P
ace of play has long been
an issue for many golf
courses. We work hard at
Classic Club to keep the pace at 4
hours and 20 minutes and I be-
lieve the USGA-proposed rule
changes will help improve pace
for all golf facilities.
Here's a look at a few of the
possible changes and how they
could impact play:
proposed change: players will
be able to leave the flagstick in
the hole when putting on the
green.
I believe this change is good
for the game because it can slow
down pace when the player who
is out and is putting first has to
wait for their playing partner
who might be getting out of the
cart or walking up to the green to
either tend or pull the flagstick.
Leaving the flagstick in the hole
can also be used as a backboard
and stop those aggressive putts
from going 10 to 15 feet past the
hole, adding more strokes and
more time to pace of play.
proposed change: players will
be able to repair spike marks and
other damage on the greens.
I personally like this change
because it can be frustrating
when you roll a good putt and it
hits a spike mark taking the ball
off line and missing the hole.
proposed change: players will
be able to drop a ball from any
distance above the ground.
I believe this rule change will
help prevent players from break-
ing the rules as I've seen golfers
take illegal drops because they
didn't know how to make a
proper drop. It will also give the
player an opportunity to get a
good lie giving them a better
chance at advancing the ball and
keeping up with pace of play.
proposed change: relaxed
rules in penalty areas that allow
players to ground club and move
loose impediments. This change
is good and will benefit many
golfers because it will allow play-
ers to move loose impediments,
touch the ground with their hand
or club, or ground their club in a
penalty area. This will give them
a better idea of what type of shot
to play instead of taking several
hacks at the ball trying to get the
ball out and slowing down pace
of play.
Overall, the rules of golf can
be harsh and slow down pace
of play. Working at a public
golf course, I believe the USGA-
proposed rule changes will help
improve pace of play and make
the game more enjoyable.
pIcKIng up ThE pAcE
Proposed rules changes that can help speed up play on the course
BY JAsOn
sMITh
PGA Teaching
Professional
lEssOn TEE
BOOK
A
TEE
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