Most
golfers prefer to play a round of golf in 4 hours and 15 minutes
during non-peak times and less than 5 hours during peak times or
tournament play. This is not always possible if there are people on
the course slowing up play. It has been said, “Women do not cause
slow play and neither do beginners. Inconsiderate, unaware, and
uninformed players of both genders and all abilities cause slow
play.” (Bruce Munch, Head Professional, White
River Golf Club, Rochester, VT)
Here are
some things you can do to speed up play:
1. Hit
when ready and safe regardless of who has the honors.
2. Never
hit into the next group; but to help move things along, let the
shorter hitters play first.
3. Carry
a spare ball in your pocket. When in doubt about a stray ball, play
a provisional.
On the Fairway
1.
Plan
your shot and select your club while approaching your ball.
2. Take
no more than one practice swing. The precious seconds used taking
numerous practice swings add up in a hurry.
3. Play
ready golf! Even though protocol dictates that the player who is
away plays next, if they are not ready and you are, fire away.
4. If
one person’s ball is on one side of the fairway and another person’s
ball is on the other side about the same distance away, you may both
hit the ball at the same time.
5. WATCH
your ball. Follow the flight of your ball. Watch as it lands. Mark
that spot by trees, tire marks, bridges, some physical object, etc.
But remember to mark it well; things always look different once you
get there. Ask others to assist in watching your ball, and watch
theirs for them.
6. Cart
partners don’t have to wait for one to hit before moving on to the
other’s ball. Drive to the first ball, let the player select their
club, and then drive to your ball. The first golfer can either walk
to the cart after they’ve hit or you can drive back to pick them
up.
7. When
separated from your cart or bag, you should take several clubs to
ensure you have the right one for your shot.
8. The
Rules of Golf allow a maximum of five minutes to search for a lost
ball. (Yikes!! That’s a third of the recommended playing time for
a hole!)
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On
the Green
1.
Park
your cart or leave your clubs to the rear of the green in line with
the next tee box—never in front of the green.
2.
If you
have to carry another club with you besides your putter, lay that
club down between the flag and your cart or bag so you won’t forget
it.
3. Study
your putt while others are putting.
4. Putt
continuously until you hole out, unless restricted by another
golfer’s line.
5. If you
need to make up time, have two people putt out and tee off at the
next tee box while the other two finish putting out.
6. You
don’t have to put your putter away; carry it to the next tee box and
put it away when you pull out your next club.
7.
Don’t
fill out your scorecard on the putting green; do it on the next tee
box.
8.
Observe “Equitable Stroke Control” rules. This means
that golfers not involved in tournament play may pick
up their balls as follows:
Course Handicap
Maximum Score on a Hole
9 or
less Double Bogey
10-19 7
20-29 8
30-39 9
40 and
above 10
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Your place on the golf course is immediately behind
the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group
behind you.
If there is more than half a hole between your group and the
foursome in front of you, you’re playing too slow…please speed up
your pace of play. It is your job to make sure you maintain contact
with that group. If someone in your group is causing slow play,
talk to them. Slow play reflects on everyone in the group—so speak
up!
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