On the Clock: Supporting Pace of Play

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When you're a new golfer, you quickly become wary of many "more experienced" golfers, who don't want to golf with you. When they do, they tend to dampen your enthusiasm.

"Right on!" says the new golfer. "So true!"

"The nerve!" says the established golfer. "New golfers are a hazard to the rest of us who who just want to get our round in before breakfast/lunch/dinner."

(eye roll)

The golf industry is desperate to attract bodies to fill the many, many courses that were built in the last 20 years. Nonetheless, new golfers are not made to feel particularly welcome outside of the practice area, because they tend to take more strokes per hole and can hold up the pace of play.

It's a tricky thing. Whether you are a new or more experienced golfer, pace matters for everyone on the golf course. Civility is also part of the culture of golf, but good manners can disappear quickly, if the pace lags. New golfers need time to learn how to golf as briskly as possible, and more experienced golfers should give them some slack.

Let's not discriminate. It's not always new golfers who cause slow play. Some golfers will play for years without learning to play faster. This is unacceptable.

As you gain experience, try to incorporate an awareness of where the golfers are in front of you, and keep up, at a safe distance. Remember that you can learn to play more efficiently -- and faster -- with equal enjoyment.

Ideally, the party ahead of you will be on the green when you are on the tee. Of course, the number of people in each party (foursome, threesome, twosome or single) will affect the pace. However, unnecessarily slow golfers impact everyone in their party and behind them for the rest of the day, as golfers behind the slower party gradually end up standing around and waiting for the hole ahead to clear.

More experienced golfers should show patience with new golfers in their groups. For better or worse, you are a role model for others.

For example, if a player has not exceeded the number of allowable strokes, they should be allowed to finish the hole. Remember that the new golfer may want to put their skills to the test, all the way to the hole, even if you want them to take a "gimme" on the final putt.

New golfers are often slow because they have yet to develop a routine. Everything is new: their swing, their club selection, the location of their tees in the bag or their extra balls. Without a routine, nothing is easy or quick. And, since newbies have yet to develop accuracy, they are often hitting out of the rough, leading to more problems.

Predictably, all of these variables lead to tension, more errant swings, and can add up to an overall a bad experience, especially when the ranger drives up and says, "get a move on please, you're holding things up out here". Or, when the foursome behind starts intentionally or unintentionally hitting their balls into the slow beginner's group -- a dangerous practice. Or, if the beginner is paired with someone who is naturally angry and impatient. The angry impatient golfer paired with the new golfer is a combustible combo.

If the experience is bad enough, the new golfer won't return.

"Good," says the impatient golfer. "More golf for me!"

That's a shame, because new golfers are the lifeblood and the future of the golf industry. Golfers, both new and experienced, can and should benefit from each other in a symbiotic relationship. To do so successfully, everyone must try to be patient.

Of equal concern is the golfer who is no longer a newbie, but who has never learned to organize their routine to play faster, or, someone who feels that because they have plunked down their hard-earned funds for a round, they are essentially renting the golf course for the duration, and to heck with everyone else.

Let's talk about golfers who want to play through. That's fine and good if there are open holes ahead. It is not OK when the holes ahead are occupied. That's like passing in the breakdown lane of a traffic jam. You may get around the car in front of you, but you're not going anywhere. Faster, faster! is not always possible in golf. Build up some reserves of patience so that you have them if you need to use them. In other words, chillax (pussycat), and adopt the pace that is appropriate to the situation.

Golfers who are physically able to play faster should attempt to keep up the pace. If they are not physically able to do so, such as elderly golfers and those with disabilities, well, these folks have the right to enjoy their rounds too, and they may need a bit more time to complete the round. Respect and etiquette requires us to relax and get used to the slower pace. If the space opens in front of them, then respectfully ask them if you can play through.

Here are some tips for the new golfer about how to be as prepared as possible to play with pace.

New Golfer Education:

As a new golfer, acknowledge that you have a lot to learn. The instant you hit the course you will notice that you are at a disadvantage to others who have been at it for a while. So, if you please, don't book a tee time at the course until you master the basics on the driving range. You should not learn how to hit the ball for the first time on the course.

