Optimizing Pace of Play: The Ideal Speed for 18 Holes & Futuristic Golf Gadgets Revealed

Edition: Friday, Feb 2nd, 2024

Good morning. Welcome to this week's edition of thePar5, where we're driving through everything from the pace of play to high-tech putting – and even taking a swing down memory lane.

So adjust your grip, steady your stance, and let's get ready to play through this edition.

Who knows, you might just find that perfect gadget to up your game or the inspiration to shave a few minutes off your round time. Let's tee off! 🏌️‍♂️

–DP

ETIQUETTE
How Quick Should Your 18 Holes Really Be?

Think a round takes too long? You're not alone.

The ideal pace, says the Three45 Golf Association, should be around 3 hours and 45 minutes - quicker than a Lord Of The Rings film.

But it's not just about player speed; course design plays a big part, too. The USGA's 'time par' system offers guidelines, yet implementation varies.

Pebble Beach's shift from a "4:30" pace to "Ready golf" reflects changing attitudes.

• "Ready golf" is a term used to describe a style of play that is aimed at speeding up the game.

• In traditional golf, players take turns based on who is furthest from the hole, regardless of who is ready to play.

• "Ready golf" encourages players to hit when they are ready to do so, as long as it is safe and they are not interfering with other players.

• This approach helps to reduce waiting times and overall playtime, making the game flow more smoothly and quickly.

The takeaway? Aim for brisk but enjoyable rounds, and when in doubt, check the course's expected pace. Your swing shouldn't be the only thing that's swift! 🏌️‍♂️⌚🏌️‍♀️

NOSTALGIA
Blast from the Past: The Ultra 500's Space Odyssey

Picture this. It's 1995. The Fresh Prince is still in Bel-Air, and Wilson's Ultra 500 golf ball is making its debut with a tagline that could out-drive any slogan today: Designed by rocket scientists.

Let's face it, anything designed by rocket scientists immediately has us envisioning moonshots off the tee. And that’s the charm of the Ultra 500 ad. It merges the fairway with the runway, aiming for birdies and eagles while flirting with the idea of launching satellites.

It's cheeky, it's clever, and it speaks to a time when 'space-age technology' was the golden phrase. Today, our phones have more computing power than the rockets that took us to the moon, yet the idea of golf balls designed by the same folks who plot trajectories for Mars rovers is still pretty cool.

What tickles me about this ad isn't just the nostalgia for neon windbreakers and dial-up internet. It's the realization that 25+ years later, we're still swinging for the stars, albeit with fancier tech. And, while we may not need to call 1-800-GO-WILSON anymore, the quest for the perfect drive remains timeless.

TEEING OFF WITH INSIGHT
Golf Legends' Timeless Wisdom

“I never pray to God to make a putt. I pray to God to help me react good if I miss a putt.” — Chi Chi Rodriguez

FORE THE FUTURE
Puttshack's Hi-Tech Mini Golf Adventure

Mini golf just got a major tech makeover at Puttshack!

Launching its 13th spot in the US, Philly's set to join the club. Imagine a 26,000 sq. ft. playground where your golf ball is smarter than your caddie and keeping score is something only your high-tech ball worries about.

It's a fusion of fun where you can pit your putt against pals for the crown of the greens. And when the game is over, no need to tally scores – your futuristic golf ball has been keeping track, even noting those bonus points you snagged on the sly.

But let's not putter around the main attraction: beyond the tech, there's taste. With globally-inspired grub and 'grammable grog like the jalapeño popsicle margarita, your taste buds will be on a world tour. And with every Philadelphia Tailpipe sold, you're chipping in a dollar to Philabundance – talk about a hole-in-one for humanity!

If you're thinking, "But I've teed off in VR, is it that different?" Well, dear golfer, as cool as hitting a virtual birdie in Walkabout Mini Golf VR is, Puttshack's bringing that competitive edge to the physical realm. It's a spot-on choice for those frosty days when you need to escape the chill and challenge your friends.

From daylight family fun to twilight 21+ vibes with a live DJ, Puttshack's ready to host your next outing. With space for a party of any par, from cozy booths to grand event spaces, they're teeing up to be Philly's go-to spot for techy tee-offs.

So, whether you're a mini golf maven or a putt-putt newbie, gear up for a game where tradition meets tech.

FAIRWAY FINDS
Gadgets to Swing Your Game Up a Notch

Stay Swing-Ready with the Caddy Splash

A compact solution to keeping your clubs clean and your game sharp. This handy tool is all about making club maintenance simple and hassle-free.

Why clean your clubs mid-round? A pristine clubhead means better ball control and improved spin. Users appreciate the brush's effectiveness and ease of use, though some have noted its durability could be improved.

Forget scrubbing and soaking. With its large nylon bristles, the Caddy Splash covers more clubhead area, streamlining your cleaning process. And thanks to its smart, anti-leak design, you can clean your clubs without worrying about water mess in your bag.

Keep your clubs clean and your shots precise with this neat little helper.