Slow lane 12:00, 24/10/2016

Reasons

There are several reasons for slow play on golf courses. Poor etiquette and minimal knowledge of what is expected when playing on course is the biggest issue. Another major concern of slow play is gambling and competition between players. Golf is an individual sport and each player wants to perform better than those players they are participating against, whether they are betting or not.  Finally, Kiosks or Half Way Houses, although well received on hots days, are another issue relating to the time it takes to play a round of golf. Golfers often spend upto thirty to forty minutes at a kiosk in any given round...this slows the game down considerably.

Lack of effective marshalling is also an issue, although that is a very complex issue here in Asia.

Finally most golfers see the Pro tournaments on TV and observe that the Pros take longer, and have their own time allowance, but that should not be the standard for amateur golfers.

Pace of Play

In most established golfing nations "Pace of Play” is enforced, respected and understood by all players. If a round takes longer than four hours and twenty minutes, players will be most upset and will voice their complaint about the group or groups who have caused the round to take added time. It’s also worth noting this four hour twenty minute time limit is expected by players walking and without caddies.

Standard

In general terms a round of golf should take 4 hours and 20 mins as a maximum time period. This time frame allows for a group of four players to play Par 3 Holes 10 minutes, Par 4 Holes in 14 minutes and Par 5 Holes in 18 minutes. If a round extends beyond this period then a round would be deemed slow. Given the generally hot weather here, some allowance can be made, but we do have the luxury of caddies and carts! A group should always be close behind the group in front (but never hit up to them), and be aware of the group behind them.

Results

A slow round of golf makes it very hard for golfers to perform at their best, having to wait to play shots causes loss of rhythm and frustration resulting in poor execution of shots. When the game flows it becomes more enjoyable for the players and they tend to have a more enjoyable day even on occasions they do not perform their best.

Solution

First and foremost golfers must be better educated on what is expected on the course. Understanding how the game is played and what is expected from players would assist in the game being played at a faster pace. Ensuring that the game is played for sport, recreation and fun versus for cash and reward would also speed things up.

Advice  

Golfers who are generally slow most likely over think the game and their swing. No player is perfect, so the more you over analyze your game during your round the poorer you will play. To understand the importance of pace of play, golfers must respect all players in their group and in groups in front and behind.