I want to come over and play in the USA but.........

[Soovy]

I'd really like to take a golfing vacation in America, Hawaii or both, you lucky people have some truly amazing courses but I read topic after topic about slow play, 5 hours + for a round and much animosity amongst groups on the tees.

Seemingly every second topic is about slow play and the anxiety is causes.

 

Is it always like that? Or just regional/weekends?

 

I live in a very quiet area of New Zealand where the courses are all but deserted during the week and whilst I'm not a fast player we rarely see anyone else on the courses so it doesn't matter, I'd love to fly over and shank some irons but reading WRXers experiences is making me have second thoughts.

 

Any helpful information would be appreciated.

[StezzGolfer]

I'd say its a bit exaggerated. Who would come on here and talk about an average 4-4.5 hour round? No one, because its average and expected. People will only talk about their 2 hour round or their 6 hour round cuz they are either excited or pissed.

If you dont want a 5 hour round (which still isnt that bad), do some research ahead of time and find a less popular course. For the most part, you should be able to finish in under 5 IMO

[The Pearl]

Not a factor. Sure you will may run into a slow round here and there, but it largely depends on what area you are targeting and what courses you are looking to play.

[Shambles]

[quote name='The Pearl' timestamp='1400629940' post='9335245']
Not a factor. Sure you will may run into a slow round here and there, but it largely depends on what area you are targeting and what courses you are looking to play.
[/quote]


True.

The population on any specific course is pretty much determined by the cost of playing on that course vis a vis playing on a course that costs much less and is easily accessible.

Frankly, if I spent the time and expense to travel to another country, I would do so to see that country, it's people and taste it's food. I would not do so to simply play golf. I can do that much more easily and at far less cost at home, or try to access the more exclusive clubs at home if I truly wanted to play on a better looking field.


Shambles

[davis8131]

If your coming all the way from N.Z. you will be coming for more than a "long weekend with the buddies" so first I would plan out the courses you are wanting to play and then make some phone calls about rates as well as busy times and plan to play the courses that are usually backed up for 5+ hour rounds and play those during the week when it is more likely to be slow. I know out here in the West either morning(8:00am-10:00am) or late afternoon (3:00pm) and later the course usually opens up. I would do lots of research on the course. What courses or areas are you really wanting to play?

[Buclow]

It all depends on where you are going to play. Right now in Florida, it's the off season due to the heat, so you can play 18 in 3 hours any day and time of the week.

Other parts of the country that wait through 6 month of winter for golf season to start will always have more people out playing. If this is where you are headed, pick some courses that are off the beaten path.

Sometimes making a little bit of a drive to play turns up some gems and very pretty courses.

[ruascott]

[quote name='Soovy' timestamp='1400624798' post='9334713']
I'd really like to take a golfing vacation in America, Hawaii or both, you lucky people have some truly amazing courses but I read topic after topic about slow play, 5 hours + for a round and much animosity amongst groups on the tees.
Seemingly every second topic is about slow play and the anxiety is causes.

Is it always like that? Or just regional/weekends?

I live in a very quiet area of New Zealand where the courses are all but deserted during the week and whilst I'm not a fast player we rarely see anyone else on the courses so it doesn't matter, I'd love to fly over and shank some irons but reading WRXers experiences is making me have second thoughts.

Any helpful information would be appreciated.
[/quote]

Totally over blown. Maybe municipal courses on weekends near big cities, but I doubt you are coming all the way here to play those.

Where are you thinking of going?

[farmer]

I read the posts about on course confrontations, but in my 40+ years of playing, I've seen two. And both were whiskey driven. I don't think you will have any problem, unless you do something totally outrageous.

[rsj1360]

Don't do it! What you'd see:

The vast majority of golfers waiting for greens to clear 450 yards away, then taking two dozen practice swings, then duff the ball 20 yards. Then when they get to the green they line up each and every putt down to 1", from all sides, laying on the groung Villegas style. And then putting in for a 12 and carding a bogey. All this leading to eight hours rounds, on a good day. And to top it all off most of them will be packing heat so you'll never know if you'll be shot.

JK :-)

[BlackDiamondPar5]

Avoid municipal and low end public courses, especially around big cities, and you'll be fine. Don't go to places like Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles metro area courses, especially on the weekends.

If you go to decently managed resort courses then I don't think you'll have a problem. If you go to medium to high end public courses outside of the major metro areas you shouldn't have a problem, especially weekdays.

I'd be forthright when making the times and ask them if they manage pace of play.

Also as an FYI, Hawaii is America and the Hawaiian's refer to the continental USA as the "mainland."

[Imp]

If you're here on vacation, then weekdays, especially mornings and early afternoon (before leagues, if any) would be the big ticket. The rest of us schmoes are working.

Save the weekends for the sight seeing.

--kC

[dirthead]

Come to Phoenix in July or August. You can play virtually any course here for under $50 in the afternoon and finish in about 3 - 3.5 hours.

