Practicing Good Pace of Play
Slow play can be not only frustrating, but many times we are playing in the middle of other foursomes and the players behind us are pushing us to keep pace. This can make you nervous, especially when your foursome is to blame. Being women on the golf course we have to be extra diligent about pace of play and etiquette because others (men) want to assume that it is our fault.
As an organization that encourages beginners to learn and to play golf with us, we have all types of golfers playing. It is very challenging to know what is the most appropriate course for everyone to play on. Our evening nine hole leagues are probably the best fit for beginners, but sometimes we have the newer players on the bigger courses on the weekends. Pace of Play has to be maintained no matter what type of golfer you are, so instead of getting frustrated, we need to encourage slow players to pick-up and move on if necessary to keep pace with the other groups on the course. As long as a player can keep pace, their lack of playing expertise should not necessarily keep them off the course.
Below are some specific behaviors identified that have caused some frustrations among some groups. Take these as some helpful hints to keep your playing partners happy and having fun:
1. Take a club with you to look for your ball so you don’t have to come back to the cart and take extra clubs in case you need another one. The rule of thumb is take the club you think you will hit and then take the one above and below that club.
2. Don’t take a long pre-shot routine. This makes you think too much.
3. Be considerate of other players that may not like to talk a lot on the golf course.
4. While you are waiting to hit, think about your shot. Don’t wait until it is your turn to start thinking about what you want to do.
5. Always keep the cart in front of you. If you don’t know the proper etiquette or how to drive the golf cart, ask to not drive.
6. Don’t spend a lot of time looking for your ball in the woods or tall grass. The official rule is you only get a few minutes to look for your ball.
7. Have an extra ball in your pocket or readily available in the cart. Don’t wait to go fumbling through your bag.
Pace of play is a serious issue and ALL of us should take it seriously. Don’t let your feelings get hurt if someone tells you to pick up your ball or that you are taking too long. You should correct your own slow play habits and help others to correct theirs and everyone will be a lot happier and healthier.
Click here for link to tips for fighting slow play.