The R & A have issued guidelines in the "Rules of Golf" to combat Slow Play. Extracts from these rules are detailed below.
The Basics
- Keep up with the group in front
- If you lose a hole, call the group behind you through
- Be ready to play your shot when it is your turn
- Leave the green promptly
How players can help to minimise round times:
- Be aware of your position with regard to the group in front
- Do not concern yourself with the group behind: the fact that you are not holding them up is irrelevant as it is your group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front
- If you feel that your group is falling behind, advise the other players in your group
- If your group is behind, try to catch up quickly
- If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, or if there is not a group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind, invite the group behind to play through
- Do not wait until it is your turn to play before putting your glove on
- Do not wait until it is your turn to play before calculating your yardage and selecting your club
- Look at your own line of putt while the other plays in the group look at theirs (within the bounds of normal etiquette)
- At the green, position your bags so as to allow quick movement off the green to the next tee
- Move off the green as soon as all players in your group have holed out
- Mark score cards at or on the way to the next tee. If you have the honour, consider marking you score card after you have teed off
- Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost outside a hazard or out of bounds
- If you keep up with the group in front, you cannot be accused of slow play
Time a game should take around Durham City
Rounds should take no longer than the following:
Two Balls 3hrs 10mins
Three Balls 3hrs 40mins
Four Balls 4hrs 00mins