With the course rebounding nicely and winter perfect weather upon us it is exciting to think about how lucky we are to be able to spend so much time outdoors and playing golf upon one of the most picturesque courses on the coast. My continued thanks to the Ground staff and all Volunteers – Ladies and Gents, who do such an outstanding job for all us.
Playing Membership has been on the increase now for 12 months. This in turn puts pressure on Tee Times and getting the field away on time. The Match Committee is aware and working on that side of things so that we can optimise pace of play. This is much easier with a traditionally formatted golf course but at MCGC we have 6 of each par 4’s/5’s/3’s. Hopefully over the next few months we can present a solution to help ease some congestion.
On the players side of golf there are more than a few things we can do to help pace of play for ourselves and our fellow club members. There are not many slow players at the club, but all it takes on a busy day is for one or two groups to get behind and suddenly the field is faced with a 4 and a half hour or more round.
For those that played the last few Saturdays you may have noticed a Course Marshal in the morning and afternoon field. I would remind members to please follow the directions of the Marshal (or match committee member) should you be asked to regain your position in the field or – as a last resort, step aside to let the group following play through.
Without going through an entire list of ideas to improve your pace of play I would like instead to address only one for the moment – “The Lost Ball”. It’s inevitable, it happens to all of us at sometime. You have seen it happen – on hole 4 – one ball goes way left, the other is carved out to the water’s edge in thick rough on the right. Then, the whole group goes in search of the ball on the left, before traipsing to the right in search of ball number two on the right. The next thing you see is 2 groups standing on the Tee box waiting. This is poor form and should be discouraged.
This situation can be managed quite well. Firstly, if you are not one of the lost balls – then proceed to your ball and hit it should the fairway be clear before returning to assist in your partners’ search. Remember that the player with the lost ball only has 3 minutes, before they must proceed under the relevant Rule.
Good etiquette is one thing, but don’t forget about the group behind and your fellow club members behind them and the rest of the field behind them. Manage the situation accordingly.
More ideas to help pace of play will be presented in forthcoming weeks. So please be mindful of your position in the field by looking behind you as well as ahead.
Thanks, and Happy Golfing
Doug Shand
Club Captain