Slow Play

Well I have made it 6 weeks into my captaincy before I have written my first real post on Slow Play. I think this is one topic that will run and run as long as we all play golf, but it is something that seems to getting worse not better. I think more than anything it is awareness of people around you on the course. It is just common courtesy to make sure whatever you are doing does not ruin another persons day. I have also seen people get so fed up with a slow front 9 that they have walked off after 9 holes, this cannot be fair for anyone. So here are some simple rules below, and as long as you all stick to these you can't ever be accused of slow play, but I am sure we have all been guilty of failing on these sometimes. Print them out and read them a few times, golf will be more enjoyable for all of us if we all follow the slow play etiquette.

Help minimise Slow Play

•    Be aware of your position with regard to the group in front.
•    Do not concern yourself with the group behind, the fact that you are not holding them up is irrelevant as it is your group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front.
•    If you feel that your group is falling behind advise the other players in your group. If your group is behind, try to catch up quickly. Play “ready golf” if needed.
•    If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, or if there is no group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind, invite the group behind to play through.
•    Do not wait until it is your turn to play before putting your glove on.
•    Do not wait until it is your turn to play before calculating your yardage and selecting your club.
•    Look at your own line of putt while the other players in the group look at theirs {within the bounds of normal etiquette}.
•    At the green, position your bags so as to allow quick movement off the green to the next tee.
•    Move off the green as soon as all players in your group have holed out; mark score cards at or on the way to the next tee.
•    Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost outside a hazard or out of bounds.

If you keep up with the group in front, you cannot be accused of slow play.