Avoiding Slow Play

Slow play is probably the single most frustrating problem on the golf course. It is particularly annoying when those who are playing slowly make no attempt to speed up their play. Although it is the responsibility of the course marshal to ensure that groups do not dawdle, it is a responsibility shared with the players.

When groups fall behind, the course backs up; tee-offs are delayed, golfers become impatient, and rounds can take five hours or more to play. Letting groups through can add to the problem. The group that goes through benefits, but there is additional delay while that happens and the remaining groups are still held up. The solution is for groups to stay right behind the group ahead (within the limits of safety, of course).

A round of golf should take no longer than four hours and 15 minutes to play. You may feel that this pace is too fast but, remember, slow play is not caused by course conditions or bad shots. Rather, it is the result of bad habits, and bad habits can be corrected.

Have your group play "Ready Golf"

• On the tee, whoever is ready, hits, regardless of who has the honor;
• On the fairway, whoever is ready first, hits, regardless of who is away;
• On the green, line up your putt while others are hitting. When it is your turn, hit until you sink the ball unless that would interfere with another golfer's line.

Always be ready to hit

• Proceed directly to your ball (as long as you can safely do so - you do not want to be directly in front of someone who will hit before you);
• Plan your shot and select your club while approaching your ball;
• Take one practice swing and get set while others are hitting.

Be efficient

• Carry a spare ball in your pocket. When in doubt about a stray ball, play a provisional (announce it);
• Watch other players hit so you can help determine location of ball, if necessary;
• Drop off your cart passenger, then go to your own ball, hit, and pick them up after
• When a ball is lost for 2 minutes and it appears that it will be difficult to find, wave the following group through. Don’t wait for the full 5 minutes;
• Leave your bag or cart off to the side or back of the green towards the next tee
• Record your scores after you have left the green (preferably on the next tee while others are hitting)
• Give instructions only on the driving range. (I have seen this many times, and it eats up a lot of time)

Picking up

• Unless you are in a stroke competition, take a maximum of eight strokes on any fairway (including the drive);
• If you are a lower handicapper, pick up after a triple bogey score.

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