Pace is a particular concern at Jackson, the city's busiest course with more than 76,000 rounds projected this year. Jackson also has the most problems because of its layout, and the headaches start early. Another notorious logjam is at the par-3 eighth tee. Earl wants to toughen both No. 2 and No. 7 to make them play slower and wants to lengthen No. 3. But such improvements are at least a year off.
Pace is a nationwide issue.
Earl cites the work of Bill Yates, a California-based former engineer who has become the national guru of speed of play. A touchy issue is changing golfers' behavior so they play faster. That's a challenge. Overall, though, response has been favorable at the courses, according to the pros. The number of marshals is being increased.