Topical Talk 10

Slow Play in Golf

It seems I have disturbed a hornet's nest regarding slow play - good!

I have received more feedback on this subject than any other since I started my website. I have had Emails, private entries in my Guest Book and an entry for everyone to read in the Guest Book.

I am not judge and jury, I am merely the messenger. It is worth pointing out that we all have mannerisms and a set routine before we play a shot or attempt a putt. Everyone is entitled to carry out their routine as long as it is not taking too long.

For your information, I have copied the following piece from the tournament rules of the Pro Am I recently played in Mijas - Spain. They apply to Amateurs as well as Pro's. I am sure everyone can agree that we should be able to knock 10/15 seconds off these times as there are no professionals in golf with friends.

Pace of Play (applicable to both Amateurs and Professionals)
In the absence of mitigating circumstances, a group is liable to be timed if it is in excess of the time allowed and in the case of second or subsequent groups, out of position.   From the commencement of timing, if any player exceeds 50 seconds on a 'first to play approach shot (including a par 3 tee shot), chip or putt', or 40 seconds if it is a tee shot or 'second or third to play shot, he shall be deemed to have a 'bad time'.
The time allowed will be determined by the Tournament Director and will be published on the official notice board.   Out of position is defined as being more than the starting time interval behind the group in front.
A player whose group is timed will have a bad time carried forward in the round even if the group subsequently arrives back in position or within time.
Penalty for breach of condition:-

One bad time           -         Verbal warning from official
Two bad times         -         One stroke penalty
Three bad times      -         Two stroke penalty
Four bad times        -          Disqualification

Me again...........Even if we ignore the time rule, it should be obvious to everyone that the sentence, "Out of position is defined as being more than the starting time interval behind the group in front" as being the key .

It is simply not good enough just to keep ahead of the group behind. It is a must to keep up with the group in front. Failure to do so and the 'slow' group must allow the players behind to come through - No questions asked !

We are all friends playing in the same golf club / society / competition / friendly games, and no one wants to accuse anyone of slow play in the interests of harmony. I have been told by a pro that the lowest handicap player in any fourball should be the arbiter of pace of play.

If the lowest handicap player is the slowest player in a group - then re-read the above paragraph.

Any comment / feedback is always welcome.

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