Some Comments and Suggestions on Slow Play
Note: The text has been edited for better readability"In this day of man's greatest speed, he has produced his slowest golf."
Why? Some may even say, "Why hurry, I've paid my dues and am entitled to play
at a pace that is comfortable to me. It is my right."
As the saying goes "Your right ends where the other fellows nose begins!"
How long should it take to play 9 holes? As a rule of thumb, it should
not take 4 players more than 12.5 minutes to play a 40 yard par 4 hole.
Of this, no more than 5 minutes should be for
play around the green.
For 9 holes this is slightly less than 2 hours.
This should be regarded as an upper limit. Next time out, time your group.
How well are you
doing against the standard? If you are exceeding it, what can you do
short of running to your ball between shots, to speed up play?
PLENTY!
On the putting green:
- Leave your bag or cart on the side of the green facing the next tee.
- Do not mark balls on the green unless they would interfere with another players shot.
- If the flag must be attended, the player who would be last to play should do the attending.
- When the flag is removed, you do not need to take it all the
way to the tee, just out of everyone's line is good enough! - Line up your putt while others are playing.
It is NOT discourteous to do this, as some may think.
In fact, it is more courteous to do so, since then you will be
ready to play without delay and nobody will be waiting for you.
Follow this not only for your first putt, but also for your second, etc!!!!!!!! - Limit yourself to one or two practice strokes at most.
- Putt out when feasible instead of marking and lifting your ball.
- If your ball is within tap in range, TAP IT IN rather than marking it!
- Do your lamenting over missed putts on the next tee instead of on
the green and needlessly delaying everyone else. - As soon as everyone has holed out, immediately replace the flag
and move to the next tee.
Discuss and record your scores at the next tee, NOT on or around the green.
- Select your club and size up your shot while others are playing.
- Know when it is your turn, and play without delay when it is your
turn.
There should be only 10 or 20 seconds between consecutive players striking the ball.
This may not seem like much time, but if you are ready to play, it is plenty of time. - Limit yourself to one practice swing at most.
- If your shot should go off the fairway, take special care to line
it up with trees
or other objects so as to expedite the process of finding it. - Never take practice swings after hitting a shot.
As soon as it is safe to move, go directly to your ball. - If the group ahead is more than 1 clear hole ahead, and a group
is consistently waiting behind you, let them through. - When searching for a ball, If the group behind is waiting for you
let them through while you continue searching. - On par 3's where so designated, once your group is on the green, and if the following group
is waiting to play, allow the following group to hit before putting out.
If possible, stand behind a tree or other obstacle, or otherwise
well back and off to one side while waiting. - When using or sharing a golf cart, park as near your ball as allowed
and take a few clubs with you to speed up club selection. - For shots over water, or with out of bounds, take a second ball with
you just in case the first one goes astray. In fact, always have
a second ball with you just in case you need it. - Play a provisional ball if you think your shot may be out of bounds or lost outside of a hazard.
- Never take, or try to give a golf lesson while on the course!
- Do not be engaged in idle chatter when it is your turn to play.
- Do not spend time seeking advice or analyzing your swing after a
bad shot. It happens to the best golfers. Accept it and move on
without delay. Resolve to do better next time.
for everyone's enjoyment!
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