Slow play detracts seriously from the enjoyment of golf. When groups fall behind, the course backs up; tee offs are delayed; golfers become impatient; and rounds can take up to five hours to play. Letting groups through adds to the problem of slow play. The group that goes through benefits but there is additional delay while that happens and the remaining groups are still held up. The solution to slow play is for groups to KEEP PACE with the players ahead. Then, there are few delays and all the golfers benefit.

A round of golf should take no longer than four hours and 15 minutes to play. You may feel that this pace is too fast but, remember, slow play is not caused by long roughs, tricky greens or bad shots. Rather, slow play is the result of bad habits and bad habits can be corrected by following timesaver hints.

ALWAYS BE READY TO HIT

• Proceed directly to your ball.
• Plan your shot and select your club while approaching your ball.
• Take one practice swing and get set while others are hitting.
• Carry a spare ball in your pocket. When in doubt about a stray ball, play a provisional.

• Never record your scores on or near the green.
• Don't leave your cart or bag in front of the green. Leave it off to the side towards the next tee.
• Set your extra clubs down between the pin and your golf bag.
• Give instructions only on the driving range.
• When a ball is lost for two minutes wave following group through.
• Drop off cart passenger, then go to your ball.

• The first player ready to hit should do so.
• Let shorter hitter play first.
• Watch other players drive so you can help determine location of ball, if necessary.
• After hitting, return to your clubs and be ready to proceed.

• Park your cart and clubs to the rear of the green, in line with the next tee.
• Line up your putt before your turn.
• Putt continuously until you hole out, unless restricted by another golfer's line.

• Take a maximum of eight strokes on any fairway.
• If you are a lower handicapper, pick up after a triple bogey.