You got it right

T times too close together.....not likely....the T times are pre-scheduled (usually 9-10 minutes apart) by the T time system......the individual course cannot change those times.

Some back-ups can be caused by an inattentive starter.....if the starter does not send the next group out at the right time (i.e. sends it out early) that can create a back up on the course. Likewise, golfers must be on time as well....i have seen many times a golf group, after the starter has told them its ok to T off....just stand around on the T, BSing and as a result they T off late....that then backs up everything in back of them

Slow play is an ongoing/niver ending problem....especially this time of year....and as much as people dislike it.....i think its here to stay.

Shhhsh! Sounds like work instead of fun to me! Thought my hubby and I might take up the sport when we get moved down but now I think I'll just find something else to do! Don't like to be "rushed" in my old age!

I hope you reconsider. Golf is fun. Remember this thread concerns play on the championship courses. While some of the comments may also apply to the executive courses, those courses are designed to have varying degrees of difficulty, so a beginner can play a course with fewer hazards and/or length so they can enjoy the experience. As their capabilities improve, they can try harder and harder courses while still enjoying the game. Please attend the Good Golf School put on by TV. It will give you a lot of information about golf here and many tips on how to maximize your enjoyment without worrying about your effect on the pace of play.

Pace of Play
 

On page 25 of the new phone book about golf, pace of play is addressed. It states, "The Pace of Play 'Time Par' for the Championship Courses ranges from 4:05 at Orange Blossom Hills to 4:26 at Palmer Legends Country Club".

These parameters are designed by professionals, so why is 4:02 unreasonable or "slow"?

Golf should not be a race to see how fast you can get around a course, but enjoyable and relaxing. I have played with players who would state at the end of a round, "Our group played in 3:40 today". So? Even though they were all good golfers, maybe they could have been even better if they would concentrate on their games more than how fast they could play 18. (Just a thought.)

Yes, truly slow play is maddening (taking a bazillion practice swings, lining up putts forever, etc.). Constant pushing from the group behind you is just as maddening when you or they have no place to go. Let the ambassadors do their jobs and leave everyone else alone.

When and where is "Good Golf School"?

Another Beginner Golfer

Simple Pace of Play Rule
 

Rules of Golf state that when you have an open hole in front of you and golfers behind you are waiting, step aside and let the faster group play through...no big deal. If you wish to play a 5 hour round of golf, that is fine, just don't expect everyone behind you to do likewise....let them play through.

Playing through in TV accomplishes very little. The courses are full. The most you might gain is one hole.

That would work good if there is no one behind the people that you are letting play through. However if the course is full as it is most of the time in The Villages at this time of the year it works best for everyone on the course if the slow players skip a hole. It takes more time to let someone play through if you are playing slow then all that happpens is more people are further behind.

I just played Mallory and we were done in just under 4 hours which is ahead of the 4 hours and 16 minutes on the score card.

What is the hurry. We are mostly retired. Afraid gonna miss early bird special or happy hour?:grumpy:

I take that comment to mean that you are a slow player yourself?

Slow play hurts everyone on the course. Slow play is a choice. I've seen many raw beginners who are not slow.

Bad choices such as:

• Getting in your cart and scoring the hole while on the side of the green
• Taking your time to make sure your clubs are all in their place before leaving the green side. (hold your putter in one hand and drive with the other until the next tee box if you must).
• Waiting to tee your ball up on the tee. First player should be ready the minute the group in front is clear.
• Waiting for another player who is no where in sight to hit before you plan and execute your next shot (you are not going to bother each other - just hit).

Last month I played with a woman, on an exec, who said "you're an experienced golfer, if you see something that I could do differently to speed up play, please let me know". It was refreshing and we had a great time during the round (I shared her cart). I gave her a few tips (for speed of play not the play itself) as the round went on. I wish more golfers were open to simple suggestions.

Playing in an expedient manner does not take the fun out of the game.

Not a slow player. scratch player who realizes everyone isnt in a hurry and enjoy my time on the golf course whether 3 4 5 6 hours.

I do not believe it is an issue of being in a hurry but more an issue of common courtesy. Each scorecard on the exec courses show an expected time to play that course and if a group falls out of that time range then it will have a trickle down effect throughout that day. Just this past week we played Bacall and it took us over 2 1/4hrs due to the two groups just in front of us. Of course looking behind us you could see a backup growing and two clear holes in front of us. That can be frustrating.

Scratch player doesn't mean you are quick. There isn't a player (or organization) in the world who doesn't think slow play is an issue whether it be professional or weekender. The fact that you even mention a 6 hour round as OK takes away all of your credibility.

My 2 cents as an 11 handicap who plays quickly and enjoyably.