OLD TIMER’S VIEW OF SLOW PLAY
Still trying to learn the rules of engagement for posting articles and blogs for #Front9/Back9. One topic of conversation has been the issue of slow play. Coming from an old-timer, I have a totally different view of “slow play” and how it applies to an enjoyable round of golf. Don’t take this the wrong way, slow play is a major factor in the game for the novice golfer and a real pain in the rear for us avid golfers. Each round of golf brings in different factors that cause slow play. As a foursome, you need to identify your current situation and determine the cause of that day’s slow play.
- Are tee times running behind?
- To make money, is the tee sheet full of singles, and twosomes who get stuffed between foursomes.
- Is the problem your foursome?
- It only takes one ten minute purchase from the beer chick to slow things down.
- When does slow play really make your blood pressure go up?….usually when you game rates “below sucks” for the day.
- Realize that the guy with the flag on his cart is only interested in how many balls he/she can find and where is the shade?
ADVICE FOR YOU YOUNG BUCKS
For all you young bucks, envision not a round of golf, but a day of golf. Many factors will contribute to you being able to get a kitchen pass for a day of golf. You will have to sacrifice early in life. Our round of golf is actually a golf trip lasting from 6-12 hours for 18 holes. The 4-5 hours playing golf just falls into the middle of the day. A good timeline for a course which is an hour drive, with a 10:00 a.m. tee time, looks something like this agenda.
7 am-alarm, make coffee, shower, shave and dress. Don’t wake up your mate. Watch Morning Drive or the European Tour coverage. Double check and organize your golf bag. Feed the dog. Water the tomato plants.
8:15 am-Leave the house, stop at one of the many Mexican food restaurants for two bacon/egg/cheese breakfast tacos and large coffee. Or we meet at Mary’s Tacos, El Rio Mexican Restaurant, or Taco Cabana and enjoy breakfast together and shoot the bull. There could be anywhere from 4-12 golfers. Breakfast tacos are inexpensive, someone will usually pick up the tab. And then there are some who never pick up the tab.
9:15 am-Arrive in the parking lot and try to get your socks and shoes on before 9:30. Make sure your GPS watch has been charged and you locate the necessary satellite. Pay your green fee. Might need to make another visit to the men’s locker room for a quick stop.
9:30 am- On the range
9:45 am-On the Putting Green
10:00 am- Tee time (Hopefully no delays, if there is, no sweat, we have all day)
3:00 pm or before- Round of 18 Ends, might need to wait on other foursomes.
3:00 pm-6:00 pm- 19th Hole, Lunch, Pay Up, and remember every shot you hit or tried to hit. I could of…..shot?? Total time 8-11 hours. If you have dinner plans or an engagement, we understand and you are excused and you will cut 3 hours off your day of golf.
The only “slow play” of the day is when you arrive home. There will be no romance or dinner.
FINAL FACTORS FOR ENJOYING A “DAY OF GOLF”
You will have to be at least 64 years of age, been married for 39 years (hopefully will make it to 40), and your wife is the mother of Ryan Randall Young. We miss you daily and love you. A day of golf will not be the same without you.
Shayna Dickson says
What a blogger you are and I have no doubt Ryan is looking down on us from heaven. Love you all!
Emilia says
I obtain similar results changing to crosshand. Far better control and connection with longer putts, kind of a nightmare along with shorter putts and so i switch back in order to conventional for smaller putts
Brent O'Neill says
Good read Uncle Randy. Miss ya Ryno … I know you had a great view of that Ryder Cup victory.
Iain says
Love your post on Old Timer’s view of social play, so true, I try to spend all day at golf from 7 am to 4 pm, but then I am lucky my wife loves to shop. So its a trade off. Who wants to rush such a wonderful day of golf. Keep these great posts coming.
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