There are moments in a golfer’s life that define more than just a score. For me, it was August 31, 2024. That was the day I learned, with bracing honesty, that I was a unhurried player. It wasn’t a self-diagnosis, but a direct assessment from a man who knows a thing or two about the rhythm of a well-played round: David McLay Kidd, the architect behind GrayBull, the Dormie Network’s newest course in Maxwell, Nebraska.
I’d spent the day at GrayBull, a course meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with the rugged beauty of the Sandhills. The Dormie Network, known for its collection of exclusive clubs, had chosen Kidd to design its seventh property, and the first built entirely from the ground up. After an evening of conversation following a round with journalists, Kidd delivered the news with characteristic affability, but undeniable directness. “You’re a player,” he said, “You’ve got a good game. But you’re slow.”
The word hung in the air, a surprising and unwelcome assessment. I’d always considered myself aware of pace of play, mindful of not disrupting others. I’d certainly played with those who seemed to operate on a different temporal plane – those who, as Kidd place it, “waggled more than Kevin Na or Brian Harman” – and prided myself on being quicker. But Kidd, I knew, valued speed. He preferred a brisk pace, a continuous flow. Perhaps, I reasoned, my slowness wasn’t egregious, merely a contrast to his own preference.
“Well,” I offered, attempting a defense, “I’m methodical.” Kidd’s response was succinct and unwavering: “No, you’re slow.” His explanation, however, was the key. It wasn’t about a lack of awareness, but a subtle timing issue. I was taking too long to gather information – checking the wind, lasering distances to the flag, bunkers, and edges of the green – *before* it was my turn to hit. I was prioritizing thoroughness at the expense of pace, creating delays for my playing partners even before I addressed the ball.
The Hidden Time Stealers on the Golf Course
It’s a common trap for golfers who take the game seriously. We’re taught to analyze, to strategize, to consider every variable. But that process, when delayed until our turn, can disrupt the flow of the game for everyone. As Kidd pointed out, those seemingly slight actions – the wind check, the laser measurements, the club selection – accumulate. They add up to minutes, and those minutes can significantly impact the overall pace of play. The issue isn’t necessarily the actions themselves, but *when* they’re performed.
I realized I’d been operating under the assumption that being considerate meant waiting for my turn to begin my assessment. I didn’t want to distract anyone during their swing. But in doing so, I was inadvertently creating a different kind of disruption. I was essentially adding pre-shot routine time *on top* of the normal waiting time, extending the interval between shots.
Fortunately, a quick opportunity for redemption presented itself. Less than a month later, on September 18th, I found myself playing with Kidd again, this time at Tributary in Idaho. I’d already played a round with other media members, and that round was dedicated to a single goal: to anticipate and address the issue. I focused on getting a head start on the analytical steps, having a club selected and ready to go as soon as it was my turn.
A Shift in Focus, and a Positive Response
Over cigars that evening, the topic of my pace of play inevitably arose. Kidd, never one to shy away from a good-natured ribbing, asked the group, with a wry smile, “Who played with this guy today? And how slow did he play?” The response from one of my playing partners was both validating and relieving: “Slow? He’s not slow at all!”
The turnaround was a testament to the power of focused effort. Correcting a golf swing takes time and practice, but addressing a flaw in pace of play can be surprisingly quick. It requires a simple shift in mindset – a commitment to being prepared *before* your turn, rather than during it. And, as I discovered, having a blunt but insightful playing partner like David McLay Kidd can be incredibly helpful. Kidd’s design philosophy, as highlighted in a Dormie Network blog post, emphasizes a natural flow and responsiveness to the land, principles that clearly extend to his expectations for pace of play.
GrayBull itself, built in the Sandhills of Nebraska, embodies this philosophy. As Kidd described in a Golfweek interview, the course is designed to complement the “dynamic” terrain, encouraging a quicker, more intuitive style of play. The Sandhills’ unique sandy soil promotes firm, fast conditions, rewarding efficient shot-making and discouraging excessive deliberation.
Beyond Personal Pace: A Collective Responsibility
My experience with Kidd wasn’t just about fixing a personal flaw; it was a reminder that pace of play is a collective responsibility. It requires awareness, consideration, and a willingness to adapt. While individual habits play a role, so too does a broader culture of respect for everyone’s time on the course. Simple adjustments – being ready to hit when it’s your turn, limiting practice swings, and keeping up with the group ahead – can make a significant difference.
The issue of slow play is a perennial concern in golf, and organizations like the US Golf Association (USGA) are actively working to address it through initiatives like the Pace of Play Guidelines. But the solution lies with each individual golfer, recognizing that a faster, more efficient round is a more enjoyable round for everyone involved.
The next time you’re on the course, take a moment to assess your own habits. Are you truly ready to hit when it’s your turn? Or are you, like I was, unknowingly contributing to the problem? A little self-awareness can go a long way toward improving your game – and the experience for your playing partners.
What are your biggest challenges when it comes to pace of play? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.
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