Slow play. It’s the topic of conversation among golfers that just doesn’t seem to want to go away. Tap in to the post-round chat in virtually any clubhouse bar or 19th hole, and someone, somewhere will be moaning about how long it’s just taken them to play a round of golf.
Part of the problem with golf compared to other sports is that there are several clashes of culture, if you like, every time you venture out onto the golf course. The same arena must accommodate simultaneously everyone from the scratch golfer to the 54-handicapper; the long-established player to the rank novice; the octogenarian to the lively youth; the nippy two-ball to the inevitably slower four-ball. It’s little wonder that this sometimes results in frustration and friction among the various parties.
Pace of play remains one of golf’s most talked-about issues and people undoubtedly, and perhaps understandably, do get very upset when they fall victim to an unacceptably slow round. Here, we highlight some of the many potential contributing factors – some down to the individual (are you or your golfing friends guilty of any of these?) and others more to do with course set-up or design…
Not being ready to play
One of the main causes of slow playyou do need to be ready to go as soon as it’s your turn rather than a minute later to avoid frustrating others in your group and those behind you. Rule 5.6b says “a round of golf is meant to be played at a prompt pace”.
