Sloooooow play

[eweissenbach]

The biggest problem in golf IMO is slow play. Even the USGA has recognized it as a major problem and instigated the "while we're young" campaign. It keeps many people from either playing or playing as much as they might otherwise because of the time commitment and the simple frustration. I played with a 30 something man on Saturday on a championship course, who was randomly added to my threesome. He was a nice guy, enjoyable to visit with, but...............on every shot he went through a routine of five or six practice swings, backed off and looked at the line, lined up again, waggled five or six times, and finally hit the ball - often with horrible result. Now, I understand a pre-shot routine makes some sense, though I am of the opinion most people would be best served to simply walk up to the ball, look at the target, take a practice swing, address the ball, and hit it. BUT, if you are going through this kind of routine THEN shanking the ball 50 yards, I, and you, have a problem. Afterward I figured he took an extra twenty seconds per shot, and yes, per putt, not taking into consideration his several second tee shots and frequent lost balls. At twenty seconds a shot that adds up to an extra 30 minutes for an eighteen hole round! Fortunately the group behind us was slow and did not push us, but there was a two hole gap in front of us when we finished. I didn't say anything to him, as he was a stranger who I am likely, hopefully, never to play with again - If he was a friend or regular partner I would have said something. I am no great golfer, a sixteen handicapper, but I believe in a be quick, but don't hurry philosophy. I can accept bad golf, but have a tough time accepting slow golf. end of rant! :swear:

[2BNTV]

Patience, grasshopper!!!! or

Patience my a**, I'm going to kill somebody!!! :smiley:

[yabbadu]

The biggest problem in golf IMO is slow play. Even the USGA has recognized it as a major problem and instigated the "while we're young" campaign. It keeps many people from either playing or playing as much as they might otherwise because of the time commitment and the simple frustration. I played with a 30 something man on Saturday on a championship course, who was randomly added to my threesome. He was a nice guy, enjoyable to visit with, but...............on every shot he went through a routine of five or six practice swings, backed off and looked at the line, lined up again, waggled five or six times, and finally hit the ball - often with horrible result. Now, I understand a pre-shot routine makes some sense, though I am of the opinion most people would be best served to simply walk up to the ball, look at the target, take a practice swing, address the ball, and hit it. BUT, if you are going through this kind of routine THEN shanking the ball 50 yards, I, and you, have a problem. Afterward I figured he took an extra twenty seconds per shot, and yes, per putt, not taking into consideration his several second tee shots and frequent lost balls. At twenty seconds a shot that adds up to an extra 30 minutes for an eighteen hole round! Fortunately the group behind us was slow and did not push us, but there was a two hole gap in front of us when we finished. I didn't say anything to him, as he was a stranger who I am likely, hopefully, never to play with again - If he was a friend or regular partner I would have said something. I am no great golfer, a sixteen handicapper, but I believe in a be quick, but don't hurry philosophy. I can accept bad golf, but have a tough time accepting slow golf. end of rant! :swear:

Would you say the same if it was a WOMAN Waggling!!!!!:a20:

[graciegirl]

I so agree Ed. One of the first things I learned more than forty years ago when I was new at golf, was that you don't have to be good, but you can keep the pace of play. Keep up with the group ahead of you.

Here is another thread on the same subject and should be considered good advice for new golfers, not something mean. You can be new and still keep up the pace of play and everyone will enjoy playing with you and behind you.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/golf-villages-216/ready-golf-113244/

[44Ruger]

I don't golf at all, but seems like slow would make it more fun.

[eweissenbach]

I don't golf at all, but seems like slow would make it more fun.

Hitting the ball is the fun part of the game. The slow part is waiting around doing nothing or wasting time - that is great for the nineteenth hole, but not for the first eighteen, especially when it is 95 degrees and 90% humidity, like last Saturday here. Seriously, slow golf is most definitely not fun IMO, and it irritates everyone but the one perpetrating the problem.

[Fourpar]

No excuse for slow play, period....Unless of course you call EMS for a fallen partner:-)
Played behind a group yesterday that had one hole open in front of them by #3, and God knows how many after 18. But, of course the ambassador said "they are on time"! Long, hot Sunday morning!

