Melvyn:
You know that I love walking/carrying golf and hate slow play.
I do have one question basically concerning St. Andrews and maybe a couple other courses (Pebble Beach?). Is the length of a round at these special courses due to the fact that maybe a golfer is experiencing that 'once in a lifetime' round on a classic great top 5 course? Could the desire to soak the experience in and wish it never ended slow down play somewhat at TOC, Pebble and other venues? I know you can't speak to Pebble Beach, but maybe to TOC.
John,
Of course I can't answer for Melvyn, but from my one (so far) and only (so far) round on the TOC last June, we played in 4.10. 1.50 for the front nine, 15 minutes waiting on 10 tee, a hurry up from a marshall on 14 tee. We were back in position quickly, and then had a long wait on 17 tee, a long wait on 18 tee and then the photos on the bridge over Swilcan Burn...
Of course there was an element of 'rubbernecking' and soaking up the experience.
I hope the only delay I caused (apart from photos on the bridge) were having to take out my handkerchief to blow my nose and wipe away brimming tears walking (as in a dream) along the 17th and 18th holes.
Truly the only time I believe I may ever cry on a golf course....but also because I was touched seeing my wife (who organised the round as a birthday gift without my knowledge) and two young daughters wait for me and wave to me from beside the 18th green....
Magic....it truly exists at St Andrews....
Regards
Andrew