Sobb: Follow these rules to prevent a slow round of golf
It seems like the standard for playing 18 holes of golf in a foursome is approximately 4 hours to 4 hours, 20 minutes.
Obviously that time can vary based on a several variables such as the difficulty of the course, the length of the course, weather conditions, etc.
In any case, finishing a round in less than 4 hours and 20 minutes is acceptable under ideal playing conditions, and theoretically achievable if golfers follow a few simple guidelines:
• Always be ready to hit your shot when it's your turn to play. Too often, I see players not prepared to play. They are still calculating the yardage, selecting a club, or not even standing adjacent to their ball.
• Typically whichever player's ball is away (farthest from the hole) plays the next shot, but if the person who is farthest away is not ready, then you should hit your shot even though you're closer to the hole.
• Take no more than 5 minutes to look for a lost ball.
• If you hit a ball that looks like it could land out of bounds, then hit a provisional ball. If you then find your original ball, then the provisional ball is not in play and you can pick it up.
• When your group reaches the green, place your golf bag and park your pull cart or golf cart on the side of the green closest to the next tee.
• When you're on the green putting, avoid marking your ball when it's within a couple of feet from the hole. Tap it in. Try to putt-out all putts that are close, unless you have to stand in someone else's line.
• Never record your scores while on the green. Mark them down as you're proceeding to the next tee.
• Finally, especially if you're walking, remember to walk with a purpose. Walk briskly to your ball, and when you reach your ball, never take more than one practice swing.
I always applaud our members at Ivanhoe Club who play quickly, for they are the players aware of those who are playing behind them.
For Steve S., Mike E., Dan P. and Brian M., who love to play at that 7 a.m. weekend tee time here at the club, great job! It's that 3 hours and 30 minutes that you play in every weekend morning that sets a great pace for all who play behind you, and makes the game that much more enjoyable.
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• Jim Sobb is the PGA director of golf at Ivanhoe Club in Ivanhoe, IL. A member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, Sobb is a three-time winner of the Illinois PGA Championship, with eight major championships in Illinois PGA events overall, and is a two-time Illinois PGA Golf Professional of the Year. For more on Jim and Ivanhoe Club, the home of the 2017 Rust-Oleum Championship (June 5-11), visit ivanhoeclub.com.