05/08/2026
Slow Play
We have noticed recently an increase in slow play, the time taken to play a round, and a significant increase in the number of complaints received because of it. Keep up with the group in front.
This is having a significant negative impact on a lot of members enjoyment of the game. An average round should be in the vicinity of 4 hours 20 minutes for a group of 4 players.
Golf in 2026 is to be played as Ready Golf. The basic concept is Play When Ready and when safe to do so. A few simple guidelines will help:
If you are on the tee and ready, just hit - especially the shorter hitters - put your ego aside - most of you are not going to hit the group 250 metres up the fairway,
Walk straight to your ball and prepare for your shot - DO NOT wait in a group around each others balls like 7 year old soccer players following the ball around,
Putt out short putts instead of marking - this isn't the pro tour and it won't make any difference to your putt, Mark your card while other players are teeing off - not while you are at or on the green.
You will have noticed a timer is now on the Simplegolf app. The data will be used over the coming months to identify slow play and where bottlenecks are occurring. Manual score cards are also timed based on tee time and card entry with a realistic adjustment.
We will be formulating a policy on slow play and a process on how we monitor and deal with offender(s) - so watch this space.
Slow play is not fair on the majority of the field.
- Golf Committee
