8/30/2026
The data also supported something we generally see on the golf course which is a natural progression for pace of play to get slower as the day goes on. The later a group tees off, the more likely they are to encounter groups ahead of them that have already started to fall behind.
The group that recorded the 4:39 round is a good example. That time wasn't entirely a reflection of their own pace. The groups in front of them had been consistently getting slower for nearly two hours, and that delay continued to build as it moved through the tee sheet.
That is an important reminder as we head into the fall. If our expectation is that a round should take no more than 4:15, falling just one or two minutes behind the group in front of you may not seem significant. But when every group does the same thing, those one or two minutes continue to add up throughout the day. What starts as a small delay can eventually turn into an overly slow day for everyone.
As our tee sheet becomes more condensed this fall, we need everyone to be mindful of their pace of play. The best way to avoid falling behind is simple, keep up with the group in front of you. For those looking for some additional tips, Golf Digest has put together a great article with some simple ways to improve pace of play:
How to Play Faster Golf – Golf Digest
September is often considered the best month of the year to play golf in our area, and I know many of our members will be looking to get out and enjoy the course as much as possible. With that in mind, a little planning ahead can go a long way.
As we move into a busy September, please make a habit of checking the club calendar before planning your day and/or inviting guests. We have a number of events throughout the month that will impact the tee sheet, some for a portion of the day and others for longer periods.
The one full-day closure to be aware of is our annual Mad River Classic in support of the Collingwood G&M Hospital, which takes place on Monday, September 21st. The course will be closed for the entire day for this event.
Aside from the Mad River Classic, we have several smaller events throughout the month that may impact tee time availability for part of the day. None of these should prevent members from enjoying the course, but knowing what is happening in advance will help you plan accordingly.
September is a great month to be at Mad River. The course is in great shape, the weather is typically fantastic, and there is still plenty of golf to be played. Hopefully, with a little planning ahead and an eye on the club calendar, everyone can get out and enjoy as much of September as possible.