MN Loon

I’v3 golfed for 40+ years now and my opinion there are a number of ways to speed up play, ready golf being the best.  I also agree that spending time shooting distances, checking email, etc. has slowed down the game.  There are times where knowing the distance to clear a bunker is important - to the golfer who can consistently hit the ball - but I find many of the people playing so focused on distance it paralyzes their game.  They then skull the shot, scoop the shot, and whole routine starts over…
 
Beyond that, there seems to be a societal trend of inconsiderate behavior.  To many people think only about themselves and not enough about those playing or behind them.  

I’v3 golfed for 40+ years now and my opinion there are a number of ways to speed up play, ready golf being the best.  I also agree that spending time shooting distances, checking email, etc. has slowed down the game.  There are times where knowing the distance to clear a bunker is important - to the golfer who can consistently hit the ball - but I find many of the people playing so focused on distance it paralyzes their game.  They then skull the shot, scoop the shot, and whole routine starts over…
 
Beyond that, there seems to be a societal trend of inconsiderate behavior.  To many people think only about themselves and not enough about those playing or behind them.  

I’v3 golfed for 40+ years now and my opinion there are a number of ways to speed up play, ready golf being the best.  I also agree that spending time shooting distances, checking email, etc. has slowed down the game.  There are times where knowing the distance to clear a bunker is important - to the golfer who can consistently hit the ball - but I find many of the people playing so focused on distance it paralyzes their game.  They then skull the shot, scoop the shot, and whole routine starts over…
 
Beyond that, there seems to be a societal trend of inconsiderate behavior.  To many people think only about themselves and not enough about those playing or behind them.  

I am 64 and dropped the 5i a few years ago and replaced it with 5h. There are times the gap between my 6i and 5h frustrates me, but hitting a 5i consistently off the deck was more frustrating.  

Playing the correct tees for your ability is always the best solution.  15+ handicaps playing from 6800 yards is ridiculous.  On most days I would chain off any tee box more than 6300 yards. The other thing I would implement is you only get to mark your ball once on the green and you have to putt out once you start.  No marking the ball each time you four putt.  

My course has handicap flags that can be placed on your cart to get an exemption from cart path only.  That course has carts that will shut down if you are not where you are supposed to be and they disable the feature for the round.
A couple of the guys in our league qualify.  We didn't know they offered it until one of the handicapped guys mentioned hating cart path rules in casual conversation with the starter one week.  It's not advertised anywhere in our clubhouse but it is offered; so it's worth asking if the course has that option during check-in.

Yup, slow play builds tension in the body and both are enemies to my golf. Here are some Old Guy Thoughts.
Everyone play the appropriate tees. (At 78, I'm sure not going way back there!)
Everyone get to the side if waiting on a partners shot and take your practice swings. (No more standing over the ball with 3-4 practice swings or 10 waggles!)
Let old guys like me occupy one cart. (If you have an old guy in your group, you KNOW he is naturally slower and often a short hitter!)
If someone has difficulty navigating on foot (e.g, bad knee, back), the course should grant an exception to cart path only. (Experienced old golfers will not damage the course with their cart; and few courses we play are so pristine that use of a cart would hurt it!)
Just some thoughts. Best, -Marv

Not sure it counts, but I volunteer and work the PGA 3M Open in the Twin Cities.  I’ve worked the course with Rickie Fowler.  

Not sure it counts, but I volunteer and work the PGA 3M Open in the Twin Cities.  I’ve worked the course with Rickie Fowler.  

Not sure it counts, but I volunteer and work the PGA 3M Open in the Twin Cities.  I’ve worked the course with Rickie Fowler.  

Not sure it counts, but I volunteer and work the PGA 3M Open in the Twin Cities.  I’ve worked the course with Rickie Fowler.  

I do work at a golf course as a ranger/starter. I am retired and it gives me an opportunity to work three days a week at a club that has three nine hole courses that have all been redone, one each year for the last three years. The course architecture was redone by Andrew Green one of the hottest architects out there right now. We run double tee times from the three courses and rotate the courses each week. The courses are beautiful and when it is not “season” meaning December thru April the staff gets to play the courses for no charge and gets reciprocity with about 20-25 other private courses in the area with little or no cost to us. Not a bad gig here in Southeast Florida.

Nice question and good comments.  I am in the “depends on the situation” camp.  Over about 5 years I acquired 4-5 different good quality bags that could be used in different situations.  I agree with the comments that a stand bag is the most useful.  Whether Ogio, Titleist, Ping, and others, they are very flexible and are great at the range and can always work in other situations.
That said, at 64 yrs. carrying  a 14 divider full size stand bag is too much.  However, if I can walk that is my preferred way of playing.  For that I have a smaller backpack style carry bag and an unstructured 7 club bag.  
When playing back-to-back rounds I push the Sun Mountain 14 way divider w/putter well and the SM push cart.  It’s a wonderful setup and quickly becoming my preferred way of walking.  Unlike some push carts, the Sun Mountain bag/cart combo has a nice molded bottom that fits into the cart and keeps the bag from shifting around while in use.  

Cart bags are great if you plan to ride the majority of time.  They are especially useful if the weather is inclement because they hold lots of stuff and you don’t need to carry or push the heavier than normal bag.
In conclusion, start with a divided stand bag because they are the most useful.  Then if you prefer riding, go to a cart bag, if you prefer to walk get either a push cart bag or lighter weight carry bag.  NEVER toss or trade in bags.  Buy bags for there use and you will get a nice collection for different purposes - plus you’ll need bags for the new clubs you’ll be buying!

I am not a low single handicapper, but do live in Minnesota which has the same weather barriers.  
 