[StezzGolfer]

True dat. I book 4 pm tee times and finish no problem. Most the time I am the only one out there.

[dlygrisse]

Most resort courses I have played take around 4 hours to play. Maybe a little longer during peak season if the weather is good. If you are in a new beautiful place, chilling on vacation, the pace is generally about right, expect to ride in a cart at most resorts, or hire a caddy at higher end courses if available, often times you will find the courses are built through housing developments or resort complexes so the ride from the green to tee might be a little long for walking.

Get a cart, buy a cooler of beer, put on some sun screen and enjoy the day! Go back to your room, shower, go have a steak dinner and a nice bottle of red...go to sleep get up and repeat.

Damn, I want to go on vacation.

[Soovy]

Thankyou for all the feedback.

Sorry for separating Hawaii from the 'USA', I didn't intend to mark it out as a separate country and I should have used the term 'mainland USA'.

One poster (Shambles) suggested that I should experience more than the golf courses - I've visited 'mainland' USA a few times, driven from east to west coast and top to bottom, I've done beaches, mountains, ski resorts, LA, Vegas, New York, and much in between but I've never once set foot on a golf course.

'dlygrisse' suggested (edited) "Get a cart, play, enjoy the day, shower, steak dinner, sleep, repeat" and that's pretty much what I'd like to do, I'll play everyday if possible but need to research first.

I'm planning about 3 weeks and I don't need to play the likes of Pebble Beach, just some lovely quiet courses with a nice vibe.

I'll be flying into LA from NZ but I'm happy to travel anywhere, low population areas appeal more and I'm happy to drive to get to them, no area is 'too far away' if good golfing is available.

Is there any etiquette I should know about, dress code, manners etc?

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='Soovy' timestamp='1400703892' post='9341573']
Thankyou for all the feedback.

Sorry for separating Hawaii from the 'USA', I didn't intend to mark it out as a separate country and I should have used the term 'mainland USA'.

One poster (Shambles) suggested that I should experience more than the golf courses - I've visited 'mainland' USA a few times, driven from east to west coast and top to bottom, I've done beaches, mountains, ski resorts, LA, Vegas, New York, and much in between but I've never once set foot on a golf course.

'dlygrisse' suggested (edited) "Get a cart, play, enjoy the day, shower, steak dinner, sleep, repeat" and that's pretty much what I'd like to do, I'll play everyday if possible but need to research first.

I'm planning about 3 weeks and I don't need to play the likes of Pebble Beach, just some lovely quiet courses with a nice vibe.

I'll be flying into LA from NZ but I'm happy to travel anywhere, low population areas appeal more and I'm happy to drive to get to them, no area is 'too far away' if good golfing is available.

Is there any etiquette I should know about, dress code, manners etc?
[/quote]

LA might be a great option because you can play all the courses around here, but more importantly, you'll be less than 2 hours from Palm Springs. You'll find about a million very nice courses out there. You'll also be about the same distance from San Diego, in addition to beautiful drives to some of the courses to the east toward Santa Barbara.

And if you don't mind a 5-6 hour drive, you can head up north to Pebble Beach. Im sure you'll find a few courses up there

As for etiquette, no, not really. If you already know how to play golf you're 90% there. Just check the course website for dress code since it can vary. Most courses are pretty casual though.

[dlygrisse]

I would come prepared with standard collard golf shirts/polos. You can wear shorts at most courses in the US, but some don't like cargo shorts or athletic looking shorts or jeans. (these are mostly private courses or higher end resorts.) Most Municipal type course just require you wear a shirt of some kind and hopefully pants of some kind.

Most course will just say "appropriate golf attire required" Which generally means a golf shirt and shorts or trousers. Also keep in mind most courses in the US don't allow metal spikes, soft spikes only.

Bring a wind breaker and rain pants depending on where you are playing, but generally most of the US is pretty warm during the summer, although the northern midwest or pacific NW can be chilly at times.

Not many courses left that don't allow short pants or require funny socks that are calf high etc. You won't need a jacket and tie to enter club houses, unless you get into some ultra snobby private clubs in some parts of the country. Generally most courses in the US are pretty laid back, especially the resorts and mid range public, just don't look like a complete slob.

[Soovy]

Thanks RJRJRJ - I like the sound of Palm Springs/San Diego/Santa Barbara.

And, you're correct, a little look shows that there seems to be an astonishing amount of golf courses in Palm Springs and very affordable too (if I can stand the Summer temps), it's $59 for Players or Celebrity courses at the Hyatt Grand Champions or $250 for two people including unlimited golf, a cart, a room and breakfast.
I stayed there a while back, it was mid Summer and the course looked empty, do people play in 110 degree heat or is it unbearable?

@ dlygrisse: I have lots of golf attire but no long pants, you made it sound like this wouldn't be a problem at the majority of courses, thankyou for your advice.

[StezzGolfer]

Ya, I can 99% guarantee you wont need pants at any course you'll play.

