The Masters is over and Tiger Woods is on the DL for six weeks.

The Masters tournament was once again a great mental test for the professionals; Augusta is a golf course that has no rough to speak of and is one of the most intimidating courses the tour plays. It can leave the best players in the world scratching their heads and talking to themselves.

In the end, though, Trevor Immelman turned out to be the player of the week with the most determination and patience. Brandt Snedeker emerged as the feel-good story of the week. He also may be the next Tom Watson in the manner in which he plays. One thing that does somewhat stick out is the pace of play. I understand it is The Masters and a lot is on the line, but to be in twosomes and take almost five hours to play?

Pace of play at golf courses around the country is always a concern for management. At Brickyard Crossing, we set our GPS units to pace our players around the course in 4 hours, 40 minutes. That is actually giving them about 15-20 minutes extra.

We are not asking the players to run around the course, but to play ready golf. When it is your turn, be prepared to hit your shot, have your yardage already figured and chose your club while the other players in your group are hitting their shots. Just because the pros take five hours to play doesn’t mean that the average player needs to do the same.

Golf is much more enjoyable when it is played without undue delay, and it makes the player assistance personnel job easier. The last thing they like to do is ride shotgun on a group that is holding up play. Play ready golf and everyone will enjoy their round. That is my rant for the year on slow play!

Jeff Schroeder

Head PGA Professional

Brickyard Crossing