It's 5 minutes, full stop.

[rulefan]

This the same game in which they having to change the rules as numbers are dwindling?

A number of large surveys into dwindling numbers has not resulted in the rules featuring in the reasons for people leaving the game.

Time is the big issue. Time taken for a round and finding time to play.
Cost is the next.

 

[patricks148]

my trolley has a 5 min timer on it so during comps as soon as i get to the area of the ball i simply press a button.

during the final of the club champs (handicap) my oppo hooked one off the 10th tee. we looked for it and as we had a referee, the ball was timed out and he then immediately found it. was quite out out he couldn't play it. though by the attitude of some on the other thread they would have just carried on and played it esp as hes a character

 

[North Mimms]

Once they introduce 3 minutes search time, it will be even more crucial to time (if that's possible when it comes to Rules). Most people give up before 5 minutes but are still actively looking at 3 minutes.
I certainly glance at my watch if the ball is not obviously sitting our in the open waving

 

[FairwayDodger]

I always time when searching for a ball but I have had a heated argument with someone who found their ball after 5 mins had elapsed. In future I'd probably just let them play it if they still wanted to argue after having the rule explained.

 

[Dasit]

I'm not sure what or how much evidence there is that the rules of golf is a reason for numbers allegedly dwindling.

But again, rules are in place now and until any changes are fully implemented then they are the current rules and have to be followed fully whether you agree with them or not.

Most of the new proposed rule changes which haven't been sanctioned yet I don't believe and are scheduled not to come in for some time yet, are, mainly based around speed of play.

So what rules do you think are not an exact science and are the cause of numbers dwindling,

I don't know anyone who has given up golf because they didn't like or agree with a rule/s!?

They are changing rules to speed up play

Which is the number one reason people are leaving golf

 

[Fish]

They are changing rules to speed up play

Which is the number one reason people are leaving golf

So which of the proposed rules that may come in to play will speed up play so much that it will stop the dwindling numbers of people leaving the hobby.

You've also not answered my initial post, what rules are not an exact science?

 

[Hosel Fade]

5 minutes is a lifetime, no one honestly bothers to look for something for that long.

Elite Ams don't whip out a stopwatch at the Brabazon Trophy or the Amateur Championship either, lets be real here. Maybe I just haven't played with inconsiderate morons who look for that long.

 

[guest100718]

5 minutes is a lifetime, no one honestly bothers to look for something for that long.

Elite Ams don't whip out a stopwatch at the Brabazon Trophy or the Amateur Championship either, lets be real here.

I'd imagine elite comps have refs....

 

[patricks148]

5 minutes is a lifetime, no one honestly bothers to look for something for that long.

Elite Ams don't whip out a stopwatch at the Brabazon Trophy or the Amateur Championship either, lets be real here.

no they have a rules officials with the groups and he would whip it out instead

 

[Liverbirdie]

A number of large surveys into dwindling numbers has not resulted in the rules featuring in the reasons for people leaving the game.

Time is the big issue. Time taken for a round and finding time to play.
Cost is the next.

People not searching for a ball for 6 1/2 minutes each time, may alleviate this.

 

[MendieGK]

Once they introduce 3 minutes search time, it will be even more crucial to time (if that's possible when it comes to Rules). Most people give up before 5 minutes but are still actively looking at 3 minutes.
I certainly glance at my watch if the ball is not obviously sitting our in the open waving

Interesting you say that, my opinion of the new 3 minute rules is that it could potentially slow down play slightly. My reason for thinking that is that, some players (myself included) 100% will not start looking for my ball until everyone is available to help. I will not even go near 'the area' of my ball until such time. 3mins is such a short period of time

 

[FairwayDodger]

Interesting you say that, my opinion of the new 3 minute rules is that it could potentially slow down play slightly. My reason for thinking that is that, some players (myself included) 100% will not start looking for my ball until everyone is available to help. I will not even go near 'the area' of my ball until such time. 3mins is such a short period of time

The law of unintended consequences!

Seems like a logical idea but, I agree, human nature bring what it is might complicate matters.

