Unpopularity of Slow Play

photo credit: avlxyz   Playing with a slow player is just no fun.  Most slow players don’t even realize they are playing slow and if you mention it to them, they are offended.  The suggestion is not fast play, just don’t lag and ruin the round for everyone else.

There is a certain playing cadence that develops during every round.  The idea is to stay within the momentum of play.  Slow players destroy the tempo of play without even realizing it.

The biggest reason for slow play is not thinking ahead.  Once a shot is taken, concentration on the very next shot should begin.  Once the ball is reached, take one practice swing and unload.  Deep rough, uneven lies or bunker shots, may require several practice swings.  Remember, playing slow does not mean playing better!

Drinking On The Golf Course

There are too many players that drink alcohol while playing golf.  Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a sociable drink now and then but the golf course is not a place for a
photo credit: andrewS5IS.party.  Somehow, some people seem to think that there isn’t any harm in drinking on the golf course, however in reality, it’s an accident waiting to happen and you don’t have to be a purist to know that more accidents happen because of alcohol than otherwise.

Since golf is a game of precision, balance and good judgement, how can drinking not work against your game?  That’s just it, people that drink while playing, aren’t really interested in serious golf and that should be reason enough not to invite them as a member of your foursome.

Don’t Be a “Well Wisher”

photo credit: Digital Sextant What really bugs me is someone who makes a remark before you are ready to hit your golf shot. Remarks like, “come on knock it in,” “you da man,” “Ok it’s up to you big guy,” “you can do it,” “we need this one,” and the grand-daddy of them all “knock it straight down the middle.” Do these comments really help? Not on your life.

Most remarks such as those are well meaning but totally uncalled for. If I wasn’t trying my best (like most playeres are) I wouldn’t be on the golf course in the first place. I don’t need a peanut gallery to cheer me on, in fact, it is terribly distracting. I can’t figure out why players do this, can you?

Golf Cart Mania

photo credit: Shayan (USA) It always grabs me that some players can be so wreckless while driving golf carts. First, there is the liability factor. If driving wrecklessly causes injury to your passenger or a bystander, you can be held liable. If you damage the golf course you can also be held liable.

One of the biggest problems I see is when golf carts are driven on the approach area near the front of the green in spite of the signs to the contrary. Parking the cart too close to the green is also commonplace with lazy golfers.

The 90 degree rule should be mandatory on every golf course and wreckless and abusive cart operators should be asked to leave the course. Better inforcement by course management could eliminate this problem.

Too Many Practice Swings?

How many times have you watched a player stand near their ball and take practice swing after practice swing, wasting your time and uneccessarily prolonging the game? This occurs consitently because many players just don’t understand the purpose of the practice swing.

A practice swing has two purposes: to keep the golfer relaxed and to adjust for terrain. Maintaining a relaxed posture when addressing your shot is essential to a good swing. The practice swing should be used to test the terrain and lay of the land.

Players that take more than one practice swing don’t realize how they incumber their playing partners, they not only slow down play, they create boredom. If you take too many practice swings try just one and you will notice an immediate improvement in your game.

Practice Smart

Bad practice habits contribute to poor play. Your practice sessions should be very methodical. It’s a major mistake to start your practice sessions off with the driver. Since golf is a game of touch you want to begin with short pitches with your wedge to enhance your feel and timing.

PGA Tour Players always start their practice sessions with a wedge then graduate up to a 9, 8, 7, etc. After hitting their irons they will use their fairway woods. Once finished with the woods they will hit several more short and medium pitch shots and then on to the putting green.

By replicating their method you will have a greater sense of feel and touch for all your golf shots. Practice smart and improve your play dramatically.

Lost Clubs

photo credit: danperry.com Golf carts are usually not allowed anywhere near the greens which means it could be a lengthly walk to the green. If your shot is not on the green you take both your putter and wedge for convenience.

When the hole is finished you walk off the green, place your putter in your golf bag and drive off. The next time you need your wedge it’s missing, it was left where you last used it. There is an ultra simple way to prevent this from happening.

Play your wedge shot and then place your wedge somewhere on the green directly between the cup and your cart. Once the hole is completed you will find your club as you walk back to the cart. A simple solution to an old problem!