Opinion & Analysis
USGA launches “While We’re Young” campaign to combat slow play
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The USGA has recently launched a campaign aimed to help grow the game of golf by improving pace of play on the golf course. The campaign is called “While We’re Young” after the famous line from Rodney Dangerfield’s character in Caddyshack. While the title may be light-hearted, the message is clear: pick up the pace.
The campaign will air a series of public service announcements during this week’s U.S. Open that feature Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Clint Eastwood, Paula Creamer, Annika Sorenstam and Butch Harmon (watch Tiger’s in the video at the top of the page).
“Pace of play is a big issue,” Woods said in a statement. “Rounds of golf take too long and no one enjoys it. ‘While we’re young’ is part of the golfing vocabulary, and Caddyshack is iconic in our sport. This campaign is lighthearted, but it also shows that we need to pick up the pace of play.”
According to the USGA, 91 percent of serious golfers are bothered by slow paces of play and say it detracts from their golf experience.
There is no reason that a foursome that walks 18 holes should not be able to get around the course in less than four hours and ten minutes. I work at a club as a Club Professional, and we have a very strict pace of play in which each hole must be completed after a certain amount of time after the group’s starting time. Our members routinely get around the course in under four hours, which greatly increases their enjoyment of their day at the course.
The next time you play, please help everyone on the course enjoy their day by following a few of these easy guidelines for speeding up pace:
- Play READY golf; be ready to play when it is your turn.
- Read your putt while others are putting.
- Walk ahead as far as is safe. DO NOT move as a group from shot to shot.
- Play the set of tees that are appropriate for you, no matter what tees everyone else is playing.
- Limit your time at the turn to five minutes.
- Do all scorekeeping on the teeing ground of the next hole, NOT on the green of the current hole.
- If you are the first or second person to finish the hole, put your clubs away and be ready to go to the next hole, let the third person to finish put the flagstick back in.
- Set your clubs (or park your cart) between the flagstick and the next tee box to minimize time between holes.
- Golf is a social game, but limit socializing to times when it is appropriate such as the putting green and teeing ground (when the group is closer together), but do so in a manner so as to not slow down the progress of the group.
- Be an athlete, walk fast.
- When on carts, be willing to take many clubs and walk to your ball if your riding partner is not near you, do not wait for the partner to bring the cart to you.
- Remember that USGA handicapping allows you to pick up your ball if you are having a bad hole. You should never putt for more than an eight.
- Help the others in your group, watch everyone’s shots and track them so they can quickly find them.
- Remember that your place on the golf course is directly behind the group in front of you, NOT in front of the group behind you!
Have other ideas? Please feel free to add to the list in the Comments section at the bottom of the page.
We are constantly losing golfers simply because pace of play takes away from their enjoyment of the game. Please visit http://www.usga.org/MicroSite.aspx?id=21474856307 for more information about the initiative and take the pledge today to become a USGA pace of play ambassador. The golf world will thank you!
Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
Opinion & Analysis
AVL: We’re talking about practice! My best tips for taking your game to the course
With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game.
Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills.
While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.
Drills
From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice.
This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.
My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times.
Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.
This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.
Game Mode
Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy.
One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length. Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine.
It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.
Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.
This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.
Competition
Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season.
Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.
When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds.
Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time. With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game. Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills. While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.
Drills
From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice. This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.
My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times. Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.
This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.
Game Mode
Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy. One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length.
Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine. It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.
Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.
This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.
Competition
Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season. Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.
When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds. Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time.
For Korean golfers, we always look forward to the last of the kkot-saem-chu-I for the true start of a new golf season. The term refers to a cold snap, but literally translates as “winter being jealous of the flowers beginning to bloom, thus lashing out one final time before surrendering to spring”.
A rather poetic mouthful packed into a short expression.
Koreans can be like that. Understated, yet oddly expressive at the same time. And nowhere is this more true on the golf course and in our golf bags. In fact, I suspect many Korean golfers look forward to new apparel and accessory drops more than they do actual equipment launches each year.
