USGA Pace of Play Campaign

[RCCHGA]

Re: USGA Pace of Play Campaign

I'm probably going to be jumped on for this, but on the surface I'd agree with you, but I think we're talking apples and oranges here. I believe that the campaign is targeting is the "average" amateur golfer. While there are a lot of these golfers that can play in a 4some and finish within 3.5 hours, there is a very large number who just don't understand (or don't care) how to get to this point. I'd almost be willing to bet that if you took 4 of the tour pros and told them to just play (no caddies and no money on the line) on a regular course (not a Sunday tour set-up), they'd probably finish within the same 3.5 hours, probably less because they probably won't be looking for any lost balls like we do and the vast majority of their shots will be very precise. When these guys and gals are playing for the big bucks, that precision is much more important than when we amateur golfers are playing for beers or bragging rights. IMO it's unfair to blame the USGA for not pushing the tour pros to play in 4 hours or less.

I also totally agree that we are talking apples and oranges. Tour golf is entertainment and the sponsors would be seriously upset if the rounds were played in 3 1/2 to 4 hours as there wouldn't be enough time for product exposure. Nothing pleases sponsors more than if the Sunday final results in a playoff. The longer the better....! The whole theme of "While We Are Young" is directed only at those of us who haven't yet given up our day job for the tour, period....!