Marshalling is one of the most important duties to be performed on the golf course. In some cases flow of play is the only measure of how a group enjoyed their day, and if they will return to our facility. Each marshal must be aware of this great emphasis that is placed on a comfortable pace. On an average day groups can be placed into one of three categories:

1. 10% of the players think the pace is to fast
2. 10% think that the pace is to slow
3. 80% are comfortable with the current pace

The marshal must determine the pace that is comfortable to the majority of the players. The marshal will have to hear complaints from the faster groups, and excuses from the slower ones, this is the difficulty.

The key to effective marshalling is to catch the problem early. It is easier to speed up a group that is ½ a hole behind, than it is a group that is 2 holes behind. Many of the slow groups do not realize their speed or that they are holding up the course. If we bring it to their attention early we can keep them aware of their speed throughout the round.

Marshalling is a thankless job, you must be confident when talking to people. A simple model can be followed when trying to speed up slow groups.

1. Bring slow play to the attention of the entire group.
" Hi guys, you are falling behind the group ahead of you, if you could please speed up your pace it would be greatly appreciated."

2. Mark their time and check on them within 2 holes.

3. Give the group they're second warning. " If you do not catch up I will have to have you guys skip a hole in order to keep the pace of the day acceptable."

4. Go to the 3 groups behind the warned group and explain to them that you are aware of the problem, and for them to be prepared for the pace to speed up.

5. Check on the group within one hole. If no progress is made the group must pick up their balls and move into position, by skipping over the appropriate number of holes.

6. Go to the groups behind and explain that you have moved the problem group, and let them know that they will now have to speed up to fill the gap.

7. Repeat step 6 as many times as necessary

Remember to treat the golfers as you would like to be treated in that situation. "Love them to Death".

If the day is running smooth, the above method should be able to control the course. During the course of the day you will see that there are only a few times when you will be able to come off of the golf course. If you are not patrolling the course than you should be sitting back and watching a potential problem group or a group in which you have just warned.

There will be many instances when a group will be less than happy with our methods. If a group is not cooperating after the second warning a second person may be needed to help with the group. People are less aggressive to 2 people than 1. In this case please get a shift supervisor to help you deal with the problem. There should always be a member of the Professional staff in the Pro-Shop to help you deal with these situations. Marshals should never engage in shouting, or any other confrontations with a customer, stay calm. If a group is extremely uncooperative they may have to be removed from the course, this should only be done by the Head Professional or the General Manager. Remember that everyone on the course has paid to enjoy his or her day.