Jump to content
2024 Houston Open WITB Photos ×

Slow play rant. What do you say when it's your group?


wkndhckr

Recommended Posts

Today I had a break in my schedule to squeeze in a round at my home course. I get partnered with some very nice guys who are only playing 9. As we waited on the #1 tee box I commented my preround disclaimers that "I see a log jam on hole three but hey.... we're off work and having a good time so I guess it's ok. I am walking to save time anyway. Let's play ready golf. Sound good? Also I don't spend time looking for balls. If I spray one, it's gone and I'm dropping another one"

 

Round starts. Not only were these guys wild off the tee, they were not good ball spotters. A common conversation went like this: 

Them: " Looks like I'm just left of the fairway"

Me: "I don't know. It was turning pretty hard and Im pretty sure i heard it hit a tree."

 

So I am working on iron striking today so I'm playing 6 irons off every tee and they end up in the fairway or just off the side in the thick stuff (not trying to sound perfect but it's a 6 and will only be so far off line)...... And they take off from the tee box EVERY time to  help ME look for MY ball when it was in plain sight. Then they turn back 30 yards to go find THEIR ball in the rough or woods... And they can't find it so I turn back and find it for them. They were all looking for everyone's ball...every time...and we had our own carts.

 

I'm on the green with my putter. They are still 60 yards out in the fairway pitching up. I tapped in every time and cheered them on. Three times I acted like I left something in the cart and went to sit in the cart because it was ridiculous. No one was behind us but two groups played through us. My group rolled eyes and said "these guys are rushing". I commented that "we are a few holes behind schedule but since you don't play often it's ok for the faster groups to play through.  I walked up to the next tee and apologized to the group that had to skip a hole and play through.

 

When the damage was done, 2 hours and 40 minutes had passed and I played 9 holes. On a slow day, I walk 18 here in 2h30m. I have never had that happen. I can be a people-pleaser on the course so I will tolerate and get mad later but today I think I may have experienced a paradigm shift in my approach to slow play.

 

Any key phrases or tips from those that have considerably more rounds under their belt? And I don't mean the anonymous, big bad, internet guy that says "I tell them **** *** and they deal with it". I mean real life scenarios when you are an established professional in your community and it's people that live in your community and you may end up seeing them at Target or Kroger or go to school with your kids or you may interview them for a job. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If I were in your shoes, I’d grin  and bear it, then find a solution so that I wouldn’t need to experience this again.

 

Join a private country club or an upscale semi-private club. I did this 24-years ago, problem solved. 
 

 

Edited by Moonlightgrm
Typo
  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

41 minutes ago, Moonlightgrm said:

If I were in your shoes, I’d grin  and bare it, then find a solution so that I wouldn’t need to experience this again.

 

Join a private country club or an upscale semi-private club. I did this 24-years ago, problem solved. 
 

 

I agree.  When he wrote "home course" I assumed that meant a private course.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, LeoLeo99 said:

If you're trying to squeeze in 9, you need to jump around if you can.  I mean, just because you're not looking for your ball doesn't mean that no one else in the group can.  They sound like nice guys.  Nice slow guys are better than fast jerks.  

True. You have to find your ball. I hope I didn't imply that looking for a ball was off limits. I usually eat any penalty and choose to not look for mine when it's a lost cause but always gladly help others and did. But they definitely were nice enough that it didn't suck as bad as it could have. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, LeoLeo99 said:

I agree.  When he wrote "home course" I assumed that meant a private course.  

It is semi private and this is an atypical occurrence. Also in the GHIN handicap system, home, away, and tournament rounds are distinct entries when you enter your score.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Moonlightgrm said:

If I were in your shoes, I’d grin  and bare it, then find a solution so that I wouldn’t need to experience this again.

 

 

Very bad advice - he could be arrested for that. :classic_laugh:

  • Like 1

Callaway Epic Flash SZ 9.0 Ventus Blue 6S

Ping G425 14.5 Fairway Tour AD TP 6X

Ping G425 MAX 20.5 7 wood Diamana Blue 70 S

Titleist 716 AP-1  5-PW, DGS300

Ping Glide Forged, 48, DGS300

Taylormade MG3 52*, 56*, TW 60* DGS200

LAB Mezz Max 34*, RED, BGT Stability

Titleist Pro V1X

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think there is a lot you can teach guys you may not see again.   
These days many don't want to listen and some don't care.   
 
You can make them aware about either keeping up or letting others 
go through.  
 
If the course is open ahead or somewhere, leave them.  Otherwise playing is 
better than quiting.  

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, ArtMBgolf said:

I don't think there is a lot you can teach guys you may not see again.   
These days many don't want to listen and some don't care.   
 
You can make them aware about either keeping up or letting others 
go through.  
 
If the course is open ahead or somewhere, leave them.  Otherwise playing is 
better than quiting.  

 

"Playing is better than quitting". 

 

Absolutely.  Thank you.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What I do when I see my group is falling behind I tell the others that we need to pick up speed. In most cases it does not really help as the vast majority of slow players are incapable of increasing their speed when needed. I try to encourage them not to look for a ball too long and start walking faster myself. I guess that is more or less all you can do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I play several public golf courses and run into all types of players and playing situations.  The speed conversation cracks me up.  

 

First off, if you can walk 18 holes in 150 minutes, that's insane.  Must be an empty course, which sounds amazing.  For anyone playing a public course (especially during covid this year), you have to expect a lot of beginners and slow paced golfers who don't know golf courtesy very much.  

