Slow Play | USHandicap Classic

jddonovan LowIndex
Go to Last Reply 165 Views 42 Replies 3 Likes
Last year I posted a topic on Slow Play. It received over 100 comments. The far majority of respondents agreed with the premise of the topic that play on our public and private courses has become too slow. Most of the problem can be boiled down to ego - for example: 1. People playing from the wrong sets of tees because their egos tell them they can tee it up with the big dogs and hit from the back tees. If you don't have a single digit hdcp, tee it up from the white tees. You'll speed up play and enjoy the game more. 2. Slower groups refusing to wave faster groups through. You will not lose face if you wave someone through. You'll be seen as a fair and honorable golfer. No one likes to wait over every shot and no one likes anyone pushing them on the course. If your pace of play is slow, wave the group behind you through - even if that group has more golfers. It will speed up the pace of play and make the round more enjoyable for your group and the group you waved through. I am glad to see that the USGA and the R&A are addressing the issue of slow play. It is much needed and long over due.
Pappy82nd Professional Champion
# 31 3/12/2013 9:37:30 PM
I take that back. Their is only one time that I can recall ever being held up by a senior. I was playing two years ago at a course outside of Greensboro, NC and their was a 93 year old guy walking the front 9 with a walking cane and he had someone carrying his bag for him. We had an 8:30 tee time and he was already finishing hole 8 when we got to the first tee. Before we teed off he had finished the 9th. He was moving at a snails pace but as soon as he finished things started moving right along. If I live to be that age and I can still swing a club I would be proud to be just like the old fart. Amen
Pappy82nd Professional Champion
# 32 3/12/2013 9:39:11 PM
Its not really the drinkers tha slow the game down. Its the old senile perverts that hang out with the cart girl for 10 minutes every 4 holes, paying 5 bucks a beer thinking they might actually get some. Damn I wish they woiuld ban old people from golf! LOL, that is a fisherman's story for sure.
Mark Simmons Legend
# 33 3/12/2013 10:25:23 PM
What is the best way to respond when the group behind is breathing down your neck (and hitting into your group) even though you are keeping up with the group in front? It's happened to me a few times and the temptation to hit their ball back at them is quite strong (I dare not do it, but would love to see them diving out of the way!) First time, I just go back and explain that we're keeping up with the group in front, know it can be frustrating when groups ahead are moving slow. Then I tell them unfortunately almost every year someone gets killed or seriously injured by a golf ball at the golf course, and none of us wants that to happen. That usually gets an apology and is the end of it. If it happens again, I tell the Marshall what happened (the whole story) and insist they get that group off the course.
Vincedaddy Legend
# 34 3/12/2013 10:30:21 PM
What is the best way to respond when the group behind is breathing down your neck (and hitting into your group) even though you are keeping up with the group in front? It's happened to me a few times and the temptation to hit their ball back at them is quite strong (I dare not do it, but would love to see them diving out of the way!) First time, I just go back and explain that we're keeping up with the group in front, know it can be frustrating when groups ahead are moving slow. Then I tell them unfortunately almost every year someone gets killed or seriously injured by a golf ball at the golf course, and none of us wants that to happen. That usually gets an apology and is the end of it. If it happens again, I tell the Marshall what happened (the whole story) and insist they get that group off the course. When I go back to talk with them should I return their ball?
sonoflao Professional Champion
# 35 3/13/2013 8:33:10 AM
I wonder how all of you complaining about older people will feel when you are older people? You might want to think ahead a bit before you become what you are complaining about. I have no problems with seniors playing slow. I am just happy as all get out to see them out there rather than sitting on a porch wasting away. I am seriously disappointed in a lot of people in here and the comments I just read. Very sad, very selfish, very childish. well said...what's the hurry? hits couple more balls and enjoy the game.
Pappy82nd Professional Champion
# 36 3/13/2013 8:56:22 PM
I wonder how all of you complaining about older people will feel when you are older people? You might want to think ahead a bit before you become what you are complaining about. I have no problems with seniors playing slow. I am just happy as all get out to see them out there rather than sitting on a porch wasting away. I am seriously disappointed in a lot of people in here and the comments I just read. Very sad, very selfish, very childish. well said...what's the hurry? hits couple more balls and enjoy the game. I hope nobody gets me wrong in here on this subject. I don't like slow play by people that hunt for balls, take all day to make a swing, are goofing off or are so tanked they couldn't swing their pinky let alone a club. I have no problem with the elderly taking their time to play a game that gets them