affect the following golfers. The problem is, they can’t be identified until they are actually ruining everyone else’s day. So what’s the solution? Well there is a simple solution, but what is needed is the will to apply it. All that’s required is a prominent notice at the caddymasters’ counter, stating that players who do not feel they can complete their round in under four-and-a-half-hours will be given the latest start times. This could be backed up vocally by the caddymasters. Groups out on the course who have lost touch with the match in front should be asked to leave the course if they refuse to speed up, or call following players through. Even if it means refunding greenfees, because these people will cost the golf clubs much more in the long run, as following golfers are unable to complete their rounds in daylight and rightly demand compensation. On a positive note, here are some simple tips to playing quickly without feeling rushed.

1. Be ready to play your shot when it’s your turn.
2. Mark your scorecard on the next tee, not while standing on the green (after your tee shot if you’re first to play).
3. Make sure you leave your buggy/trolley on the side of the green nearest to the next tee.
4. Putt continuously, instead of marking your ball on 3-foot putts.
5. When taking a buggy on the fairway is prohibited, take several clubs across the fairway to your ball.
6. If there is doubt about finding your ball, play a provisional.
7. Finally, keep the shaggy dog stories for the 19th. hole!

Tags: golf