[another Linda]

First: Hubby and I usually walk the execs. For the most part we have no trouble keeping up, although a couple in a cart may get to the next hole before we do -- and then wait for the 4-some ahead to finish. Several times lately we've heard grumbles from people we've been paired with when they realize they are playing with walkers. Always sets a bad vibe to start. What is the general feeling about walkers on the execs?

Second: Has anyone found a gentle way of encouraging someone to get ready to hit their ball? We played with a guy who would pull his cart up to his ball and then sit in his cart. When it came time for him to hit, he would slowly get out, carefully choose his club, etc etc, before he was finally ready. I wanted to say something but couldn't think of anything that sounded right.

[Mikeod]

I always walk the execs as well. Only on some holes where there is a long distance between green and next tee do I fall behind. (Like on Churchill between 5&6). I think some people in carts think that walkers will automatically slow them down. But when you consider that I can walk directly to my ball, rather than from the cart path to the ball and back, it all evens out. Plus, when I get to my ball, I have all my clubs with me instead of walking back to the cart when the lie is not right for the club(s) I brought.

IMO, if someone grouses because I walk (and I haven't personally encountered that yet), I would chalk it up to it being their problem, not mine.

BTW, I don't walk the championship courses, mostly because of the distance between holes. One time back in CA, I walked with a twosome in a cart in the first group off in the morning. We finished 18 in 1 3/4 hours. They would be at the green by the time I got to my drive. I think they were playing polo golf. I went home and went back to bed!

On your other question, I don't know of a way to address that without creating tension during the round. I've encountered people who I believe must have belonged to exclusive clubs in the past where there may be few groups on the course at any one time. So expediting play was not a concern. Pair them with some players who are used to pushing and/or being pushed around the course, and you have the potential for conflict. Likely neither one is going to change. What I have done occasionally in those situations is to walk off to the side and slowly move forward out of sight and danger, just so I don't wind up standing still for a long time.

Enjoy your rounds. As my dad used to say, "Don't let the b**st**ds get you down."

[YodaDad]

Play the round as you see fit. As long as you are not slowing others to the point of having open holes ahead of you, you are playing at a proper pace. When paired with some bone heads pay attention to your game and just do the best you can.

[ducati1974]

I always walk the executive courses and I assure you that I don't slow the pace down at all. However, I must say that I'm always shocked at the number of people that take carts- at least 80% I'd say. Isn't part of the enjoyment of golf is to get some exercise and feel like you're taking a walk in the park? I don't get it, except of course for the people who can not walk for physical or medical reasons.

[PennBF]

A couple of suggestions:
(1) If there is slow play, etc. you should not have to deal with it. You should tell the "Ranger" or "Ambassador" as that is what they are there for.
(2) Regading walking. We use to always tell the players that is it up to them to keep up with the group in front of you as opposed to staying ahead of the group behind you.
No one should be concerned about walking since as long as they follow rule
(2) above they are doing the right thing.

[Pturner]

Hi Another Linda,

First: We too walk the exec courses. Although we are not there during snowbird season, we usually see many more walkers than riders on the exec courses when we are there. If someone grouses about you walking, perhaps you might say cheerfully, "Don't worry. We play ready golf and are conscientious to keep up with the group ahead." That might ease their troubled mind-- and even preempt your second concern (although people often don't see themselves as part of the problem).

Second: Without directly pointing out someone else's lack of golf etiquette, I sometimes will say something inclusive such as, "Oh, we are getting a hole behind. Let's pick up our pace." If someone is just sitting in their cart until they can hit, perhaps ask, "What club do you use from this distance?"

Might work. Might not.

[another Linda]

Glad to know there are other walkers out there. I should say that no one has actually been rude to us or come right out and said anything. Just a sense on my part. Maybe I need to put away my sensors!

[batman911]

I believe it depends on the conditioning of the walker. My weekend group of four all walk. We usually get the first tee time of the afternoon round (not in TV). We are usually at least one full hole to 2 or 3 full holes ahead of the following group (in carts) by the time we finish the ninth hole. We play ready golf (whoever is ready hits). I do not feel rushed at the pace we play. I determine which club to use and what type of shot to hit while I am walking up to my ball. We do the same on the green. I will read the green before it is my time to putt.