Slow play — golf’s bane

Golf is supposed to be a relaxing day out, although most of us know it can be anything but. It’s difficult — actually, more like impossible — to master, and that’s point number one.

From awkward angles to tiny targets, from external factors like wind and weather to internal struggles like impatience and bad tempers, there are countless reasons why we can’t play well consistently. Yet, it’s these challenges — and many more — that make golf the greatest game in the world.

Even the very best can’t birdie every hole and do it daily. Even legendary golfers, the GOAT/s have lost more tournaments than they have won. So yes, it is a frustrating, annoying, hair-pulling, crazy game that we all love to hate. That’s the beauty of it.

The ugly side of golf, however, isn’t inherent in the game itself but rather a product of the golfer, not the golf. One perennial problem that has plagued both amateurs and professionals alike is slow play.

Golf should be played at a relatively quick pace. An 18-hole round should take about 3.5 to 4 hours. Even at a relaxed pace, 4.5 hours should be plenty of time for a foursome. Yet, the reality is that a typical round takes 5 to 5.5 hours, and on tournament days, it can stretch to 6 to 7 hours. That’s simply too long for a round.

It’s one of the biggest obstacles to growing the game. While most sports take around 2 hours, a round of golf can stretch to two or three times that length, which can be a major time commitment.

These days, a round typically takes at least half a day, and when it’s a tournament on the outskirts of the city, it can easily turn into a full-day event.

Recognizing the need to speed up play is just the first step. The primary responsibility lies with the players and marshals, who are crucial in ensuring an acceptable pace of play.

Fortunately, there are a few simple actions we can all take to help keep our rounds on track. Here are some suggestions:

Limit phone usage

How many times have I seen playing partners chatting or messaging between shots? Every golfer should be ready to hit when it’s their turn. Phones should be turned off or set to silent and used only for emergencies. We go to the course to escape — don’t turn it into your unofficial office.

Use technology to speed up play

Rangefinders provide exact yardages, so make sure to use them. Golf carts are available to help us reach our ball faster, but if you prefer to walk, do so briskly and be ready to hit when you arrive. A solid pre-shot routine, an alert caddie, and a player who makes quick decisions all help shave minutes off our rounds.

Let faster groups through

Nothing is more frustrating than entitled golfers who hold up play, a problem often seen at country clubs.

Regulars tend to “claim” certain time slots and act as if they own the course, forcing faster groups to wait even when the holes ahead are clear.

In the worst cases, slow play and the refusal to yield have even led to confrontations. We don’t go golfing to watch the group ahead duff a few shots, take their time, and then miss a 2-foot putt. Get on with it — or step aside!

More power to the marshals

Keeping things moving along is difficult enough. Telling members to speed up or step aside when you work for the same people is close to impossible. We need our clubs to empower marshals for the sake of everybody.

There shouldn’t be sacred cows on the course. You hold up play, and you get warned. You keep your pace slow, and you get forced off the course or at least required to step aside and let flights through. No ifs or buts.

Be considerate

Ultimately, speeding up play comes down to being considerate. Unless you’re playing on a private course, every golfer needs to be mindful of the time they take. Look behind you and ahead. If the group behind is consistently waiting, let them through.

If the group ahead is two holes ahead, it’s time to speed up. Walk faster, chat less, read putts quickly, get your yardages, and be ready to hit when it’s your turn.

It’s simple and logical. If you’re looking for a leisurely round and a chance to enjoy the scenery, tee off during off-peak hours or days. We all deserve an enjoyable round at a reasonable pace.