Gary Sams wrote:
> Can anybody point me in the direction of a list of suggestions for avoiding
> slow play, which can be given to offenders.
I produced the following in flier form for our committee and left it on
all the tables in the clubhouse last weekend, as well as on the
starter's table.
(Heading) SPEEDING UP PLAY (Club logo)
There have been a number of recent complaints to the Committee about
slow play. With the darkest winter months approaching, every player is
entitled to finish their round in reasonable light, and the presentation
needs to finish early enough so everyone can get home.
The Committee prefers that players learn how to speed up play rather
than penalise slow play under Rule 6-7. However, if groups lose a clear
hole ahead, the Committee will have to consider penalties.
(Big, bold letters) Speeding up play does not mean rushing. It means
being ready to play, not playing when you are ready!
(Subheading) Speeding up your pre-shot routine
Remove excessive time from your pre-shot routine. Dont take a dozen
practice swings or half a dozen waggles. An excessive routine is also
counter-productive, as it introduces anxiety.
(Subheading) Speeding up on the tee
If you have the honour, hit your shot before marking your card. Mark
your card while the others in your group are teeing off.
The player with the honour should also be ready to hit first. If they
arent ready, then someone else should hit first if they are able to.
Dont stand around insisting on following the honour if someone is not
ready.
(Subheading) Speeding up on the fairway
Walk at a pace that is comfortable but dont dawdle.
Providing it is safe, go to your ball as soon as possible and get
ready to play your shot. Dont be a caravan going down the fairway
from ball to ball. The only time players should stop in a group and wait
for a player to hit is if it is unsafe to go further forward.
While waiting to hit, think about your shot, select your club, take it
from your bag, and stand at your ball ready to play.
Speeding up around the green
Always leave buggies at the back or side of the green, closest to the
next tee.
If someone is in a bunker and hits it furthest from the hole, dont
stand around watching while they rake the bunker and get to their ball.
Someone else should putt until the player is ready.
Get ready to putt before it is your turn. Provided you are not
disturbing another player, line up your putt while others are putting.
If you are not interfering with another players line, putt out. If
you are, mark your ball, but when it is your turn again, be ready!
(Subheading) Speeding up lost balls
Make use of provisional balls. Nothing wastes time more than a player
trudging back to the pin.
Everyone should help find a lost ball in order to keep play moving.
But the player who is closest to the pin should be the first to help the
player whose ball is lost, while the players who are further away from
the pin should play their shots if they can. When the players furthest
away have played their shots, they resume looking, while the players who
are closest get ready to play their shots. In this way, slow play is not
compounded because of a lost ball.
(BIG, BOLD LETTERS) It is your task as a ready golfer to keep up with
the group ahead.