out into the air rather than sitting and wasting away somewhere. I don't have a problem with new golfers trying (as well all did at one time) to do the best they can. People who are honestly out enjoying the day and the game and doing the best they can to be polite and respectful but are maybe handicapped in one way or another I have no problem with and it won't hurt me to spend an extra 20 or 30 minutes on the course waiting for them. People that are on the course to party and are being obnoxious or just purposely playing slow without respect for others I won't tolerate. Nor will I tolerate the obnoxious player whom all he can think of is how fast he can get his round done no matter who he has to run over to do it. Those are the ones I have found to be the rudest, most obnoxious and disrespectful people. They think they own the course and everyone should just get out of the way for them. I think a 4.5 hour round on most muni courses is reasonable. Some will take a bit longer just by the way they are set up or by how many groups they put out there. I have also found that use of a cart gains little in time over walking. Yes there are things people should do to speed up play a bit, such as fewer practice swings, picking up after you have reached snow man level, being prepared to putt when it is your turn, or playing ready golf, so long as it is safe to do so. But if the elders in front of you cost you 15 minutes of your day and it bothers you as much as it seems to bother some people (few, very few) then I think you are the problem, not them.
Vincedaddy Legend
# 37 3/13/2013 9:41:15 PM
USGA ROG Section 1: Introduction- The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown at all times. Safety- Players should not play until the players in front are out of range. Pace of Play- Players should play at a good pace. It's a groups responsibility to keep up with the group in front. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, it should invite the faster group to play through. Priority on the Course- Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. The term "group" includes a single player. Conclusion; Penalties for Breach- If players follow the guidelines in this section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Don Freeman Professional Champion
# 38 3/15/2013 6:46:09 PM
What is the best way to respond when the group behind is breathing down your neck (and hitting into your group) even though you are keeping up with the group in front? It's happened to me a few times and the temptation to hit their ball back at them is quite strong (I dare not do it, but would love to see them diving out of the way!) First time, I just go back and explain that we're keeping up with the group in front, know it can be frustrating when groups ahead are moving slow. Then I tell them unfortunately almost every year someone gets killed or seriously injured by a golf ball at the golf course, and none of us wants that to happen. That usually gets an apology and is the end of it. If it happens again, I tell the Marshall what happened (the whole story) and insist they get that group off the course. When I go back to talk with them should I return their ball? Once, we were keeping up with the group in front of us. Group behind kept hitting into us. The fifth time, we were on a blind driving hole,(over a hill). When they found their ball on that lovely day, on the firm lush fairway, they had an extremely plugged lie. Recently I had a guy behind our group hit up on us around a blind corner on the 11th hole at Sunrise CC. He landed it on the green while we were still putting. I was pissed, because common sense says there is no excuse possible for going for the green if you don't know if someone may be on it. But I would never touch another player's ball. I waited for his group to arrive then let him have an ear full. Straight up front and open. No chicken $h1t behind the scenes stuff. Thats just me.
sonoflao Professional Champion
# 39 3/28/2013 7:11:24 AM
Golf is a game in which the slowest people in the world are in front of you, and the fastest are those behind.
dewsweeper Legend
# 40 3/28/2013 12:16:29 PM
"PAINFUL" ! Is the only word I could think of to describe slow play in golf. Not only it's painful for the other groups following the slow play but very painful for the one that's doing it. Think of the reason why one play the game exceptionally slow ? Maybe they just don't have the game for the golf course ? Maybe they play from the wrong set of tee ? Maybe they should go play other golf courses with lower course rating ? I could not imagine anyone slow play the game would enjoy it. 3-5-7 practice swings each time before the shot means either they are physically or mentally not ready for the game, it's painful. Don't bring your pain to the golf course and pass it on to the other golfers.

jddonovan

LowIndex

Go to Last Reply

165 Views 42 Replies 3 Likes

Last year I posted a topic on Slow Play. It received over 100 comments. The far majority of respondents agreed with the premise of the topic that play on our public and private courses has become too slow. Most of the problem can be boiled down to ego - for example:

1. People playing from the wrong sets of tees because their egos tell them they can tee it up with the big dogs and hit from the back tees. If you don't have a single digit hdcp, tee it up from the white tees. You'll speed up play and enjoy the game more.

