Jump to content
IGNORED

Is There a Correct Way to Let a Group "Play Through"?


Note: This thread is 1702 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

I would like thoughts on proper way to let a group "Play Through".

This weekend my wife & I were out for a round and a group ahead of us was slow and allowed another group to play through, but then it just seemed to bottle neck after that and I became curious if the real problem was the way in which the slow-group had the group behind play through.

Let me describe the scenario.  I will call my group "Group C".  Group B was directly ahead of us and Group A was directly ahead of Group B.  All groups were Two-player groups..  When we (Group C) got to the 3rd tee (A Par 4 hole) Group B was in the fairway waiting for Group A to exit the green.  Our wait on the tee seemed a little long but not so bad as to complain.  Once Group B played their approach shots we teed off and moved forward to our balls and saw Group A standing next to the #4 tee box (a par 5) and did not see anyone ahead of them.  After Group B exited the green on hole #3 we played up to the green and noticed Group A still standing at the #4 tee box.  As we exited the 3rd Green and drove towards #4 tee we noticed Group A waiting at #4 tee and Group B was in the fairway.  Group A allowed Group B to play through.  We then found ourselves on the tee box with Group A.  Before Group A was able to play their 2nd shot the group behind us joined us on the tee box at #4.  Now the course was becoming bottle-necked.

My question is, Should Group A have played their tee shot before letting Group B play through?  It seemed to me that by them waiting to tee off the actually caused more congestion then was fixed by allowing Group B to play through. 

On the #6 Hole we suggested joining up with Group A to make it a foursome but they declined.  On #7 tee the group behind us joined us to become a foursome which did help create a more steady pace.  Were we wrong in asking to join up with the group ahead since we were at every tee box with them anyway?

I look forward to thoughts on this.

  • Upvote 1

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Group A should work on their "ready golf" technique.  And keep pace with the group ahead of them and/or catch up.  You didn't mention the size of the group ahead of Group A... gosh I hope it wasn't a fivesome!

  • Like 1

  On 6/24/2020 at 7:42 PM, Double Mocha Man said:

Group A should work on their "ready golf" technique.  And keep pace with the group ahead of them and/or catch up.  You didn't mention the size of the group ahead of Group A... gosh I hope it wasn't a fivesome!

Expand  

I think the group ahead of Group A was also two.  FYI, we teed off @ 4:45 in the afternoon which I think iis why so many smaller groups on the course.

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I always prefer playing through on par 3’s, and never on a par 5 or driveable par 4. I think the following works best:

Group A hits tee shots to green. When Group B gets to the tee, let them hit tee shots. Both groups go to green, where Group B finishes and heads to the next tee, while Group A finishes. 

  • Like 2
  • Thumbs Up 1
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 6/24/2020 at 8:18 PM, rvanculin said:

I always prefer playing through on par 3’s, and never on a par 5 or driveable par 4. I think the following works best:

Group A hits tee shots to green. When Group B gets to the tee, let them hit tee shots. Both groups go to green, where Group B finishes and heads to the next tee, while Group A finishes. 

Expand  

That is what makes sense to me.

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • iacas changed the title to Is There a Correct Way to Let a Group "Play Through"?
  • Administrator

The fastest way to play through is just to skip a par three. πŸ™‚

  • Upvote 1

Erik J. Barzeski β€” β›³ I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. πŸŒπŸΌβ€β™‚οΈ
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution β€’ Owner, The Sand Trap .com β€’ AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 β€’ WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 6/25/2020 at 12:18 AM, Double Mocha Man said:

Not to mention, when you're walking past that slow-moving group on the par 3 it definitely sends a message...

Expand  

make sure to smile!  :-D

From the land of perpetual cloudiness.   I'm Denny

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 6/25/2020 at 12:21 AM, Double Mocha Man said:

Yep.  And keep your middle finger unfurled...

Expand  

Reminding them that they are number 1? 🀣

My Weapons of Grass Destruction:

:titleist: TS2 10.5*;  917F2 15*;  818H1 19*;  716 AP2 4-P;  Pro V1x

:vokey: SM7's - 50.12 F, 56.14 F, 60.08 M

:odyssey: Black Series 3

  :footjoy:  :oakley: 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

@StuM, I think you did everything correctly, including asking to pair up.  And I agree that Group A should have teed off and then invited Group B to proceed.

