As you get older ......

[Thomas Dai]

This is probably more a private members club matter, and a walking golf matter too, but as you get older, and more so now given that a round of golf is frequently taking so damn long time wise to play, do you find half-way or two-thirds of the way round that you’ve been out for long enough now and would kinda like to head back to the clubhouse?
I see this more and more in casual golf. Folks quitting after 9-holes or 12-holes etc seems to be becoming more and more common, especially as the age profile of players increases. And then there are those who’ve played a full-round but come into the clubhouse afterwards noticeably knackered.
Atb

[Lou_Duran]

No.  All of my home rounds are walked, typically in 3:00-3:20, depending on the number of players.  The course is 7300+ yards from the back tees; we play the second set at 6800+, with most of my rounds covering 5.4 miles from the first tee through the 18th hole (per my Bushnell GPS watch).  The course is a 25 minute drive from my house and I next to never go out to play less than a full round.


Our course has returning nines and some members do go out for a quick nine, especially at the end of the day.  I'll ask our pro how many partial rounds are played, but I'd guess it is a low %.  I doubt that a nine hole golf course could make a go of it in our market.

[Tommy Williamsen]

I never thought it would happen but, at 72, I find that I play less and fewer 18 or 36 hole days. Nine holes seems fine and I never practice. I only play more when I travel, then usually 36 a day. When I'm home I just don't have the same drive to play.

[Joe Leenheer]

I'd think said members would be more likely to ring the shop and have a pro come out to spur on play.  Private clubs tend to be very aware of slow play issues and strive for appropriate pace of play.  The main culprit in my experiences came from member+3 guest groups....which is why many clubs have guest restrictions on their busier days.


Walking to the clubhouse during a slower paced round seems like a lot of work...I'd just start walking slower to my ball.

[Wayne_Kozun]

My club keeps an inventory of carts after the 6th hole (the reason it is the sixth hole is for logistical reasons as the front nine does not return to the clubhouse) and some of the older members will walk the first six and then ride for the rest of the 18.

[Tim Martin]

My club keeps an inventory of carts after the 6th hole (the reason it is the sixth hole is for logistical reasons as the front nine does not return to the clubhouse) and some of the older members will walk the first six and then ride for the rest of the 18.

Wayne-That’s a great option for those that can’t make the entire walk.

[James Brown]

I totally agree.  With every passing year I am more likely to make a call on the 9th green to call it a day when I see two groups waiting to tee off on #10. 

[Niall C]

Funnily enough I had an experience just recently where I walked off a course (actually had to scramble through a wood, jump a couple of fences and cross a road) to cut short a round. It was a course I’d never played before and it wasn’t really that great but neither was it that offensive. I was just feeling a bit sore and tired not having played a lot of golf over the last few months and I felt, from what I could see, that I’d already played the best of it. Also, as a single, I was about to get held up by a four ball and I couldn’t be bothered with waiting to get through.

I can’t recall having done that before and can’t say I was sorry to do it. 

Niall

[archie_struthers]

 


No, not at all!

[Thomas Dai]

Glad to hear that some aren’t effected in such a manner. Long may such continue.
Atb

[George Pazin]

Age hasn't affected me. Available time has. My son sometimes takes lessons on Friday evenings at our local muni, and more than a few times, I pay for 9 and just play however many I can get in during the 90 minute lesson. Most I've made is 8, least is 5.

[Dave Doxey]

I walk off more often lately.  Slow play does it for me. Two groups on the next tee and the clubhouse in sight will often end it for me. Either golf got slower or age has impacted my tolerance...

[Ken Moum]

I walk off more often lately.  Slow play does it for me. Two groups on the next tee and the clubhouse in sight will often end it for me. Either golf got slower or age has impacted my tolerance...

Probably both.


With good reason.

[Jeff Schley]

Sad for me, but my dad has slowed down and can't really walk 18 on a course with any elevation changes.  He needs a knee replacement and is stubborn.  Wanted him to go to Scotland with me last year, which is flat, and he said he didn't think he could take the walking everyday and declined . For those who have gone one thing we probably all cherish is a picture of you and your dad on the Swilcan Bridge at St. Andrews. Age is a reality so value your heath while God has loaned it to you.

[Lou_Duran]

Age is a reality so value your heath while God has loaned it to you.

Amen!  Use of buggies for people with disabilities seems to be relatively wide-spread in the UK.  The travel is still difficult.