R&A publishes golf pace of play guidance manual
Tuesday 17 May 2016 16:54, UK
The pace of play is a big issue at all levels in golf and the Royal and Ancient (R&A) has published new guidance to help address the problem.
The R&A's new manual will be distributed to its 152 affiliated organisations around the world and every golf club in Great Britain and Ireland, as well as being available to download on the organisation's official website.
The manual provides practical guidance in the three key areas of management, course set-up and player behaviour and was written following discussions at the Time for Golf conference last November.
The conference, which was attended by professionals and administrators from throughout the world of golf, came after an extensive survey found that 60 per cent of golfers would enjoy golf more if they played in less time.
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: "There is no doubt that pace of play is a key issue for golf today and one on which many golfers have strong views.
"Through the research exercise and the conference we gained some valuable insights into the views of players, administrators and officials involved in all levels of golf.
"We fully recognise that in a sport as diverse as golf there is no one-size-fits-all approach and so the new manual outlines approaches which have proved to be effective and offers some thoughtful solutions to day-to day pace of play challenges which can arise in golf.
"We hope the manual will prove to be a useful reference guide for clubs, competition organisers and players alike."
European Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallacher took part in a discussion session at the conference and has welcomed the launch of the new manual.
He said: "I think this is an important step forward in providing some practical ways of improving pace of play.
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"It was fascinating to hear different perspectives on pace of play at the Time for Golf conference and there was definitely a feeling that we should share some of the best approaches to dealing with the issue with a wider audience.
"The new manual gives some great examples of best practice and I would definitely recommend it to anyone involved in golf."
