Who's to blame?

[clubchamp07]

I'm just home after playing in this years North of Ireland championship, over the two courses at Portrush. I was paired off with 2 other guy's. On the 1st day on Dunluce it took us 5 an a half hours, 2nd day (Valley) 4 an a half hours. I know that might not sound slow, but beleive me when playing at that speed it seems like forever. After 6 holes on the 1st day we had lost a hole, only because the guys in fornt came to a standstill we'd of lost more.
The highest handicapper in the field was 3 so we're not talking high handicappers holding up play here. I was watching in amazement at some of the antics of the guys I was playing with, one of them walked 30 yards, other side of green to line up a putt. Not only that he walked into a bunker to get a better reading, then had to rake the bunker before taking his putt. It seemed to me that everything in the book's that they had ever read or ever been told all had to go through their brains before they even thought about hitting the ball. Maybe thats were I'm going wrong. I find the more I think about it the more I'll make a mess of things.
So where does all this slowness come from? Is it the Pro's we watch on TV? Is it the coaches who teach us swings and drills? Or is it the players themselves making sure they give it all they have?
Your thoughts please

 

[Kellfire]

I'd assume it's players wanting to do the best they can on some tough courses, nothing more.

 

[Imurg]

Combination of all 3. Watching the Pros take years to line up a 4 foot putt is murder. I know its their livelihood but its too long.
We all see it on the box and some copy it. The Coaches teach pre-shot routines that "have" to be followed to get the best from your game.

It all takes time.

Too much time.

 

[viscount17]

is it the rise of the mind coach? not just pre-shot, but post-shot and between shot routines.

the analyse everything three times - then do something different approach (who has ever seen any golfer actually hit the ball with the swing he's just practised 27 times?)

 

[birdieman]

I've never seen anyone walk into a bunker to line up a putt!
I have tutted sometimes when a bunker has prevented me lining up but I would never do that.
Could that not be construed as testing a hazard if and when he puts his ball in another bunker later on?

 

[mjsw13]

R&A's fault - they should introduce AND ENFORCE very strict time limits on how long pros can take to hit the ball after reaching it.

Sounds heavy handed - but it simply should not take 5 and a half hours to hit a ball about 72 times.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

is it the rise of the mind coach? not just pre-shot, but post-shot and between shot routines.

the analyse everything three times - then do something different approach (who has ever seen any golfer actually hit the ball with the swing he's just practised 27 times?)

I think this has alot to do with it. I'll admit I've read a couple of Rotella books and they have helped change the way I think on the golf course. But the problem with many of these books, and not just the psychology ones, is that they are written from experience of working with professional golfers. They are good to read and club golfers like us can learn from them. However, people need to be able to understand that not all of the book is practical outside of the professional game.

I'm fairly sure it was a Rotella that said in one of his books that when reading a putt, that your 1st look at the line is usually the right one. Reading a putt is a bit like shopping with the missus. She sees something she likes in the 1st shop then spends two hours looking at everything else before buying the 1st thing she saw. With Putting, you have an initial thought on the line then walk round the hole looking at all angles before settling on the 1st line you picked.

 

[pokerjoke]

Ive believe it does take a certain amount of time to look at a putt and should be done properly theres nothing worse than missing a short putt.My philosophy is get to your ball quickly then it will give you a lot more time to assess your shot.

 

[Hendy]

Have a few guys in our club like this.. out every sat around 11, if your behind them then your looking at 5 hour + round..

highest handicapper from that lot is 6..

its painfully watching them up and down the green ten times every time..

A time limit is a good idea i think, as they have a think a 5minute time limit to find a ball you have lost.

 

[clubchamp07]

I'm not just talking about my 2 rounds this week, I'm talking about genral play on the golf course. It's getting slower. Something will have to be done and I can onl imagine it will have to come from the top. Either tour's or what we see the Pro's doing.
I know a guy if Poulter was to scratch his nose before every shot this guy would do the same.

I know we're all out to enjoy the game of golf, and the fresh air and lovely courses but ffs lets do something about SLOW play................

 

[viscount17]

There are only two places that change could come from; the courses, but they will do something about it only to get more on the course (more revenue, but ultimately self defeating) and, as you say, from the PGA/R&A.

I don't see any sign of the PGA doing anything, they really appear not to recognise it; possibly it's the idea that the longer a round lasts, the longer the gallery are there and the more they will spend.
The R&A have 'expressed concern' but then the R&A seem quite complacent about the possiblity of ball technology defeating any changes to clubs, so I won't hold my breath waiting for them to change.
What's the alternative? Player revolt? Insist on your club taking action and walking if they don't - don't see that happening either.

