Columnist Peter Benton: PGA must tag slow players with strokes

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003 | 9:29 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

I read where the PGA Tour Policy Board has changed its policy on slow play -- which really doesn't mean a thing, until it starts penalizing players by adding a stroke or two to their score.

Watching these ever-so-talented players on the greens where they look at their putt from every angle, line up, take a couple of practice putts, back away, and then repeat the process, borders on the ridiculous.

There is no doubt that these fellows are playing for huge money and every shot counts. But slow play is becoming a major problem, and it is obvious that these monetary fines do not mean a thing to most players. So the PGA should hit them where it will really count -- on the scorecard.

Slow play is not just a problem on the professional tours, as many amateurs are afflicted with the same dreaded disease.

Generally, I have been of the opinion that slow play by amateurs is caused by total ignorance regarding golf course etiquette. That's possibly a bit overstated, but in many instances players who are inordinately slow do not think (or care) about following golfers.

Having stated that, plus analyzing slow play over the years, I have come to the conclusion that more often than not, slow play is the result of an ego problem. The bottom line being that many players -- invariably high handicap golfers -- think they are better than they actually are.

Far too many golfers insist on playing from the championship tees. That's fine if you have a low (preferably single digit) handicap. High handicappers, who have no right playing from the tips anyway, spray the ball everywhere and take far too many shots per hole and thus take much longer to play the hole than is necessary.

This holds up following players -- and not just those immediately behind them, as slow play has a ripple effect on the entire course.

Remember, and this is very important: If the ability of the group's members is widely disparate (if high handicappers are paired with much better players), the higher handicap players should swallow their pride and be realistic. I can't think of any layout that does not have multiple teeing areas, which are there for a purpose.

So, don't hesitate to use the tee that best suits your game -- it will still provide you with a challenge without being too difficult for your skill level.

Knowing your game will assist in speeding up play and make the round more enjoyable for everyone.

This free nationwide golf event offers youngsters ages 7-12 the opportunity to develop and test their golfing skills.

The competition, which will take place Saturday, March 15 at the Boulder Creek Golf Club (1501 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City), will accept the first 120 registrants regardless of skill level.

Events will include driving, chipping and putting, as well as instructional clinics. Refreshments will be provided, as will clubs if necessary.

Prizes will be awarded in various age groups with the first-place winners in each bracket invited to one of 18 regional championships. Regional winners in each age group will advance to the national championship in the fall.

Entry information is available by calling 294-6534.