FROM THE DIRECTOR OF GOLF JEFF OSTLUND
Have a look at the fun pace of play video that Somin created with the help from a motley crew of amateur actors.
Slow play continues to be the biggest problem in the game of golf, and it’s a challenge that we face far too often at TVGC. While there is no one cause for slow play and there’s no simple solution, we need to focus on building a culture at the Club where members take great pride in completing rounds in Time Par or better. Unfortunately, slow players tend to lack self-awareness of their worst pace of play habits. Part of improving our pace of play culture involves peers funneling well-timed feedback to slow players about the inefficient habits they witness during a round. While an entire newsletter could be written on this topic I’ll spare you that pain and leave you with my top 3 tips for improving pace of play: Start Smart – Make it a point to arrive at the tee early with your golf equipment in order, ready to play. Start with a “get ahead” mentality in an effort to build your group some margin for error. Choose to play from a set of tees that is suitable for your game. The inability to reach greens in regulation with well struck shots is a sign that a golfer is playing too much course and needs to move up a tee. 1. Divide & Conquer – Few things in golf are more painful to watch than the foursome ahead of you collectively stopping at each player’s ball while the other 3 players just watch and wait for their turn. While we understand that people want to be supportive of their playing partners, this is a pivotal time that should be utilized to start your own process for your next shot. Identifying balls, determining yardage, evaluating wind, putting your glove on and mentally honing in on a club choice are all tasks that can often be done without distracting others who are going through their pre-shot routines. 2. Pick Up Your Ball When You’re Out of a Hole – For a golfer in any group that falls behind Time Par, continuing to play a ball that isn’t going to count in the game is a selfish act that shows a lack of respect for other members in the group and on the golf course. The USGA’s GHIN system allows a player to pick up at any point and record the score that they most likely would have made. 3.
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