More slow play remedies

Tiger in a hurry

Anxiety to get started with the group ahead still in range can also cause hold-ups in social games.

As the R&A commented in its ‘Pace of Play’ investigation last year, where 60 key figures in the game debated the problem: "Individuals playing slowly is regarded only as a contributory reason for rounds of five and six hours. A whole catalogue of other causes can be identified and accepted.

And some blame can even be laid at the door of new technology. For those golfers who strike the ball in excess of 300 yards, the shorter par-4s are more like par-3s and occasionally reachable off the tee while most par fives have become 'two-shotters', again causing hold-ups.

Deep rough being allowed to form in areas where golf balls are most likely to get lost, can also be a key contributory factor.

The conference concluded that a five point plan should be introduced at every course to improve the pace of play.

1. Management policies

Overcrowding the golf course must be avoided. Starting intervals should be widened.

2. Player ability

Play from the most appropriate tee is recommended to avoid making hole positions too difficult.

Rough too deep

3. Maintenance

Ensure that the length and location of the rough avoids numerous lost balls and that the speed of the greens is reasonable.

4. Course Design

Adopt favourable sequences of holes to avoid bottlenecks Fore example an opening par-5 followed by a difficult par-3 is a recipe for slow play.

5. Player Behaviour

Clubs and their professionals should communicate with all players and advise what is expected of them, to exercise etiquette at all times and be ready to play
when required.

If you have any better ideas, join the discussion on the forum.