LGU zero tolerance of slow play is
working already - sub-4hr rounds

BY COLIN FARQUHARSON
Rounds on the first day of the British girls' open amateur championship at Monifieth today were averaging under 4hr – well inside the 4ht 23min “acceptable time” for a three-ball … an early sign that the Ladies Golf Union’s implementation of a “zero tolerance policy” with regard to slow play in future is making a big difference already.
For the first time at an LGU event, there were four digital clocks on the course – at the fourth, ninth, 14th and 18th.
All threesomes were told by which time they had to reach each clock. On the first occasion a time was missed, the threesome would be given a warning. If they missed two times, each member of the three would be penalised one stroke.
If they missed three times, then the penalty wouold be a further two strokes.
If they missed all four times, automatic disqualification would follow.
“I think we have got the message across to the competitors,” said Director of Championships Susan Simpson who has worked with the LGU championship committee to devise a system to tackle and, hopefully, eradicate slow play.
“The LGU were becoming dismayed at the length of time it was taking for a round of golf in its competitions. The time had come to take action, and I think it has worked already. I cannot remember three-ball rounds being completed under four hours in my time with the LGU” said Susan.