More suggestions on how to speed up NE Alliance rounds

From: PETER NORRIE (Murcar Links)

There's no doubt in my mind that television coverage is the main reason for today's slow play. What is an acceptable pace of play for a three-ball? Twenty years ago I'd have said 3hr 15min was more than enough.
Today I'd be thrilled if the answer was 3hr 30min! For those of us with "Ronnie Grant" tendencies, playing golf at the weekend has become a chore. I have no idea what goes through the head of those that take forever to hit the ball.
Commentators harp on about pre-shot routine and to start again if your concentration is interrupted. That's fine for the tournament pros, but the best pre-shot routine in the world isn't much use to a flawed amateur swing.
Solutions for the NE Alliance? Restrict the field is the obvious one or only play 15 holes or 16 holes, depending on the course lay-out.
It's winter golf, so try some innovative solutions.
1 How about a local rule allowing only 2min to look for a lost ball?
2 Play "ready golf" - hit your shot if you're ready instead of waiting for the guy taking off his waterproofs. It's winter golf, for goodness sake!

A more drastic solution? Have an official on the course, timing groups through three, six and nine holes. If a group is falling behind and can't keep up to the agreed pace, give them all a two-shot penalty. The main culprit will soon get the message from his playing partners and will be struggling to find a game the following week!

++Send your E-mail to colin@scottishgolfview.com if you have some different ideas for speeding up play in the North-east Alliance weekly competitions.