And I live in Arizona, and I will still play in the midday mid summer heat. Gotta feed my golf addiction somehow. I just drink lots of water and wipe the sweat off and hit my shot. After that, it's not all that bad. Stay in the cart.

But the courses will be very dead, which is another positive note. You'll be fine.

[skylargolf]

Come to florida and play in the summer time. Courses are empty May though August!

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='Soovy' timestamp='1400710210' post='9342227']
Thanks RJRJRJ - I like the sound of Palm Springs/San Diego/Santa Barbara.

And, you're correct, a little look shows that there seems to be an astonishing amount of golf courses in Palm Springs and very affordable too (if I can stand the Summer temps), it's $59 for Players or Celebrity courses at the Hyatt Grand Champions or $250 for two people including unlimited golf, a cart, a room and breakfast.
I stayed there a while back, it was mid Summer and the course looked empty, do people play in 110 degree heat or is it unbearable?

@ dlygrisse: I have lots of golf attire but no long pants, you made it sound like this wouldn't be a problem at the majority of courses, thankyou for your advice.
[/quote]

Its playable, but insanely hot. Not very humid though, so its got that going for it. Best to play in the morning.

[Imp]

Depending on time of year, Sept/Oct, head to North and South Carolina. Awesome weather, Pinehurst NC has a ton of great courses, then head to the coasts to play Kiawah, Hilton Head, or both. Then down to FL for Oct golf (also great weather).

--kC

[thug the bunny]

Sorry for the hj, but I find it amusing that there is so much content on WRX about the abundance of 6 hr rounds, hoards of golfers taking 12 practice swings and lining up 3' putts from every angle, etc, etc, etc, and how slow play is the scourge of humanity. Then, when someone expresses some trepidation about all this slow play, the consensus is that its not that bad and shouldn't be a problem.

???

OK, back to our regularly scheduled program..

[StezzGolfer]

We are telling him where he plans to go, there shouldnt be a problem. AZ/Palm Springs in the summer.

And as far as the # of people complaining about long rounds.. i'd still venture to say its about maybe 5-10% of the wrx community that complains and or sees this happening. People like to complain, come to wrx to vent. Like i said above, why would someone get on this forum and talk about their 4 hour golf round. Its the norm so no reason to bring it up.

[rsj1360]

[quote name='dirthead' timestamp='1400697710' post='9340897']
Come to Phoenix in July or August. You can play virtually any course here for under $50 in the afternoon and finish in about 3 - 3.5 hours.
[/quote]
It was years ago, so I can't remember the specifics, but I played once in the Phoenix area. What I do remember was that 1) it was hotter than hell, 2) it was late afternoon, 3) they told me the course "close" at such-and-such hour, 4) they came and got me and escorted me off the course (around hole 13 I'd guess) at that hour, and 5) there was plenty of daylight left.

I thought that was very odd.

[rsj1360]

Also, are you trying to kill the guy? New Zealand, if I am not mistaken, has a very temperate climate. And you are telling him to go play in 110 degree (43 celsius) heat? Why not recommend someplace like Bandon Dunes?

[StezzGolfer]

Thats very strange. July and August are indeed the hottest months. But I've never been escorted off a course, thats why I book 4pm tee times in those months.. you can see a ball till almost 830. And after a few holes, the heat has died down at that hour.

[Imp]

[quote name='thug the bunny' timestamp='1400775801' post='9347369']
Sorry for the hj, but I find it amusing that there is so much content on WRX about the abundance of 6 hr rounds, hoards of golfers taking 12 practice swings and lining up 3' putts from every angle, etc, etc, etc, and how slow play is the scourge of humanity. Then, when someone expresses some trepidation about all this slow play, the consensus is that its not that bad and shouldn't be a problem.

???

OK, back to our regularly scheduled program..
[/quote]Typical internet stuff.

How many people would post "Hey guys! I just played a round in the average amount of time!"

--kC

[rsj1360]

[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1400779231' post='9347831']
[quote name='thug the bunny' timestamp='1400775801' post='9347369']
Sorry for the hj, but I find it amusing that there is so much content on WRX about the abundance of 6 hr rounds, hoards of golfers taking 12 practice swings and lining up 3' putts from every angle, etc, etc, etc, and how slow play is the scourge of humanity. Then, when someone expresses some trepidation about all this slow play, the consensus is that its not that bad and shouldn't be a problem.

???

OK, back to our regularly scheduled program..
[/quote]Typical internet stuff.

How many people would post "Hey guys! I just played a round in the average amount of time!"

--kC
[/quote]
I've got a whole thread dedicated to that - lol.

[Imp]

[quote name='StezzGolfer' timestamp='1400777717' post='9347651']
Thats very strange. July and August are indeed the hottest months. But I've never been escorted off a course, thats why I book 4pm tee times in those months.. you can see a ball till almost 830. And after a few holes, the heat has died down at that hour.
[/quote]Yes, it drops off sharply around 5ish.

--kC