2. Slower groups refusing to wave faster groups through. You will not lose face if you wave someone through. You'll be seen as a fair and honorable golfer. No one likes to wait over every shot and no one likes anyone pushing them on the course. If your pace of play is slow, wave the group behind you through - even if that group has more golfers. It will speed up the pace of play and make the round more enjoyable for your group and the group you waved through.

I am glad to see that the USGA and the R&A are addressing the issue of slow play. It is much needed and long over due.

Pappy82nd

Professional Champion

# 31 3/12/2013 9:37:30 PM

I take that back. Their is only one time that I can recall ever being held up by a senior. I was playing two years ago at a course outside of Greensboro, NC and their was a 93 year old guy walking the front 9 with a walking cane and he had someone carrying his bag for him. We had an 8:30 tee time and he was already finishing hole 8 when we got to the first tee. Before we teed off he had finished the 9th. He was moving at a snails pace but as soon as he finished things started moving right along. If I live to be that age and I can still swing a club I would be proud to be just like the old fart.

Amen

Pappy82nd

Professional Champion

# 32 3/12/2013 9:39:11 PM

Its not really the drinkers tha slow the game down. Its the old senile perverts that hang out with the cart girl for 10 minutes every 4 holes, paying 5 bucks a beer thinking they might actually get some.
Damn I wish they woiuld ban old people from golf!

LOL, that is a fisherman's story for sure.

Mark Simmons

Legend

# 33 3/12/2013 10:25:23 PM

What is the best way to respond when the group behind is breathing down your neck (and hitting into your group) even though you are keeping up with the group in front? It's happened to me a few times and the temptation to hit their ball back at them is quite strong (I dare not do it, but would love to see them diving out of the way!)

First time, I just go back and explain that we're keeping up with the group in front, know it can be frustrating when groups ahead are moving slow. Then I tell them unfortunately almost every year someone gets killed or seriously injured by a golf ball at the golf course, and none of us wants that to happen. That usually gets an apology and is the end of it.

If it happens again, I tell the Marshall what happened (the whole story) and insist they get that group off the course.

Vincedaddy

Legend

# 34 3/12/2013 10:30:21 PM

What is the best way to respond when the group behind is breathing down your neck (and hitting into your group) even though you are keeping up with the group in front? It's happened to me a few times and the temptation to hit their ball back at them is quite strong (I dare not do it, but would love to see them diving out of the way!)

First time, I just go back and explain that we're keeping up with the group in front, know it can be frustrating when groups ahead are moving slow. Then I tell them unfortunately almost every year someone gets killed or seriously injured by a golf ball at the golf course, and none of us wants that to happen. That usually gets an apology and is the end of it.

If it happens again, I tell the Marshall what happened (the whole story) and insist they get that group off the course.

When I go back to talk with them should I return their ball?

sonoflao

Professional Champion

# 35 3/13/2013 8:33:10 AM

I wonder how all of you complaining about older people will feel when you are older people? You might want to think ahead a bit before you become what you are complaining about. I have no problems with seniors playing slow. I am just happy as all get out to see them out there rather than sitting on a porch wasting away. I am seriously disappointed in a lot of people in here and the comments I just read. Very sad, very selfish, very childish.

well said...what's the hurry? hits couple more balls and enjoy the game.

Pappy82nd

Professional Champion

# 36 3/13/2013 8:56:22 PM

I wonder how all of you complaining about older people will feel when you are older people? You might want to think ahead a bit before you become what you are complaining about. I have no problems with seniors playing slow. I am just happy as all get out to see them out there rather than sitting on a porch wasting away. I am seriously disappointed in a lot of people in here and the comments I just read. Very sad, very selfish, very childish.

well said...what's the hurry? hits couple more balls and enjoy the game.

