The story you’re about to read is true. The names have been omitted to protect the guilty.
A private American club has been overhauled dramatically. From clubhouse, practice facilities, new short and putting courses to the main course, the club has been upgraded and enhanced from top to bottom.
One thing of particular interest to the club’s owner is pace of play. To be more specific, his own preferred pace of play. He plays fast, with a golf cart that goes as fast as he likes it. Sometimes, the club’s pro will be sent out to prod groups he’s likely to catch up to.
Words were exchanged. Fits were hissied. Fines were levied.
When one foursome did not get out of his way fast enough (there was a brief 30-second wait for the green to clear on 17), it got a little messy. Words were exchanged. Fits were hissied. Fines were levied. The members found an additional $250 debited from their accounts to cover the offending infraction. They call themselves “Club 250” now.
Slow play is certainly a plague on the game. And while arbitrary and imperious standards on behalf of one impatient man aren’t the answer, perhaps fining offenders might have an impact in real life more than it does on tour. Money can be a motivator. Perhaps deposited portions of green fees can be refundable if groups finish in under a certain time threshold.
At the club in question, cutting the rough to a more reasonable length so that every single excursion even a few feet off the fairways didn’t turn into a search party would make play move along more quickly. Just a thought.
It’s a better answer than docking members for a momentary inconvenience.
Scott Michaux
E-MAIL SCOTT
Top: Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd, getty images