I use our club simulator and focus on getting my distances accurate.  I find after having control of direction, understanding the gaps in distance is important to lowering scores.  
I am always very patient when heading out in Spring because the ball is now above, in sand or on some sort of uneven lie.  This changes the swing plane, causing early season frustration.  That said, spending time at the range purposefully, practicing short shots and PUTTS keeps my scores close to the season before.  
We went to Florida in February and my scores the first few times out were comparable to last October, after spending a few hours on the range and greens.  I am also in my mid-60’s so I don’t have the strength and flexibility of younger folks who should be able to bounce back easier.  

I am not a low single handicapper, but do live in Minnesota which has the same weather barriers.  
 
I use our club simulator and focus on getting my distances accurate.  I find after having control of direction, understanding the gaps in distance is important to lowering scores.  
I am always very patient when heading out in Spring because the ball is now above, in sand or on some sort of uneven lie.  This changes the swing plane, causing early season frustration.  That said, spending time at the range purposefully, practicing short shots and PUTTS keeps my scores close to the season before.  
We went to Florida in February and my scores the first few times out were comparable to last October, after spending a few hours on the range and greens.  I am also in my mid-60’s so I don’t have the strength and flexibility of younger folks who should be able to bounce back easier.  

I am with the play crowd.  Fun to be on sight, but there is nothing like playin* the course - especially the Monday after while th3 stands are still up!

I prefer the dividers, whether 14 or even down to 10.  I once owned a nice Ogio carry bag that featured two large openings in the middle for your Driver, Fairway, and Hybrids, plus 3 dividers on each side for irons, 2 large for wedges and a putter well.  That was my favorite bag for organization.
in my opinion, cart bags should have full length dividers.  Especially pushcart bags.  With the clubs sitting sideways, it is easier to get them in and out.  I have a nice Sun Mountain bag, with a bottom that fits their push cart to avoid the bag moving around, that is set up well.
divders also help if you have lager grips.

I prefer the dividers, whether 14 or even down to 10.  I once owned a nice Ogio carry bag that featured two large openings in the middle for your Driver, Fairway, and Hybrids, plus 3 dividers on each side for irons, 2 large for wedges and a putter well.  That was my favorite bag for organization.
in my opinion, cart bags should have full length dividers.  Especially pushcart bags.  With the clubs sitting sideways, it is easier to get them in and out.  I have a nice Sun Mountain bag, with a bottom that fits their push cart to avoid the bag moving around, that is set up well.
divders also help if you have lager grips.

This is a fun topic.  Enjoy reading everyone’s comments.  I’ll add my top 3:
1)  My first Hole in One while golfing with my youngest son.  He was on the High School team and we were on the 16th hole of the evening, a par 3 of 158 yards.  Hit just above the hole and rolled ( I was always say spun) back in to the hole.  It was the first HOI either of us had experienced.  
2)  After my late wife passed, I met a lady for coffee and then went out to play a round.  I shot a 78 and was hitting shots even I couldn’t believe.  I thought she must be very special and we married 18 months later.   

3)  Playing Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and Cour d Laine golf courses.  I know that’s 3 courses, but they were wonderful experiences.
 

This is a fun topic.  Enjoy reading everyone’s comments.  I’ll add my top 3:
1)  My first Hole in One while golfing with my youngest son.  He was on the High School team and we were on the 16th hole of the evening, a par 3 of 158 yards.  Hit just above the hole and rolled ( I was always say spun) back in to the hole.  It was the first HOI either of us had experienced.  
2)  After my late wife passed, I met a lady for coffee and then went out to play a round.  I shot a 78 and was hitting shots even I couldn’t believe.  I thought she must be very special and we married 18 months later.   

3)  Playing Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and Cour d Laine golf courses.  I know that’s 3 courses, but they were wonderful experiences.
 

This is a fun topic.  Enjoy reading everyone’s comments.  I’ll add my top 3:
1)  My first Hole in One while golfing with my youngest son.  He was on the High School team and we were on the 16th hole of the evening, a par 3 of 158 yards.  Hit just above the hole and rolled ( I was always say spun) back in to the hole.  It was the first HOI either of us had experienced.  
2)  After my late wife passed, I met a lady for coffee and then went out to play a round.  I shot a 78 and was hitting shots even I couldn’t believe.  I thought she must be very special and we married 18 months later.   

3)  Playing Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and Cour d Laine golf courses.  I know that’s 3 courses, but they were wonderful experiences.
 

This is a fun topic.  Enjoy reading everyone’s comments.  I’ll add my top 3:
1)  My first Hole in One while golfing with my youngest son.  He was on the High School team and we were on the 16th hole of the evening, a par 3 of 158 yards.  Hit just above the hole and rolled ( I was always say spun) back in to the hole.  It was the first HOI either of us had experienced.  
2)  After my late wife passed, I met a lady for coffee and then went out to play a round.  I shot a 78 and was hitting shots even I couldn’t believe.  I thought she must be very special and we married 18 months later.   

3)  Playing Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and Cour d Laine golf courses.  I know that’s 3 courses, but they were wonderful experiences.
 

Mine is a full round with my dad at my favourite course The Rise.

Mine is playing in the Outer Banks with my two sons and laughing ourselves silly the entire day !

Practicing before a round on Bay Hill's putting green with Arnold Palmer. The storm siren sounded while we were waiting to tee off, the times were delayed so I went to the putting green and no one else on it. Around the corner in a golf cart comes AP, he gets out his putter, I was like holy s***! He nods and smiles like he always does on TV, then starts practicing himself. It only took about 3 minutes before all the autograph hounds noticed and ruined the experience. To top it off, we headed to the tee and the starter said gentlemen Mr. Palmer is in the group behind you please don't hold him up. What a country!