Everyone,
I understand the pros and cons of this pace system and while I wish I could do it a little differently, this system has worked at my specific club. I played at Merion last year and the host simply said on #1 tee, "guys, we have to play in 4 hours or I get a letter". Enough said, but my club is not Merion.
My club is an inexpensive, private club and I am proud to say it is the first club many of my members have ever joined. In effect, for many members I am a transitional club and I have more members than many private clubs who are relatively new to golf or who did not grow up in a "country club lifestyle" where they were exposed to how to act on a golf course. I also host a Rules and Etiquette class that covers basic rules situations, how to fix ball marks, enter and exit bunkers, rake bunkers--lot's of stuff taken for granted at most private clubs. We have had about 75 people at the last two classes.
I certainly understand that to some this is a bit over the top but it works and if you come and play my course on a Saturday or Sunday morning you will most likely play in 3 hours and 55 minutes. I can promise you that most golfers are not aware of their pace. If you ask each group how long it took them to play EVERYONE will say "4 hours" and it's BS. The clocks eliminate that doubt.
I wish I didn't have to have any system, I wish golfers knew enough to play in a good time. But, I think there are lots of trade offs as all clubs do things a little different than others. One example--not 5 miles away as a crow flies is a course that has hosed major championships and cost $80,000 to join and with 2000 members you take your chances with a lottery system for tee times each weekend. You write down the course you want to play and the 2 hour time period you want and then cross your fingers. I've never had to do that and I'd rather have clocks than a tee time lottery. There is give and take with all clubs.
A.G. I'll check on the sand--it was a little hard to find--it's not just "river sand" and I can get you the specs. What did you shoot? I hope John didn't take your money!
J. Sweeney-- I was suppose to be at Camargo today but had a situation that I had to take care of at home--wife comes first