Slow play moaners

[HomerJSimpson]

If the guy shooting 160 for the medal joins a club and Saturday is the only day he can play as an example, he is already paying a premium to be a 7 day member so if you then penalise him further by saying you can't play if a competition falls on that day too. I have played in comps where 28 handicappers have shot terrible scores around the net 80 mark (+10) so have missed 100 by a long way. Do you stop them just because they played badly?

The bottom line is very simple. Observe basic golfing etiquette and if you are having to look for balls and hit a lot of provisional balls simply keep glancing backwards and let the next group through asap. Yes the round will take longer, but the course moves, there is no hard feelings and everyone is free to enjoy their day out

 

[USER1999]

Is there a difference between a seasoned golfer shooting 160, and a guy dragged off the street, having never hit a ball in his life shooting 160?

Seriously, what ever happened to practising, playing a few rounds at the local muni, and a bit of pitch and putt, to hone the old skills. A few lessons, range sessions, what ever.

I get golf needs to be inclusive, but seriously, as a sport (questionable) what other sport can you expect to compete at on day 1, as an absolute beginner.

None. Not one. Zip.

 

[Diamond]

Yeah im shooting about 100 on a par 66 and i want to get about 5 shots off that before i even think about entering a comp. Each to their own though, i just wouldnt have the balls

I had my first card signed on Monday and shot 111. The 2 members I played with were 15 handicappers. Granted they were retired but they were slower than me even with their motorised trolleys. It took us 3 hours 45 minutes to complete 18 holes. There was a 2 ball behind us but when we waved them through on the 8th they didnt even notice as they were looking for a lost ball. I intend to enter a competition at the end of the mont, mainly to make some new friends and introduce myself but also to see if I actually come last!
I don’t mind waiting for players in front as I can eat, chat or take a breather. The problem I have is feeling rushed by players in the group behind.

 

[clubchamp98]

Is there a difference between a seasoned golfer shooting 160, and a guy dragged off the street, having never hit a ball in his life shooting 160?

Seriously, what ever happened to practising, playing a few rounds at the local muni, and a bit of pitch and putt, to hone the old skills. A few lessons, range sessions, what ever.

I get golf needs to be inclusive, but seriously, as a sport (questionable) what other sport can you expect to compete at on day 1, as an absolute beginner.

None. Not one. Zip.

Golf clubs want bodies in to pay the fees.
A 54 hcap is going to take time to shoot 126 for level par.
Clubs used to be selective with complete beginners but not anymore ,it’s a business decision.
But he’s paid his money he is entitled to play!

 

[clubchamp98]

I had my first card signed on Monday and shot 111. The 2 members I played with were 15 handicappers. Granted they were retired but they were slower than me even with their motorised trolleys. It took us 3 hours 45 minutes to complete 18 holes. There was a 2 ball behind us but when we waved them through on the 8th they didnt even notice as they were looking for a lost ball. I intend to enter a competition at the end of the mont, mainly to make some new friends and introduce myself but also to see if I actually come last!
I don’t mind waiting for players in front as I can eat, chat or take a breather. The problem I have is feeling rushed by players in the group behind.

111 is very respectable for a newbie.
Some times players are happy to stay behind as long as you are moving , I am.
Try not to worry about players behind ,as long as you keep up with those in front.
Your pps will advise you if you need to let anyone through.
Concentrate on your game!
Nerves play a part when you have a card in your hand , but that goes for everyone not just you.!
Enjoy.

 

[williamalex1]

Is there a difference between a seasoned golfer shooting 160, and a guy dragged off the street, having never hit a ball in his life shooting 160?

Seriously, what ever happened to practising, playing a few rounds at the local muni, and a bit of pitch and putt, to hone the old skills. A few lessons, range sessions, what ever.

I get golf needs to be inclusive, but seriously, as a sport (questionable) what other sport can you expect to compete at on day 1, as an absolute beginner.

None. Not one. Zip.

Back in the dark old days, when the max h/c was 18 [ some courses did allowed 24 ] but if you didn't break 100 gross in a comp you were barred from the next weeks comp.

 

[Siolag]

Is there a difference between a seasoned golfer shooting 160, and a guy dragged off the street, having never hit a ball in his life shooting 160?

