Re: impatient golfers

You were right to give them a mouthfull !

There is nothing worse than hitting your shot when you think you have a chance of reaching. What's worse - Hitting some poor guy on the head or waiting another couple of minutes ?

Always wait until you know you can't reach the group ahead and if the players behind complain tell them where to go ?

Re: impatient golfers

I had an interesting episode a few weeks back like this, but I was in the group behind hitting balls at people!

It all started on the 6th at our local municipal. It's a downhill par 4. The gradient gradually steepens the further down the hole you go. If you've played there before it's pretty much a signal when to hit from the tee when you see the last of the group infront hit their shot and then walk after it, and so disappearing over the hill. Wait 20 seconds then go. There is no bell, unfortunately.

We were a relatively experienced 2-ball playing behind an obviously not so good 3 ball. We had caught them up 2 holes ago and were now waiting on everyshot. My argument would be that they should have played us through if not at this hole, then the next which was a par 3. But still. We waited patiently and played on.

Come the 9th we get on the tee and they're fannying around in the fairway and rough 170 yards out and we're stood there for an eternity. Finally, the last of them played their ball toward the green and walked after it. The hole is about 360 yards long and I waited until they were well past the fairway bunker that marks the average landing area.

I unloaded a drive that in all honesty went much further than I expected . I lost the ball in the sun (not literally. It didn't go that far), but the next thing I know I can see one of the gents infront throwing his arms around his head in an effort to protect himself from the missile flying past his lug hole on the first bounce. As an aside, I had 50 yards left! Rock on!

After playing my approach to the green I made a point of bee-lining for them on the tee rather than going to putt and apologising for my abberration. It was not met with ready acceptance. Apparently my tee shot on the 6th had done similar. One of the group made the remark; "we were going to let you through but now you'll have to wait"..........NOW I'll have to wait????!!!!!!

I politely turned and went to putt out as, as far as I was concerned, I had made a mistake and offered my apology. What they did with it was up to them. But, if I were a more mouthy, less controlled individual, I may have pointed out that we had been waiting behind them since the 5th tee, the 6th was a genuine mistake, as was the 9th, and they wouldn't have golf balls flying round their ears if they'd get a bloody move on!

Now, I am never in a rush to play golf. It ain't a quick sport. But there's a rythm to it. I never mind waiting a little, but to be continually held up by ignorant hackers can spoil a round.

It must be, however, obvious to those behind when they are playing behind people that are well capable of reaching a green 200 yards away, and let them do so without pelting them from the rear. In my experience, if you are playing behind people who even have half a clue, you will either a) never be subjected to a hold up of any note-worthiness or b) played through at the earliest convenience, if necessary.

Anything else is just ignorance.

Re: impatient golfers

I am an impatient golfer - a quick tempo by nature. Can't sit still. Always fiddling around.

Slow play has been a problem since Adam was a boy.

There are no solutions for it on a public course. There are on private courses, ie, consideration of 2 stroke penalty. Having said this, the match committee and captain need to have a good set of .........

I suppose one gets an indication at the start of the round how fast the round will be. Just gotta go with the flow - enjoy the day and the company. There are many people who aren't fortunate enough to be out there hitting.

Neil, I like the fact you went up and said sorry. Pity about the response you got though. That courtesy shown by you - I would have let you through. Having said this, being the low marker, i would have called you through earlier.

VP

Re: impatient golfers

Hey Nickers!

I would have charmed you enough in the car park to let me through on the first.

Re: impatient golfers

You and me can play in a mixed event any day Neil. You sound quite pleasant to be round. I'd shout you a round at the 19th .

How is that new wood coming along? I've sorted myself out and am actually started to enjoy being out there again. Something has clicked.

I know good scores are around the corner - just have to be patient and be committed. Our Summer is approaching - gonna get some good prac in. My two young boys are starting to get into it as well - this is fantastic. We play games around the chipping and putting area.

Til next time

Nickers