A One - Lane Road

A ONE-LANE ROAD

Greetings Golfers,

I don’t drive much - just mostly to and from home to Deer Run. And I usually take the back roads and miss out on typical daily traffic.

But … once a week, I pick up my granddaughter and drive her to our home. That’s when I get to savor the joys of driving on freeways and merging back and forth. 

No one ever looks. They just blast into it. It’s a pretty easy concept if people would just look up and anticipate. Instead, it’s crazy and dangerous and a power struggle instead of an easy transition.

Then I get on #7 with its stoplights. I’ll look in my mirror and notice that the driver is texting … the light changes … and they don’t move … thus backing up everyone behind them.

None of this is very tricky. Just need some common sense and respect.

Same as pace of play on a golf course. Just need common sense and respect to keep it flowing and enjoyable for everyone. The golf course is a one-lane road. Especially if it’s full. Passing (playing through) doesn’t help. There’s nowhere to go. That’s why everyone needs to be aware.

We believe that playing in 4 hours is like driving 60-65 on the freeway. A nice pace … and reachable for everyone. 

Golf shouldn’t be a racetrack … but it also shouldn’t be a traffic jam.

There will be slow-ups … someone lost a ball, etc … but it should then get back on pace.

Unlike driving a car … golf isn’t just about getting from the 1st tee to the 18th green. Hopefully it’s about enjoying being outside, hitting golf shots, and being with friends and/or family. It’s not a racetrack. I’ve heard guys brag about their fast round … as if that’s the determining factor of enjoyability.

But it shouldn’t be slow and annoying … that becomes a frustrating experience … especially when there’s no legitimate reason for it.

Not everyone knows the basics for keeping it on track. This list was sent to me the other day … I think you’ll like it:

1.) Park at the back of the green, so your group isn’t walking toward the group behind once the hole is finished. 

2.) Drop their cart partner off at their ball, while the other cart golfer goes and finds their ball. You don’t need to co-dependently watch each other’s ever swing. 

3.) If you’re the one who got dropped off, take your shot and then walk toward the cart so you can link up quicker. 

4.) If someone is within 60 yards of the green, drop them off with a wedge and a putter. 

5.) If you’re the only cart in the group, use your cart to help track down other players’ balls. 

I think that list was part of a discussion about slow play. The writer summed it up by saying that it could “save 40 extra minutes wasted for no reason”. 

Yeah … he’s right. Just little thoughtful moves keep the round moving at a nice pace. 

We all have bad days. Most of us understand that. But some players are always slow. Whether it’s from a lack of understanding … or just selfishness … is the big question. Whether on the road or the golf course.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com