Slow Play - Solutions

[CarpeDiem]

In regards to the slow play article in this months GM, I was wondering should GPS's be allowed in any tournament even in the pro ranks? I mean of course that at pro level the GPS should be provided by the event organsier as to avoid any claims that the GPS will improve the game of the pro, so that it will only display the yardages to bunker and front, middlde and back of the greens, not some of the stuff that you can do now on them. If this was allowed then it would speed up play no end, as, especially pro's won't be marching out different yardages everytime they play a shot, instead they just have a quick glance at the screen and away they go.

Now at club level, do you agree that when playing a friendly round and the course is in bad nick, bunkers full of water etc, that bunkers should be G.U.R, as they're not the most friendly of course aspects and many people spend alot of time in ther. So if the bunkers were G.U.R then all you would have to do is walk in pick you're ball up and play on from the rough nearest to the bunker and you save a lot of time.

Just a few points but do you guys have any other suggestions.

Much appreciated,

Junior Captain

 

[SammmeBee]

Er - No and No....

Pros - do you think that when they are pacing out, chatting to the caddie, taking forever to pick what club/shot to hit they are just thinking about 154 to the pin - I would actually say that the caddie (with the yardage chart that has been specifically made for that tournament, that week by chaps using GPS and lasers) would be just as quick (by the time the player gets to the ball) as having a GPS anyway...

Bunkers/GUR - so we're playing a par 4 thats 310 with a bunker in front of the green that is full of water. You lay up not wanting to go in the bunker and leave yourself a nice shot in but still have to go over the bunker - knowing I get a free drop out of said bunker - I lash down my driver knowing that whether I go in the bunker or not, that I'm just gonna have a little chip onto the green.....that is not golf.....

 

[USER1999]

Only 310, surely you would be using a 3i?

All golf clubs should allow gps for competitions etc as this would speed up average play. For the pro's, it won't make any difference, they just need to be put on a clock more often. They will all use the maximum amount of time allowed, so this needs to be reduced.

Flooded bunkers is a different matter. This only really effects us, as I bet the pro's don't play when it is that wet. They go to Dubai or somewhere. If the course is so wet that the bunkers are full of water, the course should be closed. Problem solved.

 

[SammmeBee]

Well okay - a punchy 3 iron....

Well now the EGU have seen sense in allowing them the counties and the clubs will follow suit - there will still be some clubs who wish to remain in the dark ages though....unfortunately...

Yes - if the bunkers are that bad you shouldn't be playing at all let alone in a competition....so really you can do what you like....

 

[Herbie]

I dont think this argument has a bearing in general golfer terms as the slow play I witness has nothing to do with the use of gps etc. As for pro's using them to speed up their game or arguments suggesting the use slows the game down, again this is unimportant as all the pros games are governed by officials close at hand and overseers who penalise or gee up slow play. ( not that they do very often and expectations of 5 hr rounds is common, why? I have no idea. The fact that I could remove an engine to replace a clutch and still have time to play a round before the pros finish these days has no bearing either. )

 

[hackamore]

Are GPS not allowed in club competitions?

 

[TonyN]

They are at my club!

 

[viscount17]

Only if the committee agree

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm going to contact my club later and ask the question. I think for the likes of me and my regular partners it would make life a lot easier and quicker. With a SC it takes 10 seconds to see the yardage of flick down the screen to see the distance to hazards etc which can be done as the others play.

I am not so sure about flooded bunkers. I accept that the rule about dropping outside under penalty seems a little daft when the entire bunker is flooded but those are the rules and so it is the same for everyone. They are hazards and so if you stick your ball in there you have to accept the consequences I'm afraid

 

[CarpeDiem]

Just another quick question about bunkers. Whilst playing in a society day my ball plugged at the back of a greenside bunker, with only one dimple visable! Now my options are a drop but where, I can't go back into the bunker as that is nearer the hole, and I can only drop in the bunker as I can't drop outside of it. But the ball is not unplayable its jsut common sense to take a drop as in medal play the concequences are dire if I just make the ball go deeper. what do I have to do. I must now say that I took a drop into the bunker as it was the only place that I could go as I am under the instruction that you can't drop outside a bunker.

This really did happen! No Jokes, left hand bunker at Ashridge on the 18th.

 

[Herbie]

You are right about time saving in the way you say Homer, which is why I dont think they are an issue as a tool against time.

Its the people who use them then ahve a five minute conversation about their kit,price,case its in etc etc, just in the same way the slow play is a problem issue with those who natter about club to use, etc etc. Its the nonsense actions of golfers that take up the time.