After you do your homework and feel that you are able to get the ball into the air enough to navigate the course, remember that you cannot continue to hit the ball endlessly until you reach each hole. Etiquette and course rules dictate that you should pick up your ball and move on once you have reached double par. The beginner should feel entitled to take a drop in the fairway occasionally to move things along.

How will you master the basics, off the course? Lessons are critical at the early stage. If you acknowledge early on where you are on the learning curve, and that you need to prepare for your golf game in a way that boosts your confidence, then you will have much more fun and better results.

You don't need to spend a lot of money on lessons. Inquire at your local courses about group lessons or workshops for beginners. Driving ranges often offer lessons too, both group and private.

Preparation is key!

Take a lesson (preferably more than one) at the driving range before you think about going to a golf course.
Practice at the range until you are confident that you can hit the ball off of a tee and off of the grass with some confidence. Practice chipping and bunker shots in a practice area.
Golf with someone who knows the course. On your first outing or two, don't go it alone. Golf with a sympathetic, experienced golfer who knows the ins and outs of the course! Your friend can help you to find your way around in many valuable ways.
Examine your equipment. Are you using the ancient set of golf clubs from your grandma's basement? You don't need to spend a lot of money, but old clubs are heavy and can lead to tendonitis. Pick up an lighter inexpensive new (or better-quality used) set to learn on. Make sure to make sure that the clubs are the right length for you.
Wear layersso that you can shed them when you warm up. When you shed layers, put them directly into your golf bag so that they don't get lost on the course.
Your pants/shorts/skortshould have pockets. At least one pocket should be shallow so that you don't have to dig far for your tees and marker. The seconds you save not searching for things will add up during your round. Make sure that your pants are not too long, so they don't drag on the ground and collect dirt and moisture.
Important! Learn the rules. Obtain a PGA rule book and keep it with your magazines at home. Pick it up and read it occasionally. It's heavy lifting, but you need to know the rules of golf.
Develop a routine, before, during and after your round. You will gain a sense of organization that will save you time during all phases of the round.

Develop your routine by using a pre-round checklist:

Apply sunscreenat home before every round, even if the sun is not visible.
Make sure your hair is contained, so that it doesn't block your vision when your head is down
Put on your hat. Yes, you need a hat or visor.
Wear sunglassesto protect your eyes. Find a pair that are not too dark to see the course, but offer appropriate UV protection. Some golfers don't like to wear sunglasses, but it's better for your eyesight in the long run if you get used to wearing them.
Place insect repellant in your bag, just in case.

Invest in Appropriate Equipment:

Golf glove. Keep several in your bag
Golf shoes. Don't leave them at home
Tees, (long and short
Balls. 5-10 should be plenty when you begin. Fewer balls are needed as you gain experience. Try to get round the course using the same ball.
Ball marker. Just put some change in your pocket, if you don't have any markers.
Divot repair tool. Have someone show you how to use it. Have them show you several times before you attempt it yourself, so that you don't damage the greens.
Brush for cleaning the grooves in your clubs. The brush will attach to the outside your bag.
Golf towel.You can wipe your club if it is muddy -- and your hands.
Snack and drink.You will benefit from having a small energizing snack (try sliced carrots) and a hydrating drink handy, especially on hot days. If you are pushing a cart, try to select one that has a drink holder. If your drink is zipped into your bag, chances are you won't use it.
Clubs. Narrow your club selection and leave some in the trunk to simplify your round. Make sure your clubs are clean before you begin each round.
If you bring your cell phone along, turn it off and place it in your bag for emergencies. Do not use your cell phone on the course.

Be on time for your round

Don't make the rookie mistake of miscalculating how long it takes you to get ready, drive to the course and assemble your gear. If you're rushing, you will be stressed out. The related tension could possibly afffect the quality of your round.

Being late may mean that you may disappoint your golf partner. If you miss your tee time, you may miss your opportunity to golf that day -- especially during the busiest times of year.

After you use your checklist for while, your preparation will become second nature, your golfing experience will seem easier, and you will be prepared to have even more fun.

Fore!

Birdiegirl