Slow Play...........

Slow play is the bane of any golf club and is a hardy annual for committees when they have nothing else to talk about. While in a stroke round and perhaps during Club Champs play may be slightly slower than normal every member must make an effort to play as quickly as possible.

Slow play is a state of mind and as such it must be overcome as it is simply too easy to drift along and fall behind. As we move into the winter season, traffic on the course becomes heavier because frost and of limited light accordingly there is greater pressure to ensure all players "get around". The committee can only do so much - pace of play sheets and course marshalls included - but in reality it comes down to each individual i.e you need to be self monitoring.

There are some really simple steps to improve your speed of play - if you are teeing off first do so before you mark your card, walk quickly between green and tee, if you can finish out do & don't remark your ball, walk quickly between shots and while staying out of line of play walk to your ball rather than moving from ball to ball in convoy. Consider your play as you approach your ball and while waiting for someone else to hit not simply when its your turn. If you have a routine start it immediately it is your turn and don't muck about with 6 practice shots.

People the solution is in your hands but be assured the Committee will not tolerate a proliferation of slow play and the proposed penalties may not be to every ones liking!