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Is Slow Play Killing Golf?

📌 The Frustration of Slow Golf

You’re on the first tee, excited for a great round.

Then you realize… the group in front is painfully slow.

🚶‍♂️ They take forever to line up putts.

🏌️‍♂️ They stand over the ball for ages before swinging.

By the 7th hole, you’ve lost all patience.

🚨 Is slow play ruining the game, and should golf do more to speed it up?

Let’s break it down.

⛳ Why Slow Play Is a Huge Problem

1️⃣ It’s Driving Players Away From the Game

A slow round kills enjoyment.

• Golf already takes 4+ hours—longer rounds make it worse.

• New players get discouraged when rounds drag on.

🚨 Reality Check: Nobody wants to spend half a day on the course waiting on every hole.

2️⃣ Slow Players Don’t Realize They’re Slow

• They think they’re being careful, not slow.

Taking 6 practice swings, reading putts from every angle—it adds up.

If you’ve never been called out, YOU might be the slow player!

🚨 Key Question: Should courses enforce stricter time limits per shot?

3️⃣ It’s Making Golf Less Appealing for New & Younger Players

Younger generations want fast-paced sports.

Waiting 5+ minutes between shots makes golf feel slow compared to other sports.

• A slow round can make casual golfers quit the game completely.

🚨 Reality Check: Golf can’t grow if new players don’t have the patience for it.

🔥 What’s Actually Causing Slow Play?

1️⃣ Too Many Practice Swings & Pre-Shot Routines

You don’t need 5 practice swings.

• Pros take their time because millions are on the line—you’re playing for fun.

• The best players play quickly—because rhythm is key.

🚨 Fix It: One or two practice swings—then go.

2️⃣ Not Playing Ready Golf

• Golfers waiting for “their turn” instead of hitting when ready.

Too much talking before shots, not enough action.

• You can line up putts while others are playing.

🚨 Fix It: Play when you’re ready, not just in order.

3️⃣ Searching for Lost Balls for Way Too Long

• The rule says 3 minutes MAX to search for a lost ball.

• Some players spend way longer, holding up the course.

• If you think it’s lost, hit a provisional ball.

🚨 Fix It: Stop digging in the bushes—drop a ball and move on.

4️⃣ Taking Forever to Line Up Putts

• If you need multiple angles to read a 4-footer, you’re too slow.

• Pros practice green-reading for hours—most amateurs are just guessing.

• Trust your read, commit, and putt.

🚨 Fix It: Read it, trust it, and putt within 30 seconds.

🔬 How Can Golf Speed Up Play?

Option 1: Enforce Shot Clocks in Casual Rounds

• Give each player 40 seconds per shot—like pro tours do.

• If you take longer, one warning, then a stroke penalty.

🚨 Problem: Hard to enforce unless it’s an official event.

Option 2: Stricter Slow Play Penalties in Tournaments

PGA Tour barely enforces slow play rules.

• Make slow players get real stroke penalties.

• If pros play faster, amateurs will follow.

🚨 Problem: Pros have money on the line—should amateurs be treated the same way?

Option 3: More Courses Encouraging Ready Golf

• Educate players on what actually slows down play.

Marshals enforcing pace of play.

Tee-time spacing adjustments to prevent logjams.

🚨 Problem: Some golfers don’t like being rushed.

📢 What’s Your Take?

Is slow play killing golf, or do we just need more patience?

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The Golf Bandit
The Golf Bandit

Hi, I'm Jan. I'm passionate about golf and have been playing for years. I love testing out new clubs and equipment, and I share my reviews right here on my blog. With access to the latest gear, I provide honest insights on how they perform on the course. I also enjoy sharing tips and tricks to help you improve your game. Thanks for visiting—hope you find something useful!

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