At this point, Korean golf fashion may exist on its own timeline. (courtesy of @seonbi_golfer)
There is ample evidence to support that suspicion. Korea is the world’s third-largest golf market behind the United States and Japan, yet its appetite for golf apparel exceeds that of both countries combined. Recent estimates suggest that Korea accounts for nearly 40 percent of the global golf apparel market, placing it among the world’s most influential golf fashion markets and punching well above its size.
Simply, we care deeply about how new golf clubs look and feel, but enjoy looking good while swinging them even more.
Golfers in the West may laugh and say that golf is played on a course, not a fashion runway. Perhaps. But what’s the harm in trying to look and feel good, if the added self-confidence can help actual performance? It certainly seems to have worked for Jason Day, who may have unlocked a new stats category: dormant strokes gained. Coincidence?
During the COVID-era, estimates placed the market near $9 billion, an astonishing figure for a single country.
As a proud member of Gen X, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of golf fashion firsthand. The pleated trousers and wing-tipped shoes of Jack Nicklaus, the stylish plus-fours and knickers of Payne Stewart, the baggy black trousers and fitted mock-necks of Tiger Woods, and the thigh-hugging athletic tailoring of Rory McIlroy. Golf fashion, like the golf swing itself, has rarely stood still.
But nowhere have those trends shifted, evolved, and been scrutinized quite as relentlessly as in Korea. Here, golf fashion moves faster than fairway gossip, and consumers dissect brands with a level of discernment that can be both impressive and mildly terrifying. New brands are studied, judged, embraced, or dismissed with startling efficiency.
The result is a consumer base with one of the sharpest eyes for quality and authenticity anywhere in the world. It is difficult to quantify, but easy to recognize. Clean lines without trying too hard. Luxury mixed with utility. Trend awareness balanced by restraint and purpose.
It’s golf fashion shaped by one of the world’s most style-literate cities, something I like to call Seoul Sensibilities, referring to the taste level forged by a uniquely competitive environment.
And increasingly, global brands have noticed.
Many golf brands in Korea have their own flagship shops dedicated to apparel only
Titleist understood this years ago, when its apparel business in Korea took on a life of its own under new ownership and local direction. What had once been a straightforward extension of an iconic equipment giant became something sharper and more premium. By going all in on the serious Tour-player look (I couldn’t even fit into their XL sizes), Titleist struck the right chord with Korean consumers and helped its fledgling apparel business break into the mainstream. Titleist became a household name even for non-golfers who wore its caps, shirts, and windbreakers in daily life. In many ways, it proved that even heritage golf brands could carry real fashion credibility when viewed through a Korean lens.
Several years later, PXG took a page out of Titleist’s playbook and followed suit. Korean consumers helped transform the brand from one known largely for irons and loud commercials into something broader and more stylish. PXG apparel’s growth in Korea was explosive, where it found an early audience and turned the category into something more than mere logo merchandise. It is still hard to walk anywhere in Seoul without seeing its palindrome logo.
Malbon’s meteoric rise in the United States was genuine, but its ascent into a global golf lifestyle brand owes much to Korea, where it was elevated by a market already fluent in modern golf style. Korea did not simply embrace Malbon. It pressure-tested the concept, refined its appeal, and helped push it into the global spotlight.
As such, new brands may arrive from abroad, but more often than not, their sharpest evolution happens here. If a brand can earn credibility in Seoul, it’s deemed to have passed one of the toughest style audits in the game.
That is why the next meaningful chapter may not come from outside, but from a Korean brand moving in the opposite direction, carrying those Seoul Sensibilities outward as K-pop once did.
Play young Stay dope.
From Seoul, With Intent
Khalhon is a label that feels less like a trend-chasing newcomer and more like the product of a market that has already seen everything. Golfers here have long been surrounded by luxury logos, technical fabrics, and tour uniforms disguised as lifestyle wear and vice-versa. In other words, novelty alone rarely lasts here, and the Koreans seems to understand that instinctively.
