From the Clubhouse: Does golf really take too long?
We’re obsessed with pace of play. Find a corner of the clubhouse and someone will probably be unhappy about how long today’s round has taken. Yes, the time it takes to play the game is often a fractious point of debate. But what can we do about it?
In this week’s From the Clubhouse podcast, in association with TaylorMade Golf, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll talk about the various issues they encounter on the course and examine the R&A’s Pace of Play Manual, which offers a whole host of recommendations to keep the game flowing.
Does Ready Golf actually work, should clubs get tough on those who tee off too early (it is against the Rules of Golf), and can tweaking course set up make a difference?
The pair are frank and honest with their views once again. You’ll agree. You’ll disagree. But you’ll have to listen.
Now listen to our views on pace of play in the From the Clubhouse podcast, in association with TaylorMade Golf
What do you think? Do we need to be more relaxed about how long a round takes, or should we always be conscious of time? Let us know with a tweet.
More podcasts from National Club Golfer
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
