Speedier golf

SIR – Martin Slumbers, the chief executive of the R&A, golf ’s governing body, is absolutely correct in his comments that golf must fundamentally change its culture (report, May 30).

I am sure the vast majority of club members will support his new initiative to increase the number of women playing the game. I would suggest, however, that the appallingly slow pace of play is also putting off people of all genders.

In the past, the etiquette of keeping up with the players in front and moving away from the green before marking score was strongly observed. Today, players seem to believe that once they have paid for their round they can take as long as they want to complete it, without a thought for those behind.

Two-and-a-half hours for a foursome and three hours for a singles should be the par time at any reasonable course. Martin Cooper

West Horsley, Surrey