Its style language leans into clean silhouettes, relaxed but tailored proportions, muted palettes, and premium materials that speak quietly but confidently. There is a modern city aesthetic running through it all, with strong layering pieces, thoughtful textures, and subtle branding that suggests sophistication rather than demanding attention.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
Most importantly, the garments seem designed to blur the line between golfwear and everyday style. Shirts, trousers, knitwear, and outer layers move comfortably between a game of screen golf, a lunch reservation, an airport gate, or an afternoon coffee in Gangnam with friends.
It raises the question of whether this is golfwear that happens to look good off the course, or everyday clothing that performs beautifully on the fairways.
Personally, I have long appreciated Nike Golf for its clean, athletic modernization of golf attire. It also has the useful side effect of making me look like a more serious golfer than I probably am. But off the course, there are times when being instantly identified as the golf guy in a crowd of non-golfers can feel a touch self-conscious.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
That is part of what drew me to Khalhon, which seemed to blend golf and everyday wear naturally. While some of the outfits may be slightly beyond my personal confidence level, the brand also offers tasteful options for older guys like me who still want to express a little personality without regretting the decision later.
These are not simply flashy outfits worn on the course and then banished to the closet until the next tee time. They work surprisingly well off the course too, and I suspect many of the pieces will still look right a couple of years from now, which would certainly be kinder to my wallet than most golf fashion trends tend to be.
And perhaps that broader lifestyle positioning also helps explain why someone like Sean Wotherspoon would find Khalhon creatively interesting in the first place.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
“Korea is not only one of the most fashion-forward golf markets in the world, but one of the most fashion-forward markets globally. Korea is ahead, and I love to watch and try to catch up.” – Sean Wotherspoon, Creative Director at Khalhon
Seoul and Beyond
If Khalhon’s rise says something about where Korean golf fashion is today, its relationship with Sean Wotherspoon says even more about where it is heading.
For readers less familiar with Sean Wotherspoon, his arrival at Khalhon is not some routine celebrity endorsement or influencer collaboration. In design and streetwear circles, Wotherspoon is regarded as one of the more influential creative voices of his generation, particularly when it comes to blending nostalgia, storytelling, and contemporary culture into products that people can connect with.
He first gained widespread attention through his now-famous Nike sneaker collaborations, where his vintage-inspired designs and instinct for color helped turn him into one of the defining artists of the late-2010s sneaker era. His work gradually expanded beyond footwear into apparel, automotive collaborations, collectibles, and broader lifestyle design.
Modern golf style now extends well beyond the fairways, where performance and functionality are largely expected by default. And while plenty of brands already make technically competent golfwear, Khalhon seems more focused on designing clothes people would genuinely want to wear even after the round ends.
And when guys at Wotherspoon’s level show genuine interest in working with a Korean golf brand as its new Creative Director, fashion circles tend to sit up and pay attention. There’s already a huge buzz among the fashion-conscious here about upcoming collabs with iconic sports stars and brands.
“My creative direction for Khalhon is disruptive, colorful, nostalgic, and modern. My goal is to blend these avenues seamlessly within each collection.” – Sean Wotherspoon
In chatting with Sean, what stood out most to me was how genuinely energized he sounded about the project itself. Despite having already worked across and countless other creative spaces, he described golf as a completely fresh category for him, saying that Khalhon “will be an amazing vehicle for my design work.”
At the same time, his enthusiasm seemed tied just as much to Korea itself. He spoke openly about admiring Korea’s fashion culture while repeatedly insisting he is still a terrible golfer.
There was something oddly refreshing about that humility. Rather than sounding like a celebrity parachuting into golf simply because the category suddenly became fashionable, Sean sounded genuinely curious about what Korea might do with the category next.
And perhaps that is what makes Khalhon feel interesting right now. The brand feels less like a trend-chaser and more like the natural result of a market now confident enough to export its own point of view.
For years, global brands came to Korea to sharpen their image against one of the most discerning audiences anywhere. Now, a Korean label appears ready to send those Seoul Sensibilities outward instead.
Which brings us back to kkot-saem-chu-i.
