I recently played a round of golf with one of my students and we were behind an extremely slow group that held us up the entire 18 holes. Many times when they left the green, we all hit our shots and we got to the green and they were still teeing off. The kicker here is we were playing a fivesome (this course allows them, but you have to keep pace) and the foursome behind us never caught up to us. He asked me to write an article about slow play and what is a good pace of play.
Those in the know in the golf business say that one of the biggest problems facing golf is slow play. Golfers in this fast paced world are having a hard time finding enough time to play. Many courses have instituted pace of play guidelines. They have posted the time intervals per hole and for the total round that a foursome should keep, meet or exceed, to be on a good and acceptable pace of play. For most courses 4 ½ hours is the time set as a good pace of play for an 18 hole round. That should be no problem, especially for all the golfers who ride carts and even walkers, if they follow a few guidelines.
Many course pros or starters who know their players, will always try to schedule the first 3 or 4 tee times in the morning, especially on busy days, with their speedy groups. Having a turtle group lead the way is a sure signal for disaster in falling behind on the tee times. This hopefully will keep play moving along, as the general rule is to keep up with the group in front of you. Most courses have the rule for their rangers that if there is an open hole between groups, the turtles have to step aside and let the group behind go through. This doesn’t really help in most cases, because in the first place this slows things up and the turtles will still be a problem if they don’t keep up with the group they are letting through.
Another factor I have heard too many times to count from an offending slow play group when asked to pick up the pace is, “The group behind us is not pushing us or said anything to us. So what is the problem?” The problem is that hole and half gap between you and the group in front. The problem is that even though the group behind has not said anything is no excuse for you not to keep up. In fact, many times when you ask the group being held up that has not complained, all they say is they didn’t want to cause a problem and they just slowed up to their pace. The moral of this story is the answer to a good pace of play is not to stay ahead of the group behind you, but to keep up with the group in front.
One of the best ways to play faster on non-tournament rounds is: “Play Ready Golf.” Ready Golf means that you put aside the honor system of the order of play. The honor system states that the player with the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first and then on through till all have hit. The honor in the fairway or on the green to putt is that the player farthest from the hole plays first and then the rest in order of farthest from the hole. The one exception in putting is that there is a “continuous putting rule” that allows one to putt out with others farther away as long as they can do so without stepping or standing in someone else’s line. This really helps speed up play on the green by eliminating marking the ball and then replacing it, especially for putts in the tap in range.
Playing Ready Golf means that the group agrees that whoever gets to the tee first hits. This reduces standing around waiting for the honoree if he or she is lagging behind for whatever reason. In the fairway Ready Golf is hitting when ready as long as you are not out in front of other players line of play. Many times groups speed up because there is a race to the tee to hit first, especially by higher handicap players in a group that very rarely can win the honor. When playing cart path only (CPO) rules, or around the green, always bring 2 or 3 possible clubs that you may need with you when you walk out to your ball. Bringing only one club and deciding you need another and have to go back to the cart to get it is a big time problem, slowing the pace of play with everyone else standing around waiting while you walk back and forth.
Another good way to speed up play is when the hole is completed, wait until you get to the next tee to write down scores. Doing the scorekeeping at the green holds up the group behind you, waiting in the fairway from hitting until you clear the green.
The last big pace of play problem maker is “THE CELL PHONE.” We live in a fast paced world and I don’t want to deny someone use of his/her phone on the course. All I ask and recommend is if your call is going to be more than a minute or two, then pick up your ball, move off to the side and take care of business. This way you don’t slow up play or disturb your playing partners.
The saying that “Time is Money,” applies to golf, especially for the owners of a course who can make more money if more players can play every day and can help keep rates down. Time is also valuable and we only have so much in every day. In our fast paced lives, many days we cram in as much as we can. Many golfers would like to cram in a quick nine or even eighteen holes, but find it impossible when play is at turtle speed.
Let’s keep golf enjoyable and maintain a good pace of play. If you and your group don’t do some of the suggestions mentioned, give them a try. Who knows, if you play a fast 18 you may have time to sneak in an emergency nine. Sounds good to me.
The Surge!
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Don-there is one more thing that can speed up play. When players leave the green they can wait till they get to the next tee to put their clubs in the bag and take out the club for the tee. There are a lot of people who seem to take forever to get their club in the bag put on headcovers etc. Go to the bag at the tee not after the green! Feel free to share this in your article.
Phew! 41/2 hours for a round of golf???!!! I’m from England and it is suggested at most courses that 3 1/4 hours is plenty for a round. Even my own which measures 6800yds up and down big hills.