 

[Region3]

I know they have shared fairways and greens, but I read that Westwoods practice round earlier in the week took 5 and a half hours!

 

[Whereditgo]

Setting myself up to be shot at a bit here I know, but clearly there is no easy solution to this ever thorny problem.

Surely it's got to be about educating golfers, I'm talking us normal folk here not the guys on the tours, they operate in a different world to us and are almost playing a different game, as to the things that contribute to slow play? There is only so much a course marshall or even the R & A can do.

What would you see as the main contributing factors? For me there are 3 main issues:

1. - Not being ready when it's your turn to play, be it on the tee box, fairway or green, then going through the whole yardage calculation / club selection process.

2. - Practice swings; how many do you need to take ffs? and if you absolutely must take 10 then do you have to wait until everyone else is watching???

3. - On the green; viewing your putt from every angle possible, pacing it out, 10 practice swings (see above). Of course you have to respect the fact that others in your group need to concentrate too, but surely at least some of the above can be carried out in unison?

I also think that perhaps the expectations of the golfer should be relaxed relative to how busy the course is (if its rammed full then it's not going to be a quick round), the seriousness of the competition (a strokeplay comp. is always going to be a bit slower than a friendly bounce game), the weather? (blowing a gale and more balls than usual going astray?), etc.

In my (ok - limited) experience, it is very rarely the old chestnuts of bag / trolley left on the wrong side of the green, marking cards while still on the green.

 

[Swinger]

If you find anything that works to combat slow play let me know!!

I've tried to show these guys how annoying it is by playing slowly with them and in front of them but they really are shut away in there own world. I did get one comment when I stood over every putt in the round for 30 secs, but only about how relaxed I looked over the ball.

I'm strongly considering smoking a load of pot out there to lighten the mood and to not give a rats ass whats going on out there. Just need to find a dealer.

 

[pokerjoke]

Watching the open today and you see why the play is slow they seem to take an age to putt.Paul casey did 4 practice swings for a ft putt that was straight.The question is how do you define slow play imo a four hour round is exceptable.It also depends on what your playing for.Imo if you want a quick round get out early.I know its hard but golf is not a race its a game that should be enjoyed,i cant think of many places id rather be than out on a golf course with a few mates enjoying the surroundings.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

You need a marshall out there with a stopwatch and a Taser Gun

Sorted

Fragger

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Ive believe it does take a certain amount of time to look at a putt and should be done properly theres nothing worse than missing a short putt.My philosophy is get to your ball quickly then it will give you a lot more time to assess your shot.

I'm not saying just walk up and hit it, just that it isn't necessary to look at every putt from every angle. Most of the time your gutt feel will be right.

I would love to know how many more putts guys make looking at putts from every angle as opposed to just from behind the ball and trusting their instinct. I would wager that folk would make more putts with less analysis.

 

[pokerjoke]

Ive believe it does take a certain amount of time to look at a putt and should be done properly theres nothing worse than missing a short putt.My philosophy is get to your ball quickly then it will give you a lot more time to assess your shot.

I'm not saying just walk up and hit it, just that it isn't necessary to look at every putt from every angle. Most of the time your gutt feel will be right.

I would love to know how many more putts guys make looking at putts from every angle as opposed to just from behind the ball and trusting their instinct. I would wager that folk would make more putts with less analysis.

Wouldnt disagree mate im sure the percentages are almost the same.Hows the hook?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm not saying just walk up and hit it, just that it isn't necessary to look at every putt from every angle. Most of the time your gutt feel will be right.

That is exactly what we did the other week certainly in the first and particularly in the last round and I hadn't hit the ball better all year. No swing thoughts, no time to stop and think to much.

I think that for club golfers, the simplest way is to employ a marshall for monthly medals and stablefords. I'm sure there would be a few volunteers at most places if you asked and nudged enough. Get them patrolling the course and where groups are waiting (looking for balls etc) insist on them letting the group behind through. If they can keep the front of the field moving it makes life easier all the way back through.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

...Hows the hook?

Straightening out thanks. I've had a good couple lessons and some decent practice. Still chucking the odd one in here and there but nothing too frequent. I even managed to hit a couple of fades the other day which is nice I'm playing twice Saturday so that should give it a good test.