The Rise of the Fivesome: Are Golf Courses Rethinking Their Policies?
For decades, the foursome has been the gold standard of golf groupings. But a quiet shift is happening on courses across the country – and even at the highest levels of the game. The fivesome, long considered a pace-of-play killer and a logistical nightmare, is increasingly being tolerated and even occasionally welcomed. But is this a trend that will continue, or will courses ultimately clamp down on larger groups?
A Controversial Practice with Deep Roots
The debate over fivesomes isn’t fresh. Some golfers cherish the added camaraderie, while others view them as a direct threat to the rhythm of the game. The core issue? Speed. A fivesome inherently takes longer to play a hole, with five players taking swings instead of four. This can lead to backups and frustration for those behind.
However, the reality is more nuanced. Many courses have quietly allowed fivesomes, particularly during off-peak hours or for members and regulars known to maintain a brisk pace. As one GolfPass article points out, it’s a “dirty little secret” many courses don’t advertise. Sometimes, these groups even form organically during a round, with marshals turning a blind eye.
Recent Examples and Course Responses
The issue recently bubbled to the surface when a public course in Mississippi, The Refuge, took to Instagram to clarify its fivesome policy. They admitted fivesomes are allowed with pro shop approval, though cart availability remains a challenge. This public acknowledgment sparked conversation and highlighted the growing acceptance of larger groups.
Complaints about fivesomes impacting pace of play aren’t uncommon. GolfPass reviews mention issues at courses like Florida’s Slammer & Squire and Shingle Creek, where unhurried fivesomes have detracted from the overall experience. One reviewer at The Golf Club Star Ranch in Texas specifically cited a fivesome as the reason for a lowered rating, detailing a 4.5-hour round plagued by excessive waiting.
The Private Club Experience and Innovative Formats
Private clubs often have more flexibility in their policies. A recent experience shared in a GolfPass article involved a fivesome in a men’s league competition at a private club. The group utilized a “Cha Cha Cha” format – three best scores on the first three holes, four best on the next three, and all five on the final three – which helped maintain a reasonable pace, finishing in around four hours.
This highlights a potential solution: adapting the scoring format to accommodate larger groups and incentivize quicker play. The format encourages players who are falling behind to pick up their balls, keeping the group moving.
Pro-Ams, Charity Events, and the PGA Tour
Fivesomes are commonplace in pro-ams, scrambles, and charity tournaments, where the focus is often more on participation and fundraising than strict adherence to pace-of-play guidelines. The PGA Tour has even seen a five-man playoff on occasion, demonstrating the format’s viability in certain competitive scenarios. A notable example is the 1995 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, which featured a fivesome including three U.S. Presidents.
The Cart Conundrum
A significant logistical challenge with fivesomes is cart allocation. A foursome typically requires two carts, while a fivesome necessitates three, often leaving one cart with a single occupant. This can create imbalances and potentially slow down the group further.
What Does the Future Hold for Fivesomes?
The trend suggests that fivesomes aren’t going away. However, their acceptance will likely depend on several factors:
- Course Type: Private clubs will likely remain more accommodating than busy public courses.
- Pace of Play: Aggressive marshaling and a commitment to keeping up with the group in front are crucial.
- Scoring Formats: Innovative formats like the “Cha Cha Cha” can help mitigate pace-of-play issues.
- Cart Availability: Courses need to address the logistical challenges of providing adequate carts.
FAQ
Are fivesomes allowed on most golf courses? Many courses allow them during off-peak times or for members, but it’s not universally accepted.
Do fivesomes slow down play? They can, but not always. Proper marshaling and scoring formats can help maintain a reasonable pace.
What is the best way to handle a slow fivesome? Alert a marshal or politely ask the group to speed up or allow faster groups to play through.
Are fivesomes common in professional golf? They are occasionally seen in pro-ams, charity events, and rare playoff situations.
Should courses embrace or ban fivesomes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
