Gary Sams

Thanks - just what we I was looking for. My comps chairman is very keen on a
'play when ready' approach, as opposed to strictly playing in order. I might
stress that a bit more, although there is a danger of being accused of
encouraging players to ignore the rules of golf. I personally am not too
bothered about how long players take over the shot - while it can be
annoying, and is the most obvious example of slow play, it is the time
between shots which is the main cause of delays,

Gary


"Colin Wilson" <> wrote in message
news:r_k%j.5604$...
> 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. Don’t 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
> aren’t ready, then someone else should hit first if they are able to. Don’t
> 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 don’t dawdle.
> • Providing it is safe, go to your ball as soon as possible and get ready
> to play your shot. Don’t 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, don’t
> 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 player’s 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.
>
> --
> Cheers
> Colin Wilson
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