I hope nobody gets me wrong in here on this subject. I don't like slow play by people that hunt for balls, take all day to make a swing, are goofing off or are so tanked they couldn't swing their pinky let alone a club. I have no problem with the elderly taking their time to play a game that gets them out into the air rather than sitting and wasting away somewhere. I don't have a problem with new golfers trying (as well all did at one time) to do the best they can. People who are honestly out enjoying the day and the game and doing the best they can to be polite and respectful but are maybe handicapped in one way or another I have no problem with and it won't hurt me to spend an extra 20 or 30 minutes on the course waiting for them. People that are on the course to party and are being obnoxious or just purposely playing slow without respect for others I won't tolerate. Nor will I tolerate the obnoxious player whom all he can think of is how fast he can get his round done no matter who he has to run over to do it. Those are the ones I have found to be the rudest, most obnoxious and disrespectful people. They think they own the course and everyone should just get out of the way for them.

I think a 4.5 hour round on most muni courses is reasonable. Some will take a bit longer just by the way they are set up or by how many groups they put out there. I have also found that use of a cart gains little in time over walking.

Yes there are things people should do to speed up play a bit, such as fewer practice swings, picking up after you have reached snow man level, being prepared to putt when it is your turn, or playing ready golf, so long as it is safe to do so. But if the elders in front of you cost you 15 minutes of your day and it bothers you as much as it seems to bother some people (few, very few) then I think you are the problem, not them.

Vincedaddy

Legend

# 37 3/13/2013 9:41:15 PM

USGA ROG
Section 1:
Introduction- The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown at all times.

Safety- Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.

Pace of Play- Players should play at a good pace.
It's a groups responsibility to keep up with the group in front.
Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, it should invite the faster group to play through.

Priority on the Course- Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. The term "group" includes a single player.

Conclusion; Penalties for Breach- If players follow the guidelines in this section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Don Freeman

Professional Champion

# 38 3/15/2013 6:46:09 PM

What is the best way to respond when the group behind is breathing down your neck (and hitting into your group) even though you are keeping up with the group in front? It's happened to me a few times and the temptation to hit their ball back at them is quite strong (I dare not do it, but would love to see them diving out of the way!)

First time, I just go back and explain that we're keeping up with the group in front, know it can be frustrating when groups ahead are moving slow. Then I tell them unfortunately almost every year someone gets killed or seriously injured by a golf ball at the golf course, and none of us wants that to happen. That usually gets an apology and is the end of it.

If it happens again, I tell the Marshall what happened (the whole story) and insist they get that group off the course.

When I go back to talk with them should I return their ball?

Once, we were keeping up with the group in front of us. Group behind kept hitting into us. The fifth time, we were on a blind driving hole,(over a hill). When they found their ball on that lovely day, on the firm lush fairway, they had an extremely plugged lie.

Recently I had a guy behind our group hit up on us around a blind corner on the 11th hole at Sunrise CC. He landed it on the green while we were still putting. I was pissed, because common sense says there is no excuse possible for going for the green if you don't know if someone may be on it. But I would never touch another player's ball. I waited for his group to arrive then let him have an ear full. Straight up front and open. No chicken $h1t behind the scenes stuff.
Thats just me.

sonoflao

Professional Champion

# 39 3/28/2013 7:11:24 AM

Golf is a game in which the slowest people in the world are in front of you, and the fastest are those behind.

dewsweeper

Legend

# 40 3/28/2013 12:16:29 PM

"PAINFUL" !
Is the only word I could think of to describe slow play in golf.

Not only it's painful for the other groups following the slow play but very painful for the one that's doing it.

Think of the reason why one play the game exceptionally slow ?
Maybe they just don't have the game for the golf course ?
Maybe they play from the wrong set of tee ?
Maybe they should go play other golf courses with lower course rating ?

I could not imagine anyone slow play the game would enjoy it. 3-5-7 practice swings each time before the shot means either they are physically or mentally not ready for the game, it's painful.

Don't bring your pain to the golf course and pass it on to the other golfers.

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