So how long should it take to play 18 holes in groups of 2 in a stableford event? In the Monday Pro Comp this week, it took 3 groups that were nearest to me, 2 hours and 45 minutes. All three groups had at least one player walking, so it was not exaggerated by carts racing around the course. Handicaps and ages of players varied. Yes it was quick - there was a genuine effort to play briskly as the groups were always within one 'shot' of the group ahead. So how long is it taking - based on last Saturday's event? I witnessed the opening group on the 10th tee, 1 hours and 15 minutes after their advertised starting time on the first. They were in carts. Assuming that they finished at the same rate - 2 hours and 30 minutes - which can be done in carts with no one ahead. The middle of the field were completing their rounds in about 4 hours, while Stu Meani informed me that some groups later in the day were heading towards 5 hours. I believe at one point there were 4 groups on the 9th tee. This should never happen. I understand that the course played 'long' and soft and ball searching in longer rough made it slower. However, there is NO WAY that golf should take more than 4 hours in pairs. The Club Captain, Gary Hunt, would suggest somewhere between 3 hours and 3 hours 45 minutes, depending on conditions, age, experience and ability. Assuming we can continue playing golf for the duration of social distancing rules, there is every likelihood that winter will arrive and the number of tee times will be significantly reduced. So we need to get it sorted now. As a Club, we have always encouraged ready golf using the following strategies and behaviours to assist in this endeavour: - Never allow your group to be two full shots behind the group ahead.
- To be one hole behind the group ahead is totally unacceptable. To be more than a hole behind is... frustrating to everyone behind.
- Lost ball searches must be completed within 3 minutes. In almost all circumstances in a stableford event, a lost ball would result in a wipe - so to return to the tee or previous stroke location seems to be a wasteful and pointless exercise and simply slows the field.
- If you hit a ball into likely trouble, play a provisional.
- Walk briskly between shots.
- With the current situation with the flag stick remaining in the hole, putt when ready - no need to wait for your partner if they are further from the hole. Putt out wherever possible.
- Don't call up on the 3rd and 9th if you are struggling to keep up with the group ahead.
- Cart users - don't park your cart at the front of the green when you are on the green, when players behind are waiting to hit. By the time you putt out and walk back to your cart, the players behind can't hit because you are in the way. The classic example here is hole number 13. Cart users park their cart outside the blue line at the front, with the pin at the back. By the time the putt out has occurred and the player walks the full length of the green, down to their cart, the group behind could have hit their approach shots. Pin locations should be considered when determining where best to park a cart for an early exit to assist speed of play.
Over the next few weeks, Stu will be organising a staff member to monitor slow play with a view to penalising pairs out of 'position'.
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