[graciegirl]

We played nine at seven thirty yesterday morning with a grandfather and his ten year old grandson and we were done in a little over an hour. Enjoyed it mightily. Young man had been taught well on pace of play.

[dbussone]

We played nine at seven thirty yesterday morning with a grandfather and his ten year old grandson and we were done in a little over an hour. Enjoyed it mightily. Young man had been taught well on pace of play.


Sounds like a fun round for all involved. Excellent way to start the day.

[bluedog103]

I think a lot of people form their opinions on golf by watching old movies. They see people chatting and socializing at the country club, strolling along and occasionally hitting the ball. It appears that golf is a social time with a little golf mixed in. Folks, it ain't like this! You can chat and socialize but you have to keep moving along. The best way I can think of to have people pi$$ed off at you on a golf course is to hold everyone up while you take multiple practice swings then make dinner plans before you leave the green.

[capecodbob]

Slow play is a big issue in many places. It takes a well organized golf course to weed out those that persist in holding up those behind them. It also costs them money because fewer people can play due to the holdup. Plus others will not come back because the course didn't "fix" the issue.

[red tail]

The biggest problem in golf IMO is slow play. Even the USGA has recognized it as a major problem and instigated the "while we're young" campaign. It keeps many people from either playing or playing as much as they might otherwise because of the time commitment and the simple frustration. I played with a 30 something man on Saturday on a championship course, who was randomly added to my threesome. He was a nice guy, enjoyable to visit with, but...............on every shot he went through a routine of five or six practice swings, backed off and looked at the line, lined up again, waggled five or six times, and finally hit the ball - often with horrible result. Now, I understand a pre-shot routine makes some sense, though I am of the opinion most people would be best served to simply walk up to the ball, look at the target, take a practice swing, address the ball, and hit it. BUT, if you are going through this kind of routine THEN shanking the ball 50 yards, I, and you, have a problem. Afterward I figured he took an extra twenty seconds per shot, and yes, per putt, not taking into consideration his several second tee shots and frequent lost balls. At twenty seconds a shot that adds up to an extra 30 minutes for an eighteen hole round! Fortunately the group behind us was slow and did not push us, but there was a two hole gap in front of us when we finished. I didn't say anything to him, as he was a stranger who I am likely, hopefully, never to play with again - If he was a friend or regular partner I would have said something. I am no great golfer, a sixteen handicapper, but I believe in a be quick, but don't hurry philosophy. I can accept bad golf, but have a tough time accepting slow golf. end of rant! :swear:

the problem is they watch too much golf channel. I played with a guy the other day who threw grass in the air checking the wind. then a little rock and roll he would finally hit the ball. way too much shaking and thinking. they should just address the ball towards the target

[rubicon]

The golf industry cites slow play and difficulty as the reasons many people have given up golf. I'll be back to that in a second. They never bring up the issue of cost.

Slow play and difficulty can be related. Many golfers find that rushing forgoing a practice swing etc was a cause for a bad stroke. Granted one can stand over the ball too long, take too many swings, etc. conversely there are golfers who seem to be too impatient with other golfers setting up addressing the ball, etc.

Frankly I try hard to over look all of that. My complaints come from people who are more interested in chatting than being ready when their turn is up. I watched a foursome once and a woman sat in her cart until all three players teed off then she got out of the cart pulled the driver out of her bag and spent a good amount of time making adjustments. Better she had her driver out worked it a little while others teed off etc..........

Ready Play for the benefit of other golfers is one thing and i wholeheartedly agree . However, Ready Play because an industry only wants more bucks and gives you the wham bam thank you mam treatment is quite another

There is a lot more to this but I don't want to waste your time or the paper and ink

[PJOHNS2654]

the problem is they watch too much golf channel. I played with a guy the other day who threw grass in the air checking the wind. then a little rock and roll he would finally hit the ball. way too much shaking and thinking. they should just address the ball towards the target

I think one of the big reasons for slow golf is being too polite. If you are in the left rough but ten or twenty yards closer to the green than a playing partner who is in the right rough and isn't quite ready, you don't have to wait. If you are ready to hit, Hit the damn ball.