That final cold snap before spring always arrives with a reminder that seasons are changing, whether we notice it immediately or not. Golf fashion feels a little like that right now as well, as the old boundaries between sport, streetwear, luxury, and everyday style continue to soften.
And somewhere in Seoul, a Korean golf label already seems prepared for whatever season comes next. I just hope they have everything in my size.
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chuck
Jul 14, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Play the regular white tees not the tips.
i play with a guy who out drives me by 50 yards off every tee, but my handicap is 10 strokes lower than his. should i play off shorter tees?
No Way
Xander Walsh
Jul 8, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Clint’s PSA should involve a .44 magnum and the infamous phase “Do you feel lucky? Well do ya punk?”
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:20 pm
the best example is the tour players and until the rules apply to them there will be marginal changes if any…
i understand the campaign and think it is well intentioned.
that said, if you want to grow the game then it needs to be more friendly to the fringe players. this campaign isnt aimed at making the experiance better for the fringe players, its aimed at making the experiance better for the better player. until courses stop putting groups out on top of each other this is nothing more than a well intentioned band aid. i am a good player who enjoys the game but i play with people from time to time who are not good players and the experiance is quite intimidating. many times they are picking up their ball when they have played decent shots simply because there are people waiting on them because the tee times are piled on top of each other. oddly enough these friends of mine dont enjoy the game or the experiance and feel like their money is being taken away from them without the opportunity to do what they have spent their hard earned money to do…hit the ball and enjoy their round.
chastise me if you will, i dont care…my friends will be welcomed when they play with me to play their ball and have fun and when people catch us we let them play through.
again i understand the frustrations of slow play as much as the next guy but lets hold the courses accountable for their role in this problem.
Brad
Jun 21, 2013 at 6:58 pm
Baaaaaa! Goes another sheep….if my slow play throws off your “rythm” maybe YOU should play a different sport. Golf is going to be slow until people realize that speed is not the answer. Chill the F#@~ out is the answer. Take your time. Golf is not about slamming tee times every ten minutes. Golf is supposed be a leisure game, not an olympic event. Stay of your meds and relax…enjoy your 60$ walk through the beautiful scenery that grew and exists for free.
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:20 pm
+1
MTRyaninTX
Jun 18, 2013 at 10:57 am
Okay… Those greedy corporate monsters that just rake in the cash by owning golf courses, could you point them out to me? How much do you pay to water your lawn? Do you mow your 200 acres every day? What does that cost you? How many golf carts are you replacing a year? Spare me.
This is a great campaign. I think everyone who plays is conscientious of a few things 1. Cost – golf is too expensive, but it’s what the market bears, you want to play less, go play south city goat track and don’t complain about the greens and pace. 2. Overall enjoyment, if you get enjoyment over dragging your round out or taking all of your allotted time while people are staring at you from the tee, fairway, etc. you are in the wrong game. I know that if I’m slowed down and have to wait on someone then have someone wait on me my rhythm is shot and I’m useless.
You’re “stick it to the man” idea of slowing down to punish profit only punishes every other person on the course.
Last point – the fastest way to watch your quality of course go down and price go up is to start screwing with profit.
yo!
Jun 18, 2013 at 3:23 am
a three-some at the us open takes 5+ hours to finish a round, and the usga wants amateurs to play fast
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:23 pm
+1
Golfergal
Jun 17, 2013 at 12:23 pm
How about banning fivesomes on the weekends? Very few public courses or private clubs in some parts of the country ban the “good ole boy” groups of five who have always played together and are now in their 80’s or who are playing for money and take forever on the greens.
sasojo
Jun 17, 2013 at 9:49 am
Asians are the slowest lol.
yo!
Jun 18, 2013 at 3:24 am
and they can’t drive …
Gary Forcey
Jun 17, 2013 at 9:38 am
Improper use of golf carts is also a problem. On the way to your ball, select more than one club if you’re unsure of what to hit and then start walking or driving toward the hole and/or your cart partner immediately after hitting. This is particularly important when conditions dictate “cart path only” restrictions. Whenever possible, park the cart between the pin and the next tee – never in front of the green so you can move quickly to the next hole and never stop to mark scores. That can wait until the tee.
