It was a frustrating display of the slow verses fast players. Those that want golf to be a brief jog over the manicured park that should take 3 hours or less, and those that see every shot as their final play in the US Open.
This past weekend we had a, Slower and a Faster in our group. We had one guy running down the fairway with his giii-normous golf bag like a marine on ops, and one young man who couldn't make a decision without the help of his caddy. At one point we were two holes behind the group in front of us....but not over our time. The group in front were simply playing very fast. Then we had the tournament official tell us he was going to put us on the clock....but we were within our time. PJ, what's the letter ruling here? But let's digress away from the rule for a moment. But I would like your response PJ.
It's a weird enough world we live in without over concerning ourselves about how fast or slow we go on a golf course yet with that said, we don't need to run to every shot. It's not a decathlon. As well, not every shot we are going to play is worthy of the US Open and live TV coverage.
So, where do I stand on this? Play golf, keep up, play consistent. Take your alloted time provided by the rules (which is plenty if you are thinking ahead). Then, don't leisurely walk to the next shot, but you don't have to sprint either.
The key for me is, Think Ahead! Be aware that you are playing a game not just out socializing. Maybe this analogy will help. Have you ever played cards and there's that one person that never pays attention to the game? They never know it's their turn and generally are up from the table doing something else when it is their turn? It is a game. It can be both social and competitive but stay in the game! Don't wonder off aimlessly in your mind. Play golf, stay up and enjoy some social moments when the chances provide themselves. In four to four and a half hours of golf you will find times to connect socially.
In the mean time, hit'em hard and look up,
Byron
3 comments:
Byron,
This is a topic near and dear to me. The analogy you give of a card game where one person is never ready to play is apt. I will attach links to both the NCGA and USGA Pace of Play policies. As the faster player in a group; you may always ask to have your group timed and appeal any penalties assessed to you as a result of the turtle. USGA http://www.usga.org/rules/competition_guidelines/Pace-of-Play-Policy/ NCGA http://www.ncga.org/wp-content/uploads/2012-NCGA-PACE-OF-PLAY-POLICY1.pdf?9d7bd4
I was unable to find the detail policy of the Pepsi Tour online.
Thanks for writing about this.
PJ
Thanks PJ. I'll check these out. Good luck and blessings on your move to the big stage as well!
I believe the Pepsi Tour uses the USGA guidelines.
B
I like the rules for the very reason. It clarifies the intent and purpose of the game. Without them it would be chaos, am I right?
This rule is simple. You have alloted time to play each hole and each round. It's not based on how many holes ahead or behind you are in relation to the group in front or behind you. Whew...and that was easy to write in comparison to the rules and decisions book.
Thanks again PJ. Your knowledge of the game is invaluable.
B
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