In general, why is pace of play better in the UK?

[dereckbc]

I have not read all the answer thus far but I know the answer to the OP questions.There are three factors: [LIST] [*] You have to have a certified handicap to play in UK at most courses. That thins it out keeping hackers off the course. [*] Green fees in general are much higher which thins out the number of players. [*] Lastly and probable the most important reason is tee times are spaced further apart, and no fivesomes are allowed in most cases. Here in the USA tee times are 8 to 10 minutes spaced to cram as many people on the course as possible, and many will allow fivesomes. [/LIST] However it is becoming less of a problem in the USA at least temporarily because the number of rounds played in the USA or number of golfers have dropped sharply recently. I just read somewhere the number of rounds played since 2008 are down some 15 to 20%.

[x129]

Only if the people dont' know how to play from a cart. In your case, you drop the player off at 150 and while he is hitting the guy drives over to his ball, sets up and hits the ball. The first guy meanwhile is walking back to the cart. The 2nd guy picks him up and off they go.

Personally I am guessing it is mainly courses (i.e. less courses build around housing development results in less OB and less distance between holes), drinking (more in the bar, less on the course) and match play (you pick the ball up a lot sooner when the hole is won).

Originally Posted by AmazingWhacker

Only when I play with my wife - so perhaps about once a month.  Carts are especially bad when players spray balls all over the place - if 2 players hit poor tee shots - let's say 1 goes 150 yards to the right deep rough and the other goes 225 yards into the left deep rough - it's just faster for each player to walk directly to his/her ball.  And it also means fewer lost balls and less time spent looking since 1. you are more likely to spot your ball while walking and 2. you don't forget where it is while you are searching for player 1's ball.

[iacas]

Having just been there , I can say that yes, the pace of play is faster.

A big part of it is that marshals are not pansies like they are here.

They're not often getting around in three hours walking, but longer than four and you're a jerk and you'll stand out like a sore thumb.