[Ithreeputtoo]

I agree with how slow play can be bad for your golf game. My golf game suffers when I have to stand and wait and wait and wait to hit the ball. No I am not a great golfer but I move along and hold no one up. A foursome that I play with often on the championship courses usually can be done with 18 holes in 3 1/2 hours or a little less if no one is in front of us holding us up. I know that is faster than is normal. I am one for making every golfer that has a resident ID attend the Good Golf School before they can make the first tee time so that they know what "Ready Golf" is and to RAKE the bunker and to put the rake back in the bunker correctly and many more tips that they need to know when they are out on any of our golf courses.

[billethkid]

slow play, pace of play, et al..... if there is a golf course or golf discussion there will always be an issue/discussion of slow play.

I believe in enjoying the game and keep moving. There are some who have no concept of the game of golf or it's rules or considerations.....and far too many do not care.

However these are the few....the exceptions....and like every other subject the minority (NOT RACE) issues always get the play!

Two foreign subjects for most golfers in TV.....ready golf and repairing ball marks on the greens. Can there be that many that just don't care?

[eweissenbach]

slow play, pace of play, et al..... if there is a golf course or golf discussion there will always be an issue/discussion of slow play.

I believe in enjoying the game and keep moving. There are some who have no concept of the game of golf or it's rules or considerations.....and far too many do not care.

However these are the few....the exceptions....and like every other subject the minority (NOT RACE) issues always get the play!

Two foreign subjects for most golfers in TV.....ready golf and repairing ball marks on the greens. Can there be that many that just don't care?

While I agree it is a minority, the problem is it only takes one group, or sometimes, one individual in a group to tie up the entire course.

[RErmer]

:bigbow:I think one of the big reasons for slow golf is being too polite. If you are in the left rough but ten or twenty yards closer to the green than a playing partner who is in the right rough and isn't quite ready, you don't have to wait. If you are ready to hit, Hit the damn ball.

:bigbow: I totally agree with you,

[2BNTV]

I view this not only as a golf problem but people having consideration for other people.

At the gym, two people are talking with one standing on a machine. Not wanting to interrupt their conversation, I waited about ten minutes, before they realized I wanted to get on that machine.

One woman said to me, "she was ready to get on the machine", (I had waited ten minutes!!!). Finally, they decided to go to another machine, as they were in a world of their own. Consideration please.

BTW - Men do this also!!!

Waiting in a line at the supermarket with a person looking at the prices as they are scanned, (somewhat understandable). When the cashier is finished, it dawns on them to get their credit card, out of their purse. DOH!!!

BTW - Doesn't every cashier give you a receipt and that you can check the price of all items.

Did they think the cashier was going to give them a free lunch?

Consideration is a nice trait to have. Also patience, which sometimes I am in short supply of, but that's me..........

I guess I better not play golf. :D

[eweissenbach]

I view this not only as a golf problem but people having consideration for other people.

At the gym, two people are talking with one standing on a machine. Not wanting to interrupt their conversation, I waited about ten minutes, before they realized I wanted to get on that machine.

One woman said to me, "she was ready to get on the machine", (I had waited ten minutes!!!). Finally, they decided to go to another machine, as they were in a world of their own. Consideration please.

BTW - Men do this also!!!

Waiting in a line at the supermarket with a person looking at the prices as they are scanned, (somewhat understandable). When the cashier is finished, it dawns on them to get their credit card, out of their purse. DOH!!!

BTW - Doesn't every cashier give you a receipt and that you can check the price of all items.

Did they think the cashier was going to give them a free lunch?

Consideration is a nice trait to have. Also patience, which sometimes I am in short supply of, but that's me..........

I guess I better not play golf. :D

Right as usual Joe, some people just seem to be oblivious to anyone else, or the circumstances, whether it be on the road, in the supermarket line, at the gym, in a theatre, at the golf course or anywhere else humans come into contact with one another.

