abjectplop
Hacker
Hopefully in the future the 40 second guidance in the rules becomes more compulsory! Bear in mind, this isn't 40 seconds over the ball, it's 40 seconds from when you reach the ball.
Played in a pairs 4BBB today.
We were 3 down after 9 holes but we ended up winning 2&1.
In the bar afterwards, our opponents (who we were buying a beer) told me how well I played, but told me how slow I was, in particular my pre shot routine.
I've always thought of myself as being a quick player and always make an effort to play ready golf when playing, so it shocked me if I'm honest, especially as nobody has ever told me this before.
My routine is place the ball on a tee, stand back and have one practice swing, stand behind the ball and pick my line with a deep breath, set up and then hit it.
I reckon it takes around 30 seconds at most.
Is this now an unacceptable amount of time to take a shot?
Should I be literally sprinting around the place trying not to offend people?
Thoughts?
And the way you said this means it is an actual fact.
Hopefully in the future the 40 second guidance in the rules becomes more compulsory! Bear in mind, this isn't 40 seconds over the ball, it's 40 seconds from when you reach the ball.
I have read this thread with great interest, as I detest slow play......but I don't believe I am the fastest player by a long way.
However, I must take issue with Oldham92, (in a friendly way) with his calculations. If (hypothetically), we are talking about shooting 80., at least 30-32 will be putts. Most of those first putts will be near the hole (hopefully!), followed by a virtual tap in, which won't take 5 seconds. That's 16 times 5 equals 80 seconds (1 min 20 secs), leaving 64 shots at 30 seconds per shot equals 32 minutes. add 1 minute 20 seconds, equals ( rounding up) 34 minutes, not 40. With a 4 ball, that's 24 minutes off your reckoning.
I just timed myself outside, including looking at the sky caddie, picking a club, couple of swings, set up to play, and strike the ball.....it came to 32 seconds. I don't think that's far away from average. In my opinion, those that stand over the ball for ages when ready to actually play do themselves no favours.
It's an interesting subject. Getting round my course on a Saturday morning under 4 hours......simply not possible!
This. In my experience anyone with a tardy approach to full shots is at least as painful on the greens.I did consider the putts, but figured 1st putt people tend to line up and have a couple of practice swings so could easily be longer than 30seconds, so figured it would average out at about 30. I'd say it's reasonable to assume that someone going through a full pre shot routine for every single shot would also have a pre putt routine
I do believe some clubs have a culture of slow play. 5 hour rounds are complelty unacceptable.
If you cannot get around in 4 hours something is amiss.
My brothers course has a real played quickly with no mucking about attitude. He does play early doors Saturday and everyone seems to be on board.
I have no problems with people taking a swing or two. Setting themselves and concentrating on what they are doing as long as they are ready to do this when it is their turn.
I have witnessed someone thing week who is over the ball doing all sorts or madness before eventually pulling the trigger. If I knew him and played with him I would certainly have a word. What He is doing is just crazy.
I would like to see more education on how to actually let faster groups through. Standing aside and waiting is pointless and helps no-one behind. Teaching people to play up and through at the same time is the key to keeping things moving.
The ready golf initiative was good but they must keep the foot down and expand on it.
You could take practice swings and do 1-4 a large percentage of time before it's your turn.
I strongly suspect slow players are the least stressed, most content and happy golfers.
I don't want to feel like I'm racing round so as not to offend 'Rocket Ron' behind me. Some players need to realise it is them that is quick rather than huffing and puffing at everyone else for steady progress. A bit more tolerance and a few more deep breaths needed along with focus on a few basics like positioning of trolleys and prompt leaving the green.
Then we can distinguish the real slow players, put them against a wall and throw rotten veg at them. Whilst holding pitchforks.
They would also be the most selfish and oblivious to anyone else on the course i suspect
Thing is, slow play does not really bother me too much (OK 5 hours is a bit much) but the whole pressure of the situation does stress me out. The course is slow, the group behind are grumbling but we are up with the group ahead etc so what can you do. Do you play them through just to get them off your back even though you are not holding anything up. End up rushing shots to make it clear that you are doing your best and it is nothing to do with you or your group, then start making mistakes as a result. You get that nagging feeling that people will think it is you holding the course up, that the groups behind and cursing your name. I know that this is a mental issue from my end but it does impact on my enjoyment. I envy those groups that can shut themselves off from what is going on around and just enjoy their round.
Controversial I know but I would be totally in favour of banning all playing through except in the most extreme circumstances (eg multiple lost balls). I go to the course knowing that the round will take as long as it takes and that nobody is deliberately holding anyone up. Ban playing through and I would feel happier slowing my pace to match the pace of play on the course rather than rushing holes to make it clear that any hold up is not due to me.