Hunterdog
Jun 16, 2013 at 6:13 pm
I belong to a semi-private facility foe pace of play on the weekends. Weekday golf is essentially non-existent; hardly anyone on the private or public courses. We have a terrific public course, it hosts a Senior PGA event, and gets a lot of weekend play and is very good condition. The fairways are tree lined and the rough is deep and thick. Alot of time is spent searching for balls a couple of yards off the fairway. A lower rough cut would save 20 minutes a round. Help us out supers!
Marylou
Jun 16, 2013 at 1:39 pm
You must be kidding! This campaign is created under the guise of helping golfers not get frustrated. That’s what the “playing through” courtesy was created for. Am I the only person who sees that it is blatantly obvious that it’s a way to shove as many golfers as possible through the course so golf course owners can make more of a profit? C’mon! Now I’m determined to play EXTRA slow!
SanDiegoSteve
Jun 16, 2013 at 2:35 pm
I couldn’t agree more Marylou! I am going to slow it down. Fair warning, pull that “While we’re young” crap with me and you will regret it!
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:25 pm
+1…lol
Slimbeezee
Jun 16, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Absolutely agreed Marylou…the usga also launched this crap nationally while there whining cause they “lost” $10 million at the us open. There are already rules in place for slow play…just enforce them. Don’t need an ad campaign for that.
IsItWinterYet
Jun 16, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Pace of play is certainly a polarizing topic. Like the America we currently live in; no one is ever happy with anything and its always someone’s else’s fault. People feel that they are being screwed out of their hard-earned dimes; the golf course, the Marshall, the lack of Marshall, the rough, too fast, too slow, the pros on TV. If you hate golf so much, might I suggest a different way to recreate. If you think golf is overpriced, play courses you can afford. “Green fees at XYZ Club are too expensive.” Incorrect, they are too expensive for you. I can get a steak at Morton’s or a steak at Applebee’s; both are steaks but very different. Any of you know how much it costs to simply operate a golf course..?
Back to pace, playing through implies that once you play through a group that you will then be able to play at a reasonable pace. What if a course is busy, oh wait, you all hate that too; playing through does zero good. It’s amazing how many “golfers” feel that they are knowledgeable of the inner workings of golf course setup and administration. The course I play at has 10-minute intervals, 1 open/unused tee time every 2 hours and player assistants managing pace and ensuring everyone is enjoying themselves. All balls they find are product of the club and recycled to golfers by player assistants on the course, hopefully eliminating the search time. To say courses are jamming players in is a blanket statement at best. Perhaps you should ask your local club professional before forming an opinion of club policy. You seem to be blind that golf IS a business. What business do you know that is interested in losing money? “Every time I go to the Starbucks, the line is sooo long. Damn, they’re just trying to squeeze/hurry us through to make more profit.”
Play the correct tees, keep pace with the group in front of you and try to have some fun and a little perspective, after all its just golf.
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:37 pm
i think it is interesting that the perspective from the people who work at a course seems to be is that this is a problem they play no role in.
if all you want is rich people that are good at golf and willing to spend money then best of luck to you.
the reality is that the industry doesnt grow and people are always looking for ways to grow the game. looking for more ways to press the buying public will not work.
show respect to the players around and be humble, if youre slow let people play through and be nice about it.
if you hit a terrible shot and cant find the ball within a minute take your medicine.
beyond that…you paid to play and enjoy the round 🙂
Bob
Jun 16, 2013 at 11:45 am
I agree with this campaign because unessesary slow play is a big problem. People do need to be taught more about golf ediquite. When you’re in a bowling league and it’s your turn do you stop to closely examine every board on the lane, or do you go back to the rack and search for a different bowling ball, do you sit there and finish your hamburger and beer or finish your conversation with your friend, do you take fifteen practice swings first before letting the ball fly? No, of course you don’t! So why do it while golfing? The game is not meant to be played like that. I love the game of golf, its history, its stories and its stars but I hate to say it but alot of this slow play comes from the average player trying to emulate the pros. We see them throwing grass in the air to gauge the wind, having lenghty discussions with their caddies about the shot, changing their minds on what club to use, taking several practice swings, backing off a shot if it doesn’t feel right, circling a putt and looking at it from every possible angle, etc. etc. etc. As much as I hate to say it too many pros are setting a poor example with their slow play. Let’s start at the top in eliminating this problem. Let the pros set a better example!