Seriously, what ever happened to practising, playing a few rounds at the local muni, and a bit of pitch and putt, to hone the old skills. A few lessons, range sessions, what ever.

I get golf needs to be inclusive, but seriously, as a sport (questionable) what other sport can you expect to compete at on day 1, as an absolute beginner.

None. Not one. Zip.

Firstly, it wasn’t my first round.

Secondly, who said anything about competing? Since you are clearly so knowledgable, you surely know PFH wouldn’t be involved in the competition.

And my initial handicap was 32, not 54.

 

[Diamond]

Back in the dark old days, when the max h/c was 18 [ some courses did allowed 24 ] but if you didn't break 100 gross in a comp you were barred from the next weeks comp.

I think that is fine as well because I have noticed that there are open competitions where you need a handicap of 8 or less, others 18 and thankfully some 28. If the club I joined last week didn’t let people enter competitions without a handicap of 24 or less I would have joined somewhere that did.

 

[Diamond]

111 is very respectable for a newbie.
Some times players are happy to stay behind as long as you are moving , I am.
Try not to worry about players behind ,as long as you keep up with those in front.
Your pps will advise you if you need to let anyone through.
Concentrate on your game!
Nerves play a part when you have a card in your hand , but that goes for everyone not just you.!
Enjoy.

Well it’s the third time I have played the course. 122, 115 and now 111. Hopefully I can keep shaving 4-5 shots off. I took a 10 on the 18th (don’t ask) but still shot 50 on the back 9. My aim is to get on each green for a par put which I managed 4 times I think.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Well it’s the third time I have played the course. 122, 115 and now 111. Hopefully I can keep shaving 4-5 shots off. I took a 10 on the 18th (don’t ask) but still shot 50 on the back 9. My aim is to get on each green for a par put which I managed 4 times I think.

All pretty respectable. As others have said,just have a cursory look at the group behind but let the PP's help dictate when the time is right to call people through and focus on your game. Nerves are good but don't let them get in the way. We all hit bad shots so never worry about it. As a positive don't forget it is winter golf so a lot of bad lies, especially muddy lies around the green make it tough to pitch and chip with any convictions so that may be costing a few shots. Perhaps work on the short game an putting a tad if possible as it's an area that is usually easy to shave a few shots off

 

[Diamond]

All pretty respectable. As others have said,just have a cursory look at the group behind but let the PP's help dictate when the time is right to call people through and focus on your game. Nerves are good but don't let them get in the way. We all hit bad shots so never worry about it. As a positive don't forget it is winter golf so a lot of bad lies, especially muddy lies around the green make it tough to pitch and chip with any convictions so that may be costing a few shots. Perhaps work on the short game an putting a tad if possible as it's an area that is usually easy to shave a few shots off

The chipper I bought helps me around the green because even a poor connection gets it onto the green and at the pin. One of the chaps I played with said it wasnt doing me any favours and on the last I didnt use it...I shanked one into a bunker and took 3 to get out! I have to admit the winter fairway mat helps me once off the tee and I thoroughly enjoy hitting my new rogue 4 hybrid!

 

[Orikoru]

Firstly, it wasn’t my first round.

Secondly, who said anything about competing? Since you are clearly so knowledgable, you surely know PFH wouldn’t be involved in the competition.

And my initial handicap was 32, not 54.

I'm just curious - you must not be shooting 160 every time if they gave you 32 handicap? What was the best card you handed in?

 

[Siolag]

I'm just curious - you must not be shooting 160 every time if they gave you 32 handicap? What was the best card you handed in?

My 165, a 141 then a 131.

 

[clubchamp98]

Well it’s the third time I have played the course. 122, 115 and now 111. Hopefully I can keep shaving 4-5 shots off. I took a 10 on the 18th (don’t ask) but still shot 50 on the back 9. My aim is to get on each green for a par put which I managed 4 times I think.

Well that shows promise I must say.
In my experience most 8/9/10 s on holes is due to bad decisions not just bad shots.
So when you shove it in the trees don’t try to much, back on the fairway and start again is my advice it can take those big numbers off your card.
Practice your short game an up and down a few times a round smartens you’re card up no end ,and gives you a positive attitude.
Keep going soon be spring.

