Pace of Play App

I love golf. Millions around the world share my passion for this great game. I relish the mental challenge, the ever-changing elements, swing thoughts, and the obstacles ahead. Yet increasingly, those obstacles aren't bunkers or hazards—they’re my fellow golfers.
To me, golf has morphed into an “all about me” experience. As a result, my enthusiasm is fading. I dread the four-hour-plus expedition in 95-degree heat and 88% humidity. Golf feels like a four-letter word these days: slow, wait, stop, w**d, v**e, beer. It’s too slow. And I believe it’s time the golfing public starts a real conversation about it.
We amateurs—the Joannes and Joes—aren’t pros. Yet we mimic every bit of a pro’s game. We buy the best threads, clubs, and gadgets. Rangefinders, yardage books, GPS on carts, watches, speakers, GoPros, drones… Lights! Camera! YouTube action! It’s out of control. And yet, most of us can’t reliably hit a green from 100 yards out. The suggested 40 seconds per shot is rarely observed. My fellow golfers often lack any sense of urgency.
Golf has become a one-way highway. But these days, it’s a gridlocked mess. There should be a posted minimum speed limit on every course. How many low handicaps would maintain their index if they had to play faster? Would some of us play better if we weren’t stuck in someone else’s endless pre-shot routine?
Why should another player’s inability, disability, or hyper-competitiveness dictate my paid golf experience? In my experience, selfishness, lack of basic skills, zero self-awareness, and a disregard for etiquette are all on the rise. I’ve even witnessed outright jackassery. The reverence for the game, the respect for fellow players, is slipping away—and I fear the game is in trouble because of it.
So why isn't pace of play being addressed? Probably because courses are turning a profit. Enforcing etiquette and managing pace takes extra overhead—and staff willing to be uncomfortable.
Bottom line: There’s room for improvement. Personally, I won’t pay for a four-hour-plus experience, no matter how pristine or famous the course. Golf is a game of rhythm. Four-plus hours? That’s a miserable “hit and sit” wait-fest.
Course owners, managers, golfers—we can all do better. Golf deserves more respect and immediate attention to etiquette.
Play well, America. And please, pick up the pace.