You have to be bold with slow players. I found that most are oblivious to it. There is one hole on my course that is a short par five, then you walk back thirty yards and out of sight, round a corner to a par four followed by a par three. What normally happens is I have to wait twice to tee off and in the fairway because the people in front don’t seem to think that someone is capable of hitting any more than 200yards, and visually, it doesn’t seem like I’m right up behind them. I caddied for dad once behind the same group and because he is a beginner and went 100yards, 100, 100, 100, 50, he was right up by the green as they were putting so it was obvious that he was quicker.
One group held me up the entire round and at no point did I get within 50 yards of them, despite waiting on every tee.
Other times I’ll turn the corner and a) they must have heard me on the gravel b) they must have heard me using the ball washer, pulling a club etc. and at no point turn around to acknowledge me. They know I’m there. I’m always looking everywhere on the course – checking trees for wind, enjoying scenery – seeing if I’m holding anyone up.
My solution is to ask to play through. And when they sometimes say ‘we would let you through but there is nowhere to go’ I just say, ‘Ok, I’d still like to play through.’
That often does the trick.
I forgot also this can also be done during the hole after the tee. Put the clubs back in the bag when you are going to hit your next shot!!!
I recently bought you on line video offer and went to the range….yikes my divots are deep than the old swing. This really slows down my head speed. I have followed your instructions….any suggestions?
Jim
Don,
Another tip to speed up play. Always have an extra ball with you!
Ken
Hey Hey now… 4 1/2 hours away from the wife and kids is the reason I play golf…. LOL just kidding.. I hate being slowed up from golfers not keeping the pace. Mind you im so not the best golfer in the world, but it throws my rythem off when I get slowed down.. Especially here in the hot florida sun.. So yeah lets keep the pace…
To speed up play, besides having a second ball ready, it helps to have spare ball markers so as to be able to mark other balls for their owners who may have a long walk before they can get their ball out of the way for somebody else who will be putting first.
MY pet peeve, after putting out on the 18th green, the handshakes, then we put away clubs, add the score, find our wallet, car keys etc. when the group behind is waiting to hit… or the other is the long wait to watch the shot by all in the group…. and then a discussion as to where it went, should I play another… get moving guys…
How NOT to solve it….
While stationed in Hawaii, I was once added to a threesome of gentlemen who had flown in just to play golf for the weekend. Only one spoke much English, but we got acquainted by exchanging gifts, displaying clubs, etc. We were behind 3 ladies who played pretty fast until about the 4th hole. As one slowly strolled up to her ball, our leader teed off and ripped one over her head. They all looked back and scrambled to play faster. I was still in shock when the man pointed and said “Our wives.”
Don:
I regularly play with golfers that have no idea about the time limits of play.
They take a lot of time doing everything that has been previously stated.
4 1/2 Hours is only a dream. 5 1/2, 6 or even 6 1/2 hours seems more than likely. When suggestions are made as to how to speed up they all turn deaf.
I believe that it would make sense for the pro or starter to hand out a sheet with a quick synopsis of rules that are common incliding length of play, how long to search for a ball and the best of all READY GOLF. Unless they have a rules book (unlikel;they only deal with a handful of rules anyway.
Don, I have written about this issue on my own site. I am proposing starting a campaign that every course have a “fast play day” where everyone has to finish in UNDER 3 and 1/2 hours. The forum member from the U.K. (David Clayton) was right in saying that Americans have come to accept the 4 and 1/2 hour round (now closer to 5 hours) as the norm whereas in England and Scotland they frown upon the over 31/2 hr. round. Ironic that we want fast cars, fast food and fast … , but golf is a death march. Brian.
am I suppose to see a video on my computer screen? have’nt seen any or is there something I’m doing wrong? e-mail today was Ready Golf,talked about slow play
Don,
Slow players can be bothersome, but the rudeness of the people behind can be worse! My 2-some was stuck behind an extremely slow 4-some. There was a single player behind us. He could clearly see that we were in the fairway waiting for the 4 to get off the green and he ripped one off the tee box – it zoomed past my head…. he then drove up past me to his ball and was getting ready to hit it again… he was taking it upon himself to just play through us even though he would be blocked by the 4! We just decided to go back to the pro-shop and then hang out at the range until we knew they would all be well out of the way… (we are members at this club) We then started over but not before telling the pro about what happened…
Where do I start…
Got to say i agree with some of the other ‘foreigners’. I belong to a club in Melb. Australia, where 4 hrs is the recommended max. They played the open there in ‘67 so its a reasonably difficult course too. Make practice swings and club selection while waiting for others to take their shot where possible, if you must.
Don’t understand from both economic and enjoyment level for all the other golfers, why any starter lets 2 singles out one after another, or are reluctant to make pairs foursomes. (unless of course there is absolutely no one on course or scheduled) It takes waay longer and deprives the course of extra revenue, I’ve experienced this many times in California, often on busy public courses. Pairing should be mandatory where possible, helps find those lost balls quicker and a great way to meet people too.
