OK, we all want to do our best in this most infuriating game but the game is meant to be enjoyable. Slow play is causing more grief than any other issue in both amateur and professional golf.

G.A.S.P. (golfers against slow play) is a new organisation formed to address this problem ! Actually we made that up !... but wouldn't it be a good idea. Perhaps we could get discounted rates for players who get round 18 holes in under 4 hours.

Yes that's right under 4 hours and herein lies the problem. We feel that we need to move the goalposts. Most courses allow 4 hours and thirty minutes for 18 holes. This is basically 15 minutes a hole and it seems that is a nominal figure that someone has settled on somewhere down the line and everyone has followed suit.

The fact is that every course is different , indeed every
hole is different, so clubs should take a look at their standard timings and adjust them accordingly.

Avoid slow play with these tips........

Play ready golf – If you are ready to play take your shot, don't wait for your playing partners, providing you are not in anyones way it helps to keep play moving along.

Be ready to play – While waiting your turn, use the time to work out your yardage and decide what club you need, don't wait until it is your turn.

Practice, practice, practice, practice, yawn !! – excessive practice swings and freezing at address kill more time on a golf course than almost anything else and rarely do they benefit the player. Go to the practice range and develop a quicker pre shot routine. Your game will benefit and you are less likely to get a sand iron wrapped round your neck!

The slow walk home – sure golf is a leisure persuit but some people take it to extremes. Try walking at normal speed instead of in slow motion when walking to and from the green !

I'll take a mulligan – Oh, we do wish you wouldn't. we would all like to correct our mistakes but it is not good etiquette when you have people behind waiting.

I'll mark – Oh, for goodness sake I'll give you the damn putt, it's only a foot long you don't need to putt out, pick it up and move on.

Gone fishing! – Please don't spend ages looking for balls in the water, put your ball retriever away and get on with your round.

Clear the green – Don't spend ages marking your scorecard by the green, wait until you have reached the next tee and mark your card while you are waiting to play.

Finally – nobody is asking you to race round and not pay attention to your golf but follow the guidelines above and you will have plenty of time to play your game and still get round in under 4 hours even in a fourball.

WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK PLEASE SEE BELOW.