Book addresses pace of play

A national authority on pace of play, Steve Southard, CGCS, CPRP, has released a book that examines golf’s complex problem.

Golf – The Complete Guide to Mastering Pace of Play systematically addresses golf course operations including maintenance practice, clubhouse policies, training systems, course flow, course design and misconceptions in the sport of golf that contribute to long playing times.

“For the past 100 years, course managers have blamed slow play on golfers,” Southard said. “Golf – The Complete Guide to Mastering Pace of Play is designed to educate golfers across the nation. Then golfers will be able teach course operators how to eliminate long playing times on their courses.”

The book is Southard’s second on this subject and includes a large educational section designed to give golfers the expertise to troubleshoot pace of play problems at their favorite golf courses. It also explains how golfers can facilitate improvement at their favorite course.

Southard teaches a seminar for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) titled Mastering Pace of Play While Maximizing Revenue, is the creator of an online educational class for the GCSAA, has taught for the Canadian Golf Course Superintendents Association National Education Conference, was featured on The Golf Channel in July and advised the United States Golf Association on its recent pace of play initiative.

The first 52 pages of the book are available as a free download.

“I am glad to provide the first 52 pages of the book to golfers and course operators who would like to understand more about a complex problem for the sport,” Southard said. “Most golfers will be amazed when they learn the root causes of long playing times.  They will also learn how these delays can be avoided.”