The R & A have released their feelings with regard to the pace of play, some comments are reproduced below but the whole article can be viewed by clicking on the R&A symbol at the bottom of this page.
They state; as a guide, generally two-ball rounds should take no more than 3 hours 10 minutes; three-balls should take no more than 3 hours 30 minutes, and four-balls no more than 3 hours 50 minutes. In fact, shorter round times than these should be the aim of all players, where appropriate.
However, as already mentioned, it is also appreciated that factors such as course design and heat may necessitate longer round time targets and administrators should be mindful of this.Things that players can do to help to minimise round times:
* Be aware of your position with regard to the group in front.
* Do not concern yourself with the group behind; the fact that you are not holding them up is irrelevant as it is your group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front.
* If you feel that your group is falling behind, advise the other players in your group.
* If your group is behind, try to catch up quickly.
* If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, or if there is no group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind, invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.
* Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the following group can play faster, it should invite the faster group to play through.
* Do not wait until it is your turn to play before putting your glove on.
* Do not wait until it is your turn to play before calculating your yardage and selecting your club.
* Look at your own line of putt while the other players in the group look at theirs (within the bounds of normal etiquette).
* At the green, position your bags so as to allow quick movement off the green to the next tee.
* Move off the green as soon as all players in your group have holed out; mark score cards at or on the way to the next tee.
* Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost outside a hazard or out of bounds.
* If you keep up with the group in front, you cannot be accused of slow play.
Be advised, page 28 of the current R&A Rules of Golf Book 2008 - 2011, states, 'the term 'group' includes a single player.