 

[clubchamp98]

The chipper I bought helps me around the green because even a poor connection gets it onto the green and at the pin. One of the chaps I played with said it wasnt doing me any favours and on the last I didnt use it...I shanked one into a bunker and took 3 to get out! I have to admit the winter fairway mat helps me once off the tee and I thoroughly enjoy hitting my new rogue 4 hybrid!

He should keep his opinions to himself.
If a player asks that’s different ,but saying something like that unsolicited is not on imo.
Try chipping with the hybrid ( as long as there’s nothing in the way) it’s a great shot to have.
Practice it first as the ball pings of them more than an iron and it’s shank proof.

 

[clubchamp98]

Firstly, it wasn’t my first round.

Secondly, who said anything about competing? Since you are clearly so knowledgable, you surely know PFH wouldn’t be involved in the competition.

And my initial handicap was 32, not 54.

Sorry it was me that mentioned 54 cap .
I wasn’t referring to you ,,but just pointing out this is what is allowed when a member joins a club.
Your scores will improve the more you play
Don’t let anyone put you off .
The best way to improve is to play as much as you can, identify your weak points and practice them.
Short game is where most new players throw shots away so chipping /putting would be my advice.
One shot at a time . If you hit a bad shot count to three and it’s gone nothing you can do about it so don’t let it affect your next one.
Enjoy your golf that’s why we play.

 

[Hobbit]

We were all new starters once and, I dare say, all put a 15 on a card too. The game needs people, and we all like to see our subs as low as is reasonable. New starters will make mistakes, even basic things like where they leave their bag when they are putting. If established players don't help them what will be the outcome?

After a torturous round with a new starter why not invite them out for 9 holes of an evening or quiet afternoon. We've all been there and, maybe, that new starter you help will be the player who helps you win the 4 ball k'out next season.

 

[rksquire]

Couldn't agree less. When you start taking over 3/3.5 hours tops the fun goes and the frustration builds then it becomes unenjoyable.

I don't ever run run a golf course, Christ I've had three operations on my feet so far so the last thing I do is run! I just play smartly. That isn't difficult.

I've absolutely no issue with this - this is what you enjoy, you're paying your fees and if this is what you want you have a right to expect it.

But it's also not wrong (imho) that some other groups, myself included, think 3 hours for a 4 ball is too fast for me to either enjoy the social aspect or indeed not to feel rushed. 10 mins per hole (a 3 hour round) for 4 guys is rapid - assume decent golfers, all getting pars, an average of 4 shots per person per hole (so scratch golfers!), that's 16 shots in total. Even allowing 30 seconds in total per shot (fixing divot, marking ball etc. all included), that's 8 minutes of your 10 (for comparison, 4 'bogey' golfers taking 30secs per shot would be 10 minutes alone just for shots). My own 4ball couldn't do it, certainly not consistently (possibly par 3s!), and we're generally a group of low teens to high teens hcps - so not great, but not awful.

It's unrealistic to expect a 4 ball of lets say average ability to go round in less than 3.5hours (about 12mins per hole).

The other problem is there's no real definition of slow - I don't think I'm slow, our 4 ball on a Saturday would be about 3hrs 45minutes assuming we don't get held up (and we often do!), but this would be deemed to be slow to you by about 15mins to 45mins - which is anything from 1 to 4 holes for you. Your 4ball would get frustrated behind us for sure, and there's no way my group would think you're justified in getting frustrated;

The extremes at both end need to be taken out of the argument. I come back to the happy medium - 12 minutes a hole for a 4 ball is still reasonably quick golf in my view; 13 minutes a hole on average (just under 4 hours for a 4ball) isn't slow and is a good starting point (say 8 minutes on shots, 3 minutes possibly for someone's lost ball (and yes this can overlap with the other 3 shots) but still only leaves a few minutes for actual walking).

In any event, despite your operations @Jacko_G I don't think I could keep up with you!

 

[Springveldt]

My 165, a 141 then a 131.

Getting your monies worth at least.

Keep at it, you will be down to 100 in no time.

 

[Siolag]

Getting your monies worth at least.

Keep at it, you will be down to 100 in no time.

It’s heading that way. Practicing 3-4 times a week at the moment and getting coached. Only a matter of time before I break 100 and the Handicap goes down.