While I like to consider myself a fast golfer, I won’t claim to being the only expert when it comes to slow play. There are others, and I would argue that the more voices that we hear from, the better off we’ll all be.
To that, I cede the floor to James Achenbach of Golfweek, who, in his farewell column, wrote some of the best words (that came from Dick Hyland, head professional at The Country Club at DC Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona (if you ever need a second, or a third, just contact me through my site and I’ll be there).
Note: this was in the August 31st issue of Golfweek. I’d link to it, but Golfweek doesn’t have print articles that I can link to. I tried (so we’re clear, what’s below isn’t my words, but that of James Achenbach and Dick Hyland; Italics are mine). Mr Hyland’s tips (which should appear at every course), appear below:
1) Give golf professionals the clear authority to approach and advise plodding groups. Hyland’s first words to any slow group: “What can I do to help you?”
2) Forget honors entirely; play ready golf at all times.
3) Concentrate on determining your yardage before it is your turn to his.
4) Try this guideline: From the time you pick up your coin (or ball marker), you have 15 seconds to hit a putt.
5) Another guideline: In the age of plastic spikes, experiment with rounds where continuous putting is mandatory.
6) The first golfer to hole out should hold the flag and replace it.
7) Never park a golf cart on the front side of the green; park it as close as possible to the point of exit from the green.
8) After hitting a shot, keep your club in your hand. Replace it in the bag only after the cart has stopped at its next position.
9) In the age of distance measuring devices, try this on par-3 holes: Spray paint the exact yardage to the flag stick from various tee locations.
10: Courses might keep and even post a time sheet, noting start time, turn time, and finish time for all groups.
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
Leave a Reply