[JGVillages]

Unfortunately in The Villages our ambassadors are not given the authority to deal with a slow group immediately. It's a 3 step process, with the suggestion for them to speed up, then later a stronger suggestion, and finally anything severe needs pro shop approval. By the time this process is implemented we all know, it's too late. There will always be some group or person that backs up the course. Proper and immediate discipline is needed. Our Golf Course Management is to concerned with not hurting the feelings of residents, which in the case of slow play, allows a few people to make the day for many a lot longer than necessary.

[justjim]

OP is correct----slow play is really hurting golf. Fact: There are fewer golfers today than five years ago. Its not so much about golfers our age---we can put up with a certain amount of slow play but many who are still working really can't.

Another thing, about "the money" ----if the owners of golf courses can't make a buck---guess what is going to happen to the courses. We are seeing some of that across the country now.

Here in TV, management needs to change policy and give the Ambassadors more power to deal with slow play especially on Championship Golf Courses. That would be a start.

[Barefoot]

Unfortunately in The Villages our ambassadors are not given the authority to deal with a slow group immediately.

Exactly. Ambassadors should definitely have the authority to immediately deal with a slow group. Even for a newbie, Ready Golf is an easy concept to master. Being aware of pace of play is just plain courteous. :rant-rave:

[fred53]

"immediately deal" is almost impossible unless you've been observing them from the time they tee off and with 9 holes and about 18 groups to cover that is not a logical request.

Time lag by a group can be caused by lost balls(and this per the rules allows 5 minutes for each lost ball...PER THE RULES and that alone will slow everyone up.

Yes you can detect to much jibber jabber, not ready to hit shots, incapable of hitting the ball more than 100 yds(beginner or hack it matters not), ball hawking, etc. These are all legitimate reasons to approach a group...but you have to observe it to take immediate action. A following groups word isn't good enough as people have been known to overstate the problem because of their own personal agenda(sic: attitude).

You will NEVER get all day perfectly timed rounds on an 18 hole golf course unless you go dictator on them(and most who complain would also be at fault at some point). I've played perhaps 10 18 hole rounds and all were under 4.5hrs...an exceptional pace of play for all except courses where an iron fist rules(not conducive to a pleasant experience)and one infraction gets you kicked off the course.

It would be nice if the grousers would lighten up a bit. As a 70s shooter I promise I play a lot faster than those of you who shoot in the 90's+, but since I understand you aren't as adept as I it is acceptable that you take longer than me to play.

Imagine a foursome of single handicappers playing behind your 90+ shooters foursome complaining the whole way because you take to long to play a hole due to higher scores....not pleasant.

[jdguscinski]

I don't golf at all, but seems like slow would make it more fun.
they are NOT talking about sex....I think you are confused!

[jdguscinski]

"immediately deal" is almost impossible unless you've been observing them from the time they tee off and with 9 holes and about 18 groups to cover that is not a logical request.

Time lag by a group can be caused by lost balls(and this per the rules allows 5 minutes for each lost ball...PER THE RULES and that alone will slow everyone up.

Yes you can detect to much jibber jabber, not ready to hit shots, incapable of hitting the ball more than 100 yds(beginner or hack it matters not), ball hawking, etc. These are all legitimate reasons to approach a group...but you have to observe it to take immediate action. A following groups word isn't good enough as people have been known to overstate the problem because of their own personal agenda(sic: attitude).

You will NEVER get all day perfectly timed rounds on an 18 hole golf course unless you go dictator on them(and most who complain would also be at fault at some point). I've played perhaps 10 18 hole rounds and all were under 4.5hrs...an exceptional pace of play for all except courses where an iron fist rules(not conducive to a pleasant experience)and one infraction gets you kicked off the course.

It would be nice if the grousers would lighten up a bit. As a 70s shooter I promise I play a lot faster than those of you who shoot in the 90's+, but since I understand you aren't as adept as I it is acceptable that you take longer than me to play.

Imagine a foursome of single handicappers playing behind your 90+ shooters foursome complaining the whole way because you take to long to play a hole due to higher scores....not pleasant.
what course are you an ambassador on?