Slow play has been a topic of conversation for as long as I can remember. The fact that we’re still talking about it suggests that it’s always going to be a potential issue.
I was reminded of this recently when I made the mistake of playing on a Saturday.
It’s not easy to get a slot at this time when you’re visiting another club, and in my experience, the places where you can tend to be slow going. Still, I took the risk.
On this particular Saturday, our fourball took just under five hours to play 18 holes, which, in my opinion, is roughly an hour too long.
So, what’s the solution to what is widely accepted to be the scourge of golf?
Perhaps I’m being pessimistic when I say that I don’t think there is one, or rather, there are solutions, but getting everyone to abide by the rules is nigh on impossible.
Just look at the pace of play on the professional tours. Despite the threat of penalties, the pace of play each week ranges from very slow to glacial. It’s like asking footballers not to grapple in the penalty box.
If slow play is to be eradicated (reduced seems more realistic), I believe the club has a responsibility to ensure that its members and guests complete their rounds within a set time.
It starts in the pro shop. I can’t remember the last time I was told what the expected pace of play was. It’s often written on a scorecard, but I’m not sure many people pay attention to it.
“Just so you know, it’s quite busy out there,” is a line I’ve heard more often. You might as well say, “Sorry, you’ll have more fun if you just get in your car and go home.”
Of course, you never want to be rude, but I’m always tempted to ask why. Why is it slow? Is there not a marshal out there? Did you overbook?
Weather conditions and course conditions aside, there aren’t many acceptable reasons for slow play.
A mix of four balls and two balls on the course is often not the recipe for an efficient pace of play
(Image credit: Tom Miles)
Anyway, as we waited on the second tee with two groups in front of us (one with hands on hips on the fairway, one on the green), we discussed several slow-play solutions.
At Merion Golf Club, I was told, they have…
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