Pet peeve : those who leave bag/buggy in front of green so after all the above mentioned club selection/score card palaver. Those waiting to tee off STILL have to wait while they stroll to their gear ‘cos no-one leaves there stuff at the back of the green. Seems simple, safe and courteous. At even 30-40 seconds delay over 18 holes, and dozens of rounds on any given day that can add up to lots of lost time.
Its a bit off topic but… I played at a course in country Victoria where they had a ‘Greens Maintainance’ policy; each of the foursome was assigned 2 greens by the starter and given one of those pitch repair forks. While waiting for others to putt you simply repaired 2 pitch marks on those greens. No delays, and the putting surface was left in the condition YOU would like it to be in. There is nothing more annoying than those that dont repair these, they take 2 weeks to recover or less than 5 seconds to repair, and can ruin an all the groundskeepers good work.
Don, I finally opened and read your peak performance instructions the night before our annual golf trip. My iron shots were better than ever, But I could not drive the ball off the tee. Help
Bernardo
I marshal and start at a course that is fairly wooded so you can imagine the possibilities of slow play there. What we now do is remind everyone on the first tee that there’s a lot of play on the course and pace of play is vital. Then no one can say they weren’t told. We also point out that everything is a lateral hazard except in two specific places. It’s made a great difference in the overall pace of the day. As well when we’re marshalling we’re often in the best position to see where balls have gone if they’ve sailed off the fairway and can quickly get them for the patron ( I carry a ball retriever) or tell them it’s a lost cause.
That said during some tournaments -once the alcohol starts flowing-it can be like pushing and elephant uphill/
I love READY GOLF !!!!!! Another thing i hate is club covers. I know lots of people that takes MINUTES just removing and putting covers back on. LEAVE THEM IN THE BAG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a Great Golf Day
Bill
Ok………I have to many questions, so i will just start with my main one.
I have been watching you CD’s. One tee box, my drives are straight down the middle. The next box I hook to the other fairway. I changed nothing !! What is the world can i be doing wrong ?!?!?!?
I may need to come take a lesson in person if that is possible.
Thanks
Bill
I know this will sound odd but if your not that good dont play the pro courses you will only slow everyone else down. Think about it
Don
Some help with faster play would include:
1. Don’t allow high handy cap players to use expensive balls.
2. Public courses should keep the ruff cut.
3.Enjoy the smile.
I just started “PLAYING” golf this year and want to appoligize to anyone I have held up. But in all fairness, I want to say that I give anyone and everyone the chance to play through. I am just learning this game and love it. I do try to get out when others usually don’t, i.e. twilight, or I play only nine holes.
Please, everyone should remember….you all were “NEW” players at one time or another. If you were able to break 90 from the start congrats. I thought this was a relaxful game, If I wanted to be rushed, I would have taken up jogging. Again, I am sorry to have held anyone up, but I was told by my Pro to “take your time, and relax.”
I agree with all comments here for the most part, but feel that the starters and rangers have to play a VERY large roll in this. It is their job to make sure pace of play is being kept up. A local course I play has went way downhill over the last several years. They no longer use a starter or a ranger at all, except for the peak hours on the weekend and frequently overbook the course. I recently played a round as a 3some and 3 singles were let out behind us. We let the first play through even though we were being held up by a foursome and then decided we were going to be slowed down if we continued to let singles play through over the next several holes….so we didn’t. Why were they not paired up on the first tee???? Also,the last round I played as a 3some as well, 2 kids show up out of nowhere behind us on # 12 (they were not behind us or in sight all day) and repeatedly ask us to to play through every hole. They walked on the course to a random hole and began playing because there was no starter to tell them otherwise!!!! Ridiculous!!! Come on golf course managers! Get it together!!
My licence plate reads ready golf different spelling of course, my comment is that many wanna b golfers need to learn ready golf then go out and play the greatest game.
You all talk about slow players, and condemming them for it, but has any one of you thought that there might possibly be a good reason for a player being slow???
I suffer from Myashethenia Gravis ( severe muscle weakness) for the lazy who do not wish to look it up. I enjoy my golf but am not very fast at walking due to this disease. OK ‘take a cart’ I here you say but If I don’t force my body to work it will become a couch potato. I wish to live as long as the rest of you. So please spare a thought for the disabled players out there who find it very difficult to ‘Keep up’
I always encourage faster players to Play through but some are so involved in there own worlds that they do not get the message.
Don,
I played one of the longest and most miserable rounds of golf in my life on Friday. One thing that stood out was that we were held up on every par 3 on the course. I commented to my partner that it seems that no one knows how to speed up play on the par 3’s. May be we should teach this simple process:
When all players are on the green on a par 3, mark your balls and let the next group tee off. When that group has hit their tee shots, replace your balls and continue the hole.
I learned this at a private course that I used to play at, and it seems that we never were held up. Maybe a little education on the part of the course pro or the starter could speed up play substantially.