That’s such a great question, because good partnerships usually go hand-in-hand with harmony: You like each other and you get along, and you want to keep it that way. So who wants to rock the boat with comments like, “Hurry up!” and “We’re falling behind!” and “Do you REALLY need to take three practice swings?”
However, you are a partnership and therefore equally bear the burden of each other’s bad shots, bad decisions and bad times. So could you, in one of your strategy meetings, 19th hole socials or practice sessions, observe that you two have frequently fallen behind the group in front, or maybe you’ve even had a bad time and a warning? And then suggest that you collaborate on some ways that you could move things along a little faster?
There are lots of ideas on how to improve pace of play, from both Colorado champions and high handicappers, in While We’re Young: Pace of Play Part 1 (for newbies and fun golfers) and While We’re Young: Pace of Play Part 2 (for competitive and league golfers).
CGA Board Member Judy Maillis is one of those who abhors slow play but frequently plays in team events with different partners, some slower than others, so I asked what she would do. Her strategies:
--Friendly reminders might include, “Hey, we're falling behind so we need to pick up our pace” … “Why don't you go ahead to the next tee and tee off?” … “I'm going to go ahead and hit while you're getting ready” … “Go ahead and drive to your ball while I'm hitting.”
--Use that timer on your phone. “It's in the rules that we are allowed three minutes to look for the ball from the time it is our turn to hit,” says Judy. “Start timing your partner and announce when time is up. Also, the rules state that a golfer has 40 seconds to execute a shot once it is their turn to hit. Time them. Everyone has a pre-shot routine. It is difficult to mess with that, but not impossible if you are able to be tactful and diplomatic.”
--Invoke “ready golf” by reminding your partner there is no such thing as playing out of turn in stroke play.
One of my strategies is to get out of the cart and walk to my ball while my partner is putzing around. That lets me destress and gives my partner time to set up without the opportunity for chitchat – and without me having to watch the prelude.
Where I’m stuck here, though, is in that rare instance when you have a partner who simply doesn’t care keeping up with the pace of play or about following tournament rules or league policies. If this sounds like your partner, please try mixing up your dance card a bit next season and going non-exclusive. You might find the reduced stress to be such a relief, you don’t mind occasionally spoiling your perfect ham-and-egg omelet.
Do you have a question about golf etiquette, golf relationships or the culture of golf in Colorado? Email it to Molly McMulligan, the CGA’s on-the-course advisor on how to have more fun on the golf course, and follow @MollyMcMulligan on Instagram. Her creator, researcher and writer is golf journalist and CGA member Susan Fornoff.