Will the 2019 USGA Rule Changes Really Help Slow Play?

The USGA has Published a New Consolidated Set of Rules for 2019 in Hopes of Speeding Up Play. But will Recreational Golfers Benefit?

In case you haven’t heard, on January 1st new rules of golf took effect. The USGA created the modified rules mostly to simplify the old rule book and alleviate slow play. Of course these are things we here at GolfStinks have been complaining about for quite a while, so I was excited learn more.

But after having a chance to review the new rule changes, I wonder if slow play will really get better? Take a look at the top 5 changes below:

And now take a look at the specific pace-of-play rule changes:

My initial reaction to the new rules was; “This is great, slow play will soon be a thing of the past!” But after digesting it a bit, I’m restating to; “This is a step in the right direction.” Sure, the pro tours and even local tournaments might see a pace-of-play increase using these new rules, but will the recreational golfer enjoy a quicker round?

Considering recreational golfers are already employing many of these changes, my guess is the impact on the weekend golfer will be minimal.

IMO, recreational golfers need to hasten play themselves by letting quicker groups play-through and/or picking-up on a hole when necessary. These things should be taught to all new players and embedded within golf etiquette. Courses can help too by employing more rangers. But until these things happen across the board, 5-hour rounds will continue to be the norm – especially during the weekends at public facilities.

But I want your thoughts too – will the changes to the USGA rules really increase the pace-of-play for ALL golfers? Let me know in the comments.