Par 3 holes do work well for playing through but some slow groups use that "rule" to keep faster groups slogging behind them for a long time.  The time to allow a faster group through is when a slow group stops keeping pace with the group in front, not five holes later when a par 3 occurs.

Sadly, the ultimate answer is Group A needs to get moving and keep pace.  Playing through is not a cure, just a bandage.  

  • Like 1
  • Thumbs Up 1

Brian Kuehn

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

This is always a controversial subject, but it's a bit like driving. I don't bother overtaking a slow driver if I can see there is a queue of traffic ahead. Likewise, I wouldn't bother letting someone through if I know they are only going to get held up by three lot's of golfers in front of me. Unfortunately this is more often than not the case. Of course, none of this would be an issue if people didn't play slow golf, but regardless of rules and advice, we all know that will never happen.   

- Simon Hornsby


I think carts ( or handheld device for walkers) should have a button to call the marshall in the way you can buzz a flight attendant on an airplane. Group A needs a good education from the marshall. Ya know, I think I’d like to be a marshall on a golf course.....🧐

:ping: G25 Driver Stiff :ping: G20 3W, 5W :ping: S55 4-W (aerotech steel fiber 110g shafts) :ping: Tour Wedges 50*, 54*, 58* :nike: Method Putter Floating clubs: :edel: 54* trapper wedge

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 6/25/2020 at 12:09 AM, iacas said:

The fastest way to play through is just to skip a par three. πŸ™‚

Expand  

I agree this works but the problem is it punishes the faster players by taking away a hole they have a right to play.  A golfer should not have to "Forfeit" a hole because of a slower group in front of them.

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 6/25/2020 at 1:18 PM, Vinsk said:

I think carts ( or handheld device for walkers) should have a button to call the marshall in the way you can buzz a flight attendant on an airplane. Group A needs a good education from the marshall. Ya know, I think I’d like to be a marshall on a golf course.....🧐

Expand  

How about a dog-training collar? Give the controller to the group behind. Bzzz! Bzzz!

  On 6/25/2020 at 1:31 PM, StuM said:

I agree this works but the problem is it punishes the faster players by taking away a hole they have a right to play.  A golfer should not have to "Forfeit" a hole because of a slower group in front of them.

Expand  

But when sunset is approaching, it can mean the difference between skipping one or missing several.

 I’ve done this, and then swing back to pick up the missing hole. That might not work at some courses.

  • Upvote 1

Craig
What's in the :ogio: Silencer bag (on the :clicgear: cart)
Driver: :callaway: Razr Fit 10.5Β°  
5 Wood: :tmade: Burner  
Hybrid: :cobra: Baffler DWS 20Β°
Irons: :ping: G400 
Wedge: :ping: Glide 2.0 54Β° ES grind 
Putter: :heavyputter:  midweight CX2
:aimpoint:,  :bushnell: Tour V4

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 6/25/2020 at 1:31 PM, Missouri Swede said:

How about a dog-training collar? Give the controller to the group behind. Bzzz! Bzzz!

Expand  

I like the idea....just imagine, playing in my league and I can "Shock" the player ahead of me just as he is gong for that birdie putt so I can protect my chance at a skin on that hole.....OK, I guess I should not do that.

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Administrator
  On 6/25/2020 at 1:31 PM, StuM said:

I agree this works but the problem is it punishes the faster players by taking away a hole they have a right to play.  A golfer should not have to "Forfeit" a hole because of a slower group in front of them.

Expand  

Note the smiley, man. C'mon… πŸ˜‰

Erik J. Barzeski β€” β›³ I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. πŸŒπŸΌβ€β™‚οΈ
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution β€’ Owner, The Sand Trap .com β€’ AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 β€’ WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  On 6/25/2020 at 1:31 PM, Missouri Swede said:

But when sunset is approaching, it can mean the difference between skipping one or missing several.

 I’ve done this, and then swing back to pick up the missing hole. That might not work at some courses.

Expand  

I agree this is best when needing to beat the sunset

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Note: This thread is 1702 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    PlayBetter
    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FitForGolf
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-20%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack/FitForGolf, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope. 15% off TourStriker (no code).
  • Posts

Γ—
Γ—
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...