 

In my opinion that's okay.  I want the game to grow and love seeing parents with their kids or adults coming out to play for the first time in years.  It's a wonderful game and it should be shared by all who want to play it.

 

I always make it a point that it's ready golf, hit when you are ready.  Secondly, emphasize if someone has hit 10+ shots, picking it up is okay.

 

That being said for non-beginners, most all of us are going to have at least 1 drive go in the tall grass a round.  If you are competitive and have a decent score going, you definitely would prefer to find it rather than play your 4th from the fairway and likely take a double or triple.  Let them look for their ball for 3 minutes without getting all worked up.

 

Sure, we all have extreme examples of slow play and they stink but the focus needs to be more on "teaching" rather than "complaining" as a whole in the golf society.  

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

52 minutes ago, cval said:

In this instance I would have moved on. Hey guys nice to meet you but I I do not have much time.  I am going to jump ahead and play on my own. 

 

This.....and I have done it. Not proud of it. Everytime I have done it, its relaxing and time well spent.

 

slow players always think it some other guy.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nothing you will say will make sense to somebody who never had a clue that they are suppose to play in 4 hours or better. I remember checking in at Harding Park on a recent trip there and the guy at check in told every player including myself what the expectation was in terms of pace of play an how long to finish the round. This needs to be started if not included when players check in. That way you dont seem like the donk who want to play fast. I get playing fast but when people walk to there ball and just fire away and put out just to get to the next hole as if they are being timed or something. Now that is just as irritating. A four hour round is just as good as a 3 and a half hour if you are enjoying the company. Usually the players who are rushing just want to get in 18 holes and thats it. Enjoy the moment. 

Cobra LTD 9* TP6HD
Cobra Big Tour 14.5* TP7HD 

Cobra F6 Baffler 19* Kiyoshi Purple

Wilson Staff Staff Blades 3-PW Recoil I95 stiff 

Wilson PMP 52/56 Raw

Titliest SquareBack LA 135 

Vice Pro+ Lime Green Goodness

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is what it is. Everybody has to start somewhere and they sound like they were trying. When I’m paired with randoms that are clearly beginner level, I try to be loose and help them spot their balls and find it if possible.

 

Nothing feels worse then playing with someone better than you and you feel rushed every hole looking for your ball, etc, while they are waiting so no point in me doing the same to newbies.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

People who are absolute beginners need to learn from someone at some point that when on the course, you're expected to show consideration to those around you. That includes just moving on to the next hole when you reach a certain point, or at least picking up and finishing the hole from near the green. If I get stuck with slower players who are obviously new, I try to pass along tips for improving pace of play, how to play ready golf, etc., along with tips about etiquette and rules when the opportunity arises, never being confrontational about it. If they don't want to hear it, I don't push it, but I feel like it's the responsibility of more experienced golfers to help pass along info to less experienced golfers about what's expected on the course. 

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the couple comments you used are about all you could do other than moving on alone like already suggested. As painful as it can be ( I am pretty fast as well), just rd to  time. As poorly as so many drive, many people don’t pay attention to anything or care. Sad but only getting worse. Private about only way to minimize as will never be eliminated as much as we want it too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you had a cart, just politely excuse yourself and go play ahead by yourself.

 

If you had 3 holes open in front, you could just go play those. 

 

If you aren't playing in a regular group, you'll always have tough encounters with strangers. Golf is just hard and many people don't know the etiquette. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...
On 10/1/2020 at 3:18 PM, cval said:

In this instance I would have moved on. Hey guys nice to meet you but I I do not have much time.  I am going to jump ahead and play on my own. 

 

 

FYI this is what I do now. Sadly it never

crossed my mind to do but now I do it all the time on slow days. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Since I usually play as a single with strangers, I prefer to let the marshal be the one to explain it to the others. At most, I'll mention it once if a marshal neglects to let the whole group know. That's it. Otherwise I'll grin and bear it if there's no room in front to escape to.

 

Like most, I love when I get in a fast group and we have a clear course ahead. I walk 95% of my rounds and can clear 18 quite briskly (3hrs is no challenge if the conditions allow.) That said, since I play public/muni golf and get paired with strangers, I just expect 4:30 rounds as just the norm. It doesn't bother me as there is zero I can do to control it. Sure, when rounds balloon over 5hrs, that's a bit annoying, but honestly, that's pretty rare.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I say "hey guys like speed it up a little bit, the group behind us is catching up". I said it a couple days ago playing with my buddy and a couple of guys we were partnered up with. If you know you are not in the wrong, speak up and speed up your group. If you are with true golfers, they will know what you are trying to do.

Edited by llewol007
  • Like 1

Cobra LTD 9* TP6HD
Cobra Big Tour 14.5* TP7HD 

Cobra F6 Baffler 19* Kiyoshi Purple

Wilson Staff Staff Blades 3-PW Recoil I95 stiff 

Wilson PMP 52/56 Raw

Titliest SquareBack LA 135 

Vice Pro+ Lime Green Goodness

Link to comment
Share on other sites

“Let get moving boys. Bill, why the hell are you just now reading your putt after 2 of us are in the hole? Adam, bring three clubs with you, and your GPS.. cart path only is slow, let’s not make it any slower. Kyle, you suck at this game, stop blading wedges back and forth across the green.. use a putter please.” Lol. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 9 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...