[rustyp]

Just finished watching the final group at Sawgrass. Their pace of play was + 5 hours and 45 minutes. As a comparison the average recommended pace of play on championship courses here in The Villages is 4 hours 15 minutes. The pros today played in threesomes. We senior Villagers play in foursomes. We amateurs average +18 strokes over the pros at best. The pros rarely have a lost ball due to the gallery watching or rarely hit a provisional. May I suggest to these guys "ready golf". As my wife asks me many times how can you watch that - it's like watching grass grow. Perhaps she has a point.

[alwann]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Just finished watching the final group at Sawgrass. Their pace of play was + 5 hours and 45 minutes. As a comparison the average recommended pace of play on championship courses here in The Villages is 4 hours 15 minutes. The pros today played in threesomes. We senior Villagers play in foursomes. We amateurs average +18 strokes over the pros at best. The pros rarely have a lost ball due to the gallery watching or rarely hit a provisional. May I suggest to these guys "ready golf". As my wife asks me many times how can you watch that - it's like watching grass grow. Perhaps she has a point.

When I get behind a group that has betting going on and every put must be holed, it's slower. With the pros, the more money on the line, the slower the play.

[kcrazorbackfan]

If I was playing for that much coin, I would slow it down to a pace just before a warning.

[JoMar]

The pro's also can put a ball within inches of where they want it to land so some time is needed to pick the right club. Villagers are grateful when they can hit a club in the general direction. Not sure how many Villagers shoot 18 over what the pro's shoot if they play by the same rules.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by JoMar

The pro's also can put a ball within inches of where they want it to land so some time is needed to pick the right club. Villagers are grateful when they can hit a club in the general direction. Not sure how many Villagers shoot 18 over what the pro's shoot if they play by the same rules.

I generally try to play by the rules as I understand them. However, my 18 hole score would be good for at least 27 holes for many pros. [emoji41]

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Not sure how many Villagers shoot 18 over what the pro's shoot if they play by the same rules.

Not many.

My index hovers between 8-10 (low 6.2 a few years ago) while playing blues, sometimes gold.

The pros are playing further than the blacks here, on a lot tougher courses, with much faster greens and I would be ecstatic to break 90 playing their courses and tees.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Anyone who watched that event yesterday witnessed the severe greens those guys were playing. There were a lot of three putts and short putts missed. When greens get that fast and bumpy, it will slow down play.

You can't compare players playing at that level to recreational golfers or even competitive golfers at lower levels. If it bothers you that much, as your wife suggested, don't watch.

I watched and enjoyed every minute of it.

[Polar Bear]

FWIW, Jason Day hit his first shot today at 2:39. He tapped in for the win at 6:45.

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

FWIW, Jason Day hit his first shot today at 2:39. He tapped in for the win at 6:45.

Not bad at all when you are playing for nearly $2,000,000.

[alancusa]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Just finished watching the final group at Sawgrass. Their pace of play was + 5 hours and 45 minutes. As a comparison the average recommended pace of play on championship courses here in The Villages is 4 hours 15 minutes. The pros today played in threesomes. We senior Villagers play in foursomes. We amateurs average +18 strokes over the pros at best. The pros rarely have a lost ball due to the gallery watching or rarely hit a provisional. May I suggest to these guys "ready golf". As my wife asks me many times how can you watch that - it's like watching grass grow. Perhaps she has a point.

Perhaps you'd understand better if your Villages game was being played for a purse of $1,800,000! Lots different than a $2 Nassau.

[debow]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

FWIW, Jason Day hit his first shot today at 2:39. He tapped in for the win at 6:45.

Was there yesterday (Sunday), pace was good, greens speeds were much better but they looked as bad live as they did on tv. I think having 2 to a group helped in play speed.