Some golfers have identified a problem that has to be addressed. Rule 6-7 relates to undue delay; slow play. Since this is a very controversial and difficult subject, the committee will provide some guidelines relative to this topic. The Big Canoe golfers should recognize slow play in a very special and positive way to reduce the tensions of this dilemma.

  A similar situation that has been witnessed by all of us at some time or another, such as following a slow vehicle for several miles on a two lane road marked with double yellow lines. The slow driver is moving at 15 to 20 miles per hour and how does this affect our attitude and behavior?

  What thoughts and ideas may be in the mind of a slow driver?
     I can drive anyway I want because I pay taxes for the upkeep of this road.
     I now have the power to control everyone following me.
     I don’t give a flip about you or your feelings.

  It may or may not be a good idea to evaluate the slow vehicle driver versus the slow play by a golfer. Let’s think about this.

It seems appropriate that the following additional guidelines will assist golfers to speed up play.
     Do arrive at the first tee a minimum of five (5) minutes prior to the starting time.
     Do hit a provisional ball when the golf ball may be lost.
     Do not hit additional shots for practice purposes during the round.
     Do not putt additional putts on the green after the score has been determined.
     Do have an extra marked ball available.
     Do prepare for your next shot while other players are hitting their golf shots.
     Do take a sand bottle or a scoop of sand plus your three (3) golf clubs, that may be applicable for the shot, when leaving the golf cart.
     Do take enough sand to completely cover the divot level with the ground. When the golfer does not take sand with him, he should walk back to the golf cart and return with sand to cover the divot area. Sometimes, the golfer does not go back to the divot area with sand and therefore causes damage to the golf course. Be aware of a golfer’s responsibility. Always remind others of this responsibility.
     Do fill the sand containers on the golf cart at the next supply area.
     Do not walk to the golf ball and then walk back to the golf cart to get the golf club(s). Take additional clubs and save time and energy.
     Do have a sand rake with you before hitting the golf ball out of the sand bunker.
     Do leave the green immediately and go to the next tee area. At this time, the golfer should clean and return the club(s) to the golf bag, away from the green.
     Do record the golf scores at the next tee box.
     Do be aware when the group is playing slow. A reminder to the group should speed up play.
     Do insist that the first player on the green or close to the green, should drive the golf cart to the back of the green.
     Do repair the ball mark(s) and other damage that you may observe on every green. Remind your friends to follow these guidelines.

  It would be nice and helpful to your fellow golfer by assisting in raking a sand bunker, repairing ball marks, other damage to the green, gather up the golf club(s), and replace the flagstick in the cup.

  Let us all recognize the need to help one another and play 18 holes of golf at the proper pace, (4 hours and 15 minutes or less), that allows about 13 minutes per hole.

  If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the Pro Shop.