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:39 pm
well said…
Schmeggy McGee
Jun 15, 2013 at 3:03 pm
This campaign is terrible. Yes, slow players can be a problem, but slow pace is an inevitable part of public golf. If you have something better to do than being on the golf course, go do that instead. Hackers love to blame their poor scores on outside influences and should practice taking ownership of their 100+ scores. If someone tells me “while we’re young”, I’ll tell them where to shove their club.
Stephen McCloud
Jun 15, 2013 at 2:11 am
I think there are several sides here: 1- guys who know they take too long and 2- guys who are playing fast enough but feel rushed and 3- guys who don’t know they are slow. I don’t think Brad is necessarily the problem. He said he is conscientious but doesn’t like to feel rushed. This ad might be intended for people that play with the #3 people. We all know them and they aren’t even somewhat conscientious like Brad. We need to help the #3 guys see what damage they are causing because although I am defending Brad, he needs to realize that there are also a lot of players that are strapped for cash that DO want to play at a reasonable pace. Sometimes because they dont have a ton of freetime and need to get back to work. Not everyone that is short on funds wants to play a five hour round to get the “most” out of their round. They get their monies worth out of a four hour round.
Brad
Jun 15, 2013 at 12:30 am
Yes I do. What your failing to understand is that what I’m saying is not that I will, purposely, slow play down. My point is that the problem with the decline of interest in golf has nothing to with slow play. I would completely understand if someone spending there hard earned money(and a lot of it)savored the moment a few extra minutes. That’s precisely why I play mid week and have no issues with slow play ever. I think wasting advertising money on an ad campaign about an issue that already has it own set of rules. The time alotted for the pace of play is fair and there are penalties already in place for slow play. So why waste time on something that already is, by the rules, fair. Just enforce…done. Still have a decline in golf now what do you do? Get a clue…
Brad
Jun 14, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Thanks for the comments….shows who the sheep and who the leaders are. I would never listen to a bunch of greedy, corporate monsters just cause they “say” slow play is a problem for golf. The number one reason that I have heard from the hundreds of golfers I come in contact with is that price of golf is a problem. The majority of americans can barely afford food. I would imagine those hundreds of thousands of people would love to just be on a golf course playing no matter how long it took to play. Only the up tight’ “I wish I was an elitist” complainers are the ones you find thinking slow play is why golf is in decline. Get a clue…
Nigel
Jun 14, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Sheep and leaders? I take it you feel you are one of the leaders? Find a lot of golf balls being hit at you? Maybe, just maybe, we call it what it really is… you’re inconsiderate of anybody else. If you want a walk in the park, go for a walk in the park. If you want to play a round of golf, keep up the pace and allow others to enjoy their day as well.
Ps. I’m sure golf is the last thing someone who can’t afford to eat is thinking about. I think you need to get a clue. Now troll along somewhere else.
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:45 pm
i am someone who likes to play quickly but play with people on occasion who arent very good. they do the best they can and we let people play through. there is never a reason to hit into a group, that is the mentality of a bully.
Ray
Jun 14, 2013 at 10:08 pm
This is a great campaign. How hard is it to bring a couple of clubs from the cart instead of going back and forth because you picked the wrong one? If people bothered to care about the people in the foursome behind them my next round would be a lot more fun.
Greg
Jun 14, 2013 at 8:40 pm
“Ready golf” is play when you are ready – ie don’t be pedantic about whose turn it is. This is especially on the tee, where the longest driver may have the honour and waits for the group in front to be 300 yards away, meanwhile his three shorter-hitting partners could have all hit while he was waiting.
