DavidGordonsFoot {l Wrote}:It is stuff like this that makes me hesitate to learn the game. I don't want to piss anyone off, but how am I supposed to learn if I have to rush through each shot? Is the last tee time of the day a coveted tee time and difficult to reserve?
I know there are driving ranges for a reason, but they get boring. Part of the appeal of golf is the scenery, the smell of the grass, the birds chirping... stuff you don't get at the range.
Things you should know:
1. Definitely begin on a range. Repetition is how you become comfortable taking shots with various clubs and get a better understanding of your game. This is important. That said, everybody obviously wants to get on the course and thats totally understandable...pretty much everybody starts out shooting in the 100's.
2. There are definitely better times to play than others. For instance, if you want to take your time the days to go (if its a public course) are Monday - Thursday. Friday - Sunday courses are usually booked. It's hard to say the best time of the day to play as it's dependent on the location. If you're located in Boston / BC area I could be more helpful.
3. In regards to last tee time - usually it's before 5 pm. Then twilight golf starts. Twilight golf is cheaper and its pretty much play as much as you can till the sun goes down. So no, more often than not people (like myself) looking to save a few bucks are waiting till the stroke of 5 then try to get on the course to play as much as possible.
4. Once you get on the course, you will know what we mean by rush / play slow.
A standard hole for a player would be: Get to tee box, see what it is / wind and pick the club. Once you have picked the club a practice swing or two softer swings then address the ball and hit it it. Walk (by no means run or even walk at a forced pace) or drive up. Figure out how far you are, what club you want to hit, practice swing address and hit...do so till you get to the green. Once on the green take time to figure out line and slope of green, putt out, and walk off the green.
A slow player (ones were complaining about) will when players are behind them: Get to tee box, see what it is / wind and pick the club. Have 2 minute conversation with husband about what to have for dinner. Take 3 practice swings. Decide to switch clubs. Take 3 more practice swings. Address and hit ball. Walk up to ball do same thing. Until reach green. On green putt, then complain about bad putt was and put the ball down to practice same putt. Slowly walk off green. Also won't let players play through.
In situation A: You could take 10 shots and it would be faster than situation B when that individual takes 5 shots.