Slow play on the golf course can be a frustrating experience for everyone involved.
Let's explore why some golfers might not realize they are playing at a snail's pace.

Lack of Awareness:
Many slow golfers are oblivious to their own pace.
They may not realize that their actions are causing delays for others.
It's like asking a glacier to get moving, sometimes, it's hard to see the problem when you're in the middle of it.

Bad Process, Not Bad Intentions:
Most slow players don't intentionally play slowly.
Instead, they have a poor process.
They don't practice "ready golf," change routines frequently, and struggle to make decisions promptly. It's not about ill intentions; it's about inefficient habits.

Tour Players as Models:
Junior golfers and weekend players often look up to professional tour players as role models. Unfortunately, some tour players take too much time, which trickles down to amateur play.
When we see pros meticulously analyzing shots on TV, it skews our perception of what a reasonable pace should be.

Course Design:
The layout of the golf course matters.
In the U.S., where golfers typically ride carts, tee boxes are often far from the previous green.
Walking 11 miles during a round (as a spectator) takes time.
In contrast, classic courses in the U.K. have tees and greens closer together, allowing for faster play.

Penalties and Accountability:
If players aren't penalized for slow play, they'll continue to take as much time as they can.
Tour pros, despite playing for millions of dollars, sometimes set a poor example.
The lack of consequences perpetuates the issue.

So, next time you're stuck behind a slow golfer, remember that it's not always intentional.
Perhaps a gentle reminder or a strategic tee time can help improve the pace of play.