It’s a great way to get almost a hole behind before you’ve teed off the first.
Paul
Jun 16, 2013 at 10:03 am
I’ve seen the waiting on the tee for this reason many times!!!!!
Nigel
Jun 14, 2013 at 8:07 pm
One thing to remember is Brad is the problem. He also, in his complete selfishness, causes a whole lot of undue anger and frustration on the course as it backs up behind him.
Crazy Canuck
Jun 14, 2013 at 8:38 pm
I find I play my best golf when there is a good pace. Nothing kills my game more than having to wait to hit on every shot.
ski_co
Jul 3, 2013 at 12:28 pm
The thing to remember – you are at the course to play golf, not sightsee, hit on the beverage cart girl, and have conversations about the weather with your golfing buds. One practice swing, hit the ball, move on.
kevin
Jun 14, 2013 at 7:53 pm
I agree with Roger. Brad is a terrible golfer and should be banned from all courses.
Brad
Jun 14, 2013 at 5:50 pm
One thing to remember is we are paying $50-80 for one round of golf. I take my time on a golf course because the last thing I’m going to do is over pay for a round and then let them hustle me through so they can stuff as many golfers(all of which are over paying) on the golf course. All the while they blame me the “slow player” and completely ignore the real problem, If I’m going to over pay I am going to get my money’s worth. Sorry but I’ll let ya play through.
Rex
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Golfers with that attitude are not welcome at any golf course in the world.
naflack
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:49 pm
if my group is slow we will let you play through and be resectful about it, beyond that we have paid to be here. im with brad…
Geoff
Jun 14, 2013 at 12:32 pm
I often wonder why golf courses don’t provide an incentive to play faster.
For instance, why don’t golf courses charge a regular greens fee and give money back to players who finish in less than 4 hours. For instance, if greens fees are $50 then a golf course should give back $10 to each group completed in less than 4 hours. I would think the pace of play would increase dramatically. If you want to motivate someone to do something, give them a little cash incentive.
One drawback is that players stuck behind a slow group would be penalized for waiting. That said, I guarantee that no matter the outcome, slow play would be talked about a lot more than it is now. And slow players would get a little kick in their ass to play a faster golf. One possible positive: courses that advocate faster play might see an increase in golfers because of the reputation for fast play.
Slow play prevents me from doing anything other than practicing. I don’t have time to wait around on a golf course. Hopefully someone solves this slow play problem.
bleda2002
Jun 14, 2013 at 12:22 pm
One thing that can go a long way to helping pace of play is with the courses themselves. I’ve played on some courses that thought they were preparing for the US Open with no first cut of rough, instead its 5-7 inch thick primary rough right off the edge of the fairway guaranteed to swallow any ball that even rolls in to it. Nothing wastes time and frustrates like combing a 10 yard space for a ball you know is there but cant find because you’re crawling through a jungle.
Rex
Jun 19, 2013 at 9:35 pm
Always putt out is another time saver….don’t mark your ball after EVERY putt. If you CAN putt out by not standing on anyone else’s line of putt do so to speed up the putting time for the entire group.
BTW…line of putt is not the same as line to the hole….too many people straddle the line to the hole thinking they are doing the right thing…only to be planting their big size 10s right on the line of the putt.
sturg
Jun 14, 2013 at 9:32 am
The biggest reason for slow play is that the majority of weekend players (at public courses) simply aren’t good enough to be playing.
Go to the first tee box of any public course on a Saturday morning — you’ll see a litany of dribblers/OB drives
Paul
Jun 16, 2013 at 10:00 am
I saw/heard that Sweden requires a “playing license” before your’re allowed on a golf course to ensure you know the etiquette of golf and keeping up.
john tobler
Jun 25, 2013 at 4:18 pm
in switzerland, you’ve got to have at least a hcp of 36 to play on a 18 hole course. but believe me. the pace of play still isn’t very fast.