Slow players -- etiquette?

I'm a pretty slow player, and, by nature, I don't really like other groups having to wait for me.  So, I tend to let people play through pretty quickly, even if they're not waiting yet - as in I can see them finishing their putts about when my group would be just about to tee off.

But, I don't know the common practice --  what would you do?

(And, as aside, at what point can you get angry at a group for hitting into you?  )

the worst place about getting into  is our local muni,  schenley (*feces*ty) park.    as if the course design isn't hazardous enough,  there are routinely idiots who tee off on 250-300 yard par 4s  while the group ahead isn't even on the green yet- typical excuse "i didn't realize it was that close"  -- why don't you read your scorecard,  jackoff?

I very rarely fall behind the group in front, unless we're playing with my dad who is fairly slow. Oddly enough my younger brother does a pretty good job of keeping up unless dad is playing. I can't tell if he's patronizing the old man or what.

At any rate, as much as I dislike slow play, I tend to keep up whenever possible. I don't spend a lot of time searching for lost balls, lining up putts, taking practice swings, etc. I generally don't like to let groups play through unless we're really holding them up. I think letting groups play through instead of trying to keep up with pace also contributes to slower play.

As for hitting into me, unless it's clearly an accident, I have very little tolerance for it. Generally I'll pick up their ball and throw it in my bag. I have yet to have anyone come ask me for their ball back.

Could just be that I usually play with my older brother who's 6'3" and 280 lbs. 

When my group is playing slow I encourage them to let others pass.

As to hitting into me, the first time I assume is an accident.  The second time I make some kind of polite yet firm communication that its happened twice.  The third time two things happen: 1) the ball goes in my pocket and the offending player can ask for it back, and 2) I get out the cell phone, call the clubhouse and ask that a marshall be sent.




Glad to hear it.  I'm a fast player and I can't stand slow groupd in front of me.

Letting a group through is something we work hard at avoiding.  We're usually pretty fast but as with all golfers we can have a bad/slow hole.  I'd prefer to have someone wait on me for 2 or 3 shots rather than slow the whole course down by letting them through.  If for whatever reason we're chronically slow then it's worth considering.

A few things go into my thinking.  First, why the rush?  There aren't too many places I'd rather be than on the course.  Within reason slow golf doesn't bother me.  I'm actually bothered more by holding others up (because I'm slow, not because I had a bad hole) than I am by being help up myself.  Unless I'm clearly part of a bona fide problem I'm not inclined to let Speedy Gonzales through.  Maybe he should consider slowing down a touch and enjoying the experience.  If he wants a three hour round he should try 7:00 on Tuesday morning.

Second, as mentioned above letting groups through often only solves the problem for one group.  A better solution is in picking up your pace (and maybe your ball) and getting yourselves back in position.  I'd much rather do that then wave someone on. 

Last point.  Ebb and flow is part of the game.  On busy courses with 8-10 minute starts you're going to get held up here and there and you're going to hold others up here and there.  Can't be avoided in my opinion.  We played 18 on Sunday in 3:50 and had probably a good 10-15 minutes of waiting during the round.  Such is golf.

Should add that I'm really talking about busy weekend rounds.  Letting  a fast group through on a wide open course is always a good thing.

Heh, I don't like to put on the Admin hat unless it's necessary.

I prefer to think of myself as just a member that makes sure the machinery stays well-oiled, as well as occasionally cleaning up the mess if a fight breaks out.