 

[SammmeBee]

Just another quick question about bunkers. Whilst playing in a society day my ball plugged at the back of a greenside bunker, with only one dimple visable! Now my options are a drop but where, I can't go back into the bunker as that is nearer the hole, and I can only drop in the bunker as I can't drop outside of it. But the ball is not unplayable its jsut common sense to take a drop as in medal play the concequences are dire if I just make the ball go deeper. what do I have to do. I must now say that I took a drop into the bunker as it was the only place that I could go as I am under the instruction that you can't drop outside a bunker.

This really did happen! No Jokes, left hand bunker at Ashridge on the 18th.

A ball can be unplayable whenever you say it is......

 

[Cernunnos]

GPS is essentially another form of yardage chart, be it a very basic version, but that gives you accurate readings without having to study the yardage chart for 20 seconds, once you've found the right page to get the same or similar figure yourself...

Having a caddy is like having GPS, he's the one shouting yards to whatever at you & also can suggest a club.

Caddy's can use GPS in practice rounds in conjunction with lazer range finders if they wish... I supose in the comp it would be belt & braces for the pro to be getting the benifit of the caddy's experience & the accuracy of GPS etc.

Amateurs don't have the benefit of a personnal caddy, except maybe in the form of the GPS systems & the provided yardage charts... so why shouldn't they be allowed in competition, as GPS is no more an artificial aid than the yardage chart itself...

Though on the point of slow play & a solution (tongue in cheek) I have the parfect solution..... AK47, though you'd have to loose a club out of the bag to add one...lol

 

[Herbie]

GPS is essentially another form of yardage chart, be it a very basic version, but that gives you accurate readings without having to study the yardage chart for 20 seconds, once you've found the right page to get the same or similar figure yourself...

Having a caddy is like having GPS, he's the one shouting yards to whatever at you & also can suggest a club.

Caddy's can use GPS in practice rounds in conjunction with lazer range finders if they wish... I supose in the comp it would be belt & braces for the pro to be getting the benifit of the caddy's experience & the accuracy of GPS etc.

Amateurs don't have the benefit of a personnal caddy, except maybe in the form of the GPS systems & the provided yardage charts... so why shouldn't they be allowed in competition, as GPS is no more an artificial aid than the yardage chart itself...

Though on the point of slow play & a solution (tongue in cheek) I have the parfect solution..... AK47, though you'd have to loose a club out of the bag to add one...lol

Oh what a good Idea! I often have the same thoughts.

 

[Cernunnos]

Wonder if Beiruit has a golf course, as I doubt they have a problem with slow play...! Imagine all the bunkers on a course out there...

 

[Herbie]

Wonder if Beiruit has a golf course, as I doubt they have a problem with slow play...! Imagine all the bunkers on a course out there...

Ive heard there is a hole on a course there that is 520 yds par 5 with a unique feature created by an American Gulf fanatics with 1872 bunkers surrounding a elevated green.
The footpaths are clearly marked out and it is strictly forbiden to walk elsewhere. Also use of existing spike tees is not advised as it damages the course.

 

[Cernunnos]

Wonder if Beiruit has a golf course, as I doubt they have a problem with slow play...! Imagine all the bunkers on a course out there...

Ive heard there is a hole on a course there that is 520 yds par 5 with a unique feature created by an American Gulf fanatics with 1872 bunkers surrounding a elevated green.
The footpaths are clearly marked out and it is strictly forbiden to walk elsewhere. Also use of existing spike tees is not advised as it damages the course.

Or it could be bunker number 1873

 

[Leftie]

I believe that the EGU are writing to all clubs to advise that Distance Measuring Devices (DMD) will be allowed for all EGU competitions as from Jan 1st 2009. I can't see that after that any club will not allow their use. Any DMD's that are capable of giving information other than distance(e.g. temperature, wind direction, elevation, etc) are not allowed - even if these added functions are switched off. Penalty for use - disqualification. Motorcaddy S3 owners beware??

Re water in bunkers. Although the rules seem unfair, a hazard is a hazard be it water, lateral or sand. Play the ball as it lies or take a penalty drop. At least, in a bunker you have the option of playing it or dropping in a dryer spot if available without penalty.

 

[DCB]

Leftie,

Whilst the EGU have made their mind up, that decision is only for their Elite competitions. Each individual club will still have to make their own decision of allowing their use by stating such in a local rule. That will probably be the case until the next rules revision by the R & A.

 

[toyboy54]

Cernunnos...do you set the AK47 on single shot or just blast away?