So, we've all been the play through-er or the play through-ee at some point. Generally speaking there's a code. If you're waived forward you should acknowledge the fact and go forward with it. you play together for a shot or two and then normally part ways on the putting green, the faster of the two groups going and teeing off and widening the gap.

the question is: as the waiver (slower group in front) how many times do you typically try to waive the other group up?

this weekend i played a fine round with my father. Admittedly he was a little out of his comfort zone playing the white tees (he's 66, two bad shoulders and now Psoriatic arthritis in his hand). We didn't play slowly by any means considering the course, but we did have a twosome catch up. They were setting a pretty blistering pace of 2:30 around the course. Caught up two holes behind! Generally though they were out of eyesight and would be getting to the tee as we were leaving the greens. At some point they picked up the pace again and began to push us. At 11 i saw they were behind us and we were on the green. We putted out and wanted to let them through on the next hole. Something must have happened and they didn't get to the tee until we were nearly done, then we again wanted to let them through and i figured we would tee off, then as they got to the tee box we would let them hit - play up and the rest is history. I must have stood there for a good minute while my father walked up to his ball - SHOUTING at the top of my lungs and flailing my arms for them to hit and they ignored me. So i said forget it and then we kept playing. Then, they're waiting on the NEXT tee (par 3) and again i'm flailing and yelling. Finally i get a half hearted wave of "just keep playing". They were right on us pushing us the rest of the round. I wasn't a fan, but still... does this bug anyone else when it happens?

I have to agree with you. It is simple etiquette to acknowledge someone when they obviously are signaling you to play through. Generally if I or the group I am with want to play through we stand on the tee and are ready to play. If the group ahead waves or otherwise signals, we hit up.

If we are not concerned about the pace being set (i.e. the leading group is moving along fine), we sit on the bench or stay in the carts. If someone waves we will wave back and maybe shout "No thanks" and stay off the tee.

Once one declines to play through, standing on the tee with arms crossed or pressing the group in front is a bit rude. You had your chance, sit back and relax.

Typically I won't decline an opportunity to play through unless we are on the 17th hole. It always seems like declining the chance results in a painfully slow remainder of the round.

Things have changed over the years. At one time, waving a group up on a par three was strongly suggested at most clubs. Falling back and allowing a faster group to play through is still correct but sometimes uncomfortable. Being a ranger for a number of years I have adopted a rule that if your group is on time with the pace of play clock so be it. Offer the wave up once. If it"s declined the hell with them.

I don't mind letting others play through, but I'm always a little reluctant to get to the point of pushing another group, especially if there is no one behind me. I always feel rushed trying to finish the hole I'm on and then get ready to tee off right away, when I would normally have a minute or so to get "squared away" moving from the green to the next tee.

If I see the group in front of me I'll start to hang back a bit, provided I'm not holding up the pace of play. I'll wait to tee off until they have already hit their second shot and are on their way to the green, or wait until they have gotten to the green. I'll take a little extra time cleaning my clubs.

I know I play fast (maybe too fast), and I don't want to be rushing someone else in another group, ruining their day in the process. I've felt rushed before, and I hate it, especially when there is nothing you can do about it.

mjaber wrote:

I don't mind letting others play through, but I'm always a little reluctant to get to the point of pushing another group, especially if there is no one behind me. I always feel rushed trying to finish the hole I'm on and then get ready to tee off right away, when I would normally have a minute or so to get "squared away" moving from the green to the next tee. If I see the group in front of me I'll start to hang back a bit, provided I'm not holding up the pace of play. I'll wait to tee off until they have already hit their second shot and are on their way to the green, or wait until they have gotten to the green. I'll take a little extra time cleaning my clubs. I know I play fast (maybe too fast), and I don't want to be rushing someone else in another group, ruining their day in the process. I've felt rushed before, and I hate it, especially when there is nothing you can do about it.

If I'm having one of those rounds where play is slow, and there is nothing the group in front of me can do about it, I try to look busy on the tee box.

mjaber wrote:

I don't mind letting others play through, but I'm always a little reluctant to get to the point of pushing another group, especially if there is no one behind me. I always feel rushed trying to finish the hole I'm on and then get ready to tee off right away, when I would normally have a minute or so to get "squared away" moving from the green to the next tee. If I see the group in front of me I'll start to hang back a bit, provided I'm not holding up the pace of play. I'll wait to tee off until they have already hit their second shot and are on their way to the green, or wait until they have gotten to the green. I'll take a little extra time cleaning my clubs. I know I play fast (maybe too fast), and I don't want to be rushing someone else in another group, ruining their day in the process. I've felt rushed before, and I hate it, especially when there is nothing you can do about it.

It took me a while, but I am finally to the point to where I do my normal pre-shot routine when I am part of a group being waved through. My feeling on this is that whatever is making us play faster, our normal routine is just fine.

And the people letting us play though know it too, so they will not complain if we do not rush. Also, trying to rush usually means playing slower, all things considered.

[quote="srogers13"]

mjaber wrote:

Also, trying to rush usually means playing slower, all things considered.

Why do you say that?

LOL, Player again demonstrating that his name is not truth in advertising. In golf, most times, if you try to rush, you usually hit bad shots. When you hit bad shots, you usually end up taking more shots. When you take more shots, you end up taking more time.

I joined a golf club one month ago and learning the basics. I am worried to to know proper golf etiquette. I am very happy to join this forum as I am able to interact with people of my interest.

You seem to be interested in used japanese cars, not golf

Some courses I play will send me out as a single. Inevitably I'll catch up with someone or a group will wave me up to play thru.

I swear sometimes I think I'll try to ignore them so I dont have four or 5 folks watching me tee off.

brrr