 

[Dasit]

So which of the proposed rules that may come in to play will speed up play so much that it will stop the dwindling numbers of people leaving the hobby.

You've also not answered my initial post, what rules are not an exact science?

You in the wind up? See Smiffy's post quoted below for just one example on why it is not exact, different people will have different standards.

Same with things like animal scrapings, some people will take relieve for tiny things, others will play with a guy who wouldn't accept that is what it is and won't get any relief. You just have to interpret the rules as best as you can for each situation.

The problem is, when does the "timed" part of the search begin?
Many's the time I've been playing, somebody hits a ball which goes a bit offline but everybody has a good idea of where it has gone and starts walking towards it.
You get in the general area, all have a quick scan but you can't see it. You all look at each other in puzzlement exclaiming how bloody stupid it is, you've hit a ball out here loads and loads of times in the past and never had a problem before.
So now a little "panic" mixed with a bit of anger is creeping in. It's at this point in time that the "rules guru" in your group checks his watch. Do you start timing from there, or do you guess how long you have been looking already and add whatever is now ticking away to your guess?
Because I know for a fact that if I've hit a ball into the semi, I've started my own search for it the second I've left the tee and I can see the general area that ball landed in, hoping it's sitting up like a dogs doodah so that I can get a club to it.
The fact that it's not doesn't become evident for a good minute or so. So it's all just a guess. Unless you want to be really pedantic and pull the watch out on the tee the second the ball has landed.

 

[Slab]

Interesting you say that, my opinion of the new 3 minute rules is that it could potentially slow down play slightly. My reason for thinking that is that, some players (myself included) 100% will not start looking for my ball until everyone is available to help. I will not even go near 'the area' of my ball until such time. 3mins is such a short period of time

I think initially there may be a bit of that but I'd like to think it'll soon return to the current couple of minutes and then move on

I don't think I've ever spent 5 minutes looking (although I don't time it, it'd be closer to 2-3, even in comps)

Lots of folk have a poor perception of elapsed time anyway (just try listening to Greensleeves in a Q for a couple of minutes and suddenly folk have been on hold for 10 minutes)
Or try sitting at your desk doing nothing at all for five minutes except looking around smiling at everyone and see how long your boss says its been since you did any work

Either way i don't ever see myself consciously waiting until others are available before looking. Not sure I'd be comfortable that's in the spirit of things

 

[Fish]

You in the wind up? See Smiffy's post quoted below for just one example on why it is not exact, different people will have different standards.

Same with things like animal scrapings, some people will take relieve for tiny things, others will play with a guy who wouldn't accept that is what it is and won't get any relief. You just have to interpret the rules as best as you can for each situation.

So if there is a very shallow scrape next to your ball which is up against a tree and there are a few scattered animal droppings in the vicinity, do you ask, give or offer relief?

 

[Hosel Fade]

I'd imagine elite comps have refs....

Not with every group they don't, takes ages to call one over (part of the reason why tour golf is so slow, every time they take a drop they are scared someone will phone in so they get the ref)

 

[guest100718]

Not with every group they don't, takes ages to call one over (part of the reason why tour golf is so slow, every time they take a drop they are scared someone will phone in so they get the ref)

Well from a club golfer point of view, I start looking for my ball, if I dont find sharpish then i''ll look at my watch and think well I have had about 2 mins so i'll give myself another 3. I think that pretty acceptable to most. As pointed out, some have a timer on thier trollies which is even better.

 

[Dasit]

So if there is a very shallow scrape next to your ball which is up against a tree and there are a few scattered animal droppings in the vicinity, do you ask, give or offer relief?

Stop fishing

 

[garyinderry]

Interesting you say that, my opinion of the new 3 minute rules is that it could potentially slow down play slightly. My reason for thinking that is that, some players (myself included) 100% will not start looking for my ball until everyone is available to help. I will not even go near 'the area' of my ball until such time. 3mins is such a short period of time

This could well be the case for people going well in their round or people who simply cannot afford to be hitting 3 off the tee like yourself.

 

[garyinderry]

What I tend to do is look for the ball for approx just over 4 mins. I will then say head on lads, ill give it one more look then give up.