The Tourist Effect

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By CDownes

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  1. CDownes

    CDownes

    Just read the post and the article put up by Chuck z and it rings true in so many ways in regards to playing off certain tees based on how far the played hits a 7 iron. However I play on a links course and 9/10 times the wind decides that the 7 iron you normally hit 165 is going 220 on one hole and 100 on the next!! Also it’s not factoring in the tourist effect…

    I’ve been a member for 10 years at my local course. It’s stunning and more and more tourists have discovered it and added it to the list of courses to play in East Lothian, Scotland. This has meant an influx in players who even if they hit 7 iron 200 yards still take an eternity to play a round as they are having a great time on holiday, with their friends, enjoying the scenery, maybe enjoying a beer or 6, a cigar and whatever else. They are having a great time and are completely clueless that the group in front are 5 holes ahead and there are multiple groups held up behind them!

    I love that the tourists have discovered Kilspindie GC, I love they want to play the course and provide much needed income… I would love though for a way to reasonably manage their experience and not hold up the 10 groups behind them.

    What are the thoughts on this?

  2. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Pace of play involves many possibilities. You’ve mentioned several. Add the 3 minute setup for an 8 foot putt. Least likely is driver length. Exceptions - the guy in the fore-some that is 80 yards shorter than the others but still plays the tips with them and the guy driving 140 yards and firing the ball in any direction. Shooting in far over 120. I don’t see either very often.
    What rule to calculate yardage to play is for me to find a tee box that I can enjoy a decent score. If I’m playing with guys that drive 280 yards, I suffer no shame to move up as many tee boxes as I need to for my game.
    You did mention that it is often international guests at your club. Well, often this a one time trip to your country and the trip cost is in the range of several thousand pounds/dollars. Hard to not let them enjoy the scenery/ locale. Guess the best option is to close off the access to non-locals - if your club can give up the revenue.

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