Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Columnist Peter Benton: Following rules of golf cuts slow play

HAVING HAD the pleasure of playing the old Sahara/Las Vegas Hilton course, I can attest that nothing has changed -- other than the course's name. A round at the Las Vegas International Golf Club is as enjoyable as ever.

One of the things which impressed me most were the "Rules of Ready Golf" attached to the steering wheel of each cart.

With American Golf's permission, I reprint it here for the edification of those interested in eliminating today's curse of slow play.

The three main rules for ready golf are: Stay within one shot of the group you are following; hit when ready and it is safe (eliminating the honor system); and continue putting until you hole out.

On the tee: Players who do not hit the ball as far as the rest of the group should tee off first; hit as soon as the group ahead of you is out of range; carry an extra ball in case of an O.B.

On the fairway: Again, hit when ready, eliminate the honor system; take appropriate club(s) to your ball and hit without delay; have all in your group follow the other's shot; limit search for a lost ball to three minutes; and, after reaching double-bogey figures, pick up your ball.

On the green: Place any extra clubs between players and the next tee; study your putt while others are putting out; continue putting until your ball is holed out; leave the green immediately after the last ball is holed and proceed to the next tee. Complete your scorecard while others are teeing off.

On par-3s: Upon reaching the green, if the group ahead is waiting to tee off, stand in a safe area and call following players up.

Shortcut: A good common-sense rule is when driving a cart, drop your playing partner off at his/her ball then continue to yours.

These suggestions are basic. If practiced diligently, you will be pleasantly amazed at how much quicker your round will be.

Spanish Trail's recent modified scramble tournament saw the three-man team of Kelly Swanson, Bud Welch and Milton Myers emerge victorious with a 67.

Rob Schneider, Don Rattz, Jamie Wheeler and Polly Morgan placed second at 68 followed by Chuck Ruthe, Ken Lehman, Allan Morgalis and Kitty Prewitt at 70.

Just a few weeks remain until the World Final of the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf, set Jan. 3-4 for Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor course) in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The first semifinal pits U.S. Open champion Ernie Els against Scot Colin Montgomerie, who led the PGA European Tour money list for a record fifth time. ELs, the international champion, holds a 2-1 match-play advantage over Montgomerie, who won the Andersen European competition.

The second semifinal pairs PGA champion Davis Love III against Hajime Meshiai, who won the Japanese qualifying event.

The winners will meet Jan. 4 in a 36-hole final, where the champion will earn $1 million from the $3.65 million purse.

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