Slow Play Busting Tips

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As the course gets busier over summer, there is an increase in bookings and generally more people on the course. At this point, we hope that everyone can keep up with the play. Please see some quick hints and tips to make sure we are all on the correct timings for the course.

1) If in doubt, hit another ball - If there is any doubt that a ball may be out of bounds, in a penalty area or could be hard to find. Hit another ball from the spot that you played the first ball from. If you declare the ball a provisional, this allows you to look for the other ball but without the walk back to the last spot if you can't find it. If you find the ball, you can play it as it lies or take the appropriate relief.

2) Leave bags and Trollies near to next tee - When approaching the green, make sure that your bag is in a position where it is close to the next tee; this saves walking to the other side of the green to retrieve it once you've finished the hole. This allows a quick exit from the green and saves a minute or two for the next group.

3) Timing is everything - There are a few timing matters that can make a difference. One of the most overlooked is tee time. Due to our short first hole, some people hit as soon as the group in front is out of the way. This usually means that groups are teeing off before their tee time. This then usually leads to a bunch up on the 2nd and 3rd Hole. Please keep an eye on your tee time and play when it comes around, not when the group in front have gone.

4) Wave people through - It is completely normal to have a few ball searches in a round. We all hit shots that are sometimes difficult to find or have rule queries which we need to get to the bottom of before playing on. However, if this is the case, and there is a group waiting to play. Please let them play through; this allows for a natural flow to the round and doesn't cause any bunching on the course. It also means less pressure for you, hopefully leading to a more enjoyable round.

I hope that helps to speed the round up for everyone, and please remember that it is ok to ask to be let through, as long as it is polite. Also, if someone does ask you to play through your group, it is not an accusation that you are slow, just simply that the group behind may be playing well or just a little faster. We are all here to enjoy the game, and hopefully the above tips will help.