The 2000 CDGA Tournament season will present a new challenge to all participants. Players will experience the usual well-run, competitive tests on our fine member courses, but this year, all those who Jack Groseclose tee it up will be expected to make slow play as dead as steel spikes. I have directed the Tournament Committee to map a plan of attack that will identify, target and demolish the glaring reasons for slow play.

Is it really necessary to spend five hours to complete a round of golf? The fact is, a bogey player only uses 45 minutes for pre-shot and shot execution during a round. One might ask what does a golfer do with the rest of the time required to complete the round. The answer is sadly, wait, wait and wait some more.

Players wait for the group in front to clear the hitting zone. Players then wait for the first player in their own group to play, and finally, wait on themselves to complete a wasteful preshot routine before playing. Add the wasted seconds for each waiting period, multiply that time by 18 holes and the five-hour round is the product.

I have identified the most common activities that consume time and cause golfers to wait. The list below is starts with the most offensive, and goes from there

1. Players not ready to hit when it is their turn.
2. Searching for yardage markers and stepping off distances.
3. Searching for lost (not closely watched) balls.
4. Excessive time lining up putts.
5. Lost ball rule.
6. Out of bounds rule.
7. Failure to clear green area after putting out.

This season, the CDGA will mandate the following to help increase the pace of play:

1. Encourage all players to be ready to hit, and if necessary to play "ready golf."
2. Small colored flags will be placed in fairway areas to represent 200,150 and 100 yard markers, to aid in direction, approximate yardages and reference recovery shots.
3. Encourage players to watch the ball of the player who is hitting, and to mentally mark the spot where that ball might have come to rest.
4. Eliminate the "stalking" of a line of putt, and enforce the 30-second rule for a player when it is his turn to putt.
5. Encourage a generous use of the provisional ball rule (Rule 27) for a ball that may be lost outside of a hazard, or out of bounds.
6. Require all players to leave the green immediately if players are in position to hit behind them.

CDGA tournament officials will expect all players to be ready to hit as soon as the target area is cleared. Any time lapse longer than 15 seconds for the execution of this first shot will be deemed unacceptable, and that player will be subject to a warning. The entire group will be expected to complete shots in two minutes. Warnings will be issued to groups failing to adhere to these guidelines, and subsequent penalties may result.

For our part, the CDGA will situate fore-caddies in those areas where balls are had to follow, or are had to find. The CDGA will also station officials on the first two greens of each event to monitor the speed of play of lead groups, and to make sure each following group is in position. And please be advised, this will be the year of the slow play penalty, as I have advised our on-course officials to be much more aggressive to enforce Rule 6-7.

All players play better when the pace is brisk. Most golfers enjoy the game for what it is: a frustrating, unpredictable, physical and mental exercise. Long, slow rounds only detract from what should be an enjoyable experience. With your help, and with the vigilance of our Tournament Committee and staff, we aim to smash the wretched long rounds, and replace them with an appropriate and enjoyable four hours.

Sincerely, Jack Groseclose President, CDGA