Rickochet
I think I remember that.
Yes, certainly there are times when one needs to regather himself in that situation, especially if he's a quicker player and gets a little quicker than he's accustomed to, and needs to refocus.
But sometimes, as is the case with me anyway, when I play with slower players - I get out of my rhythm and try to play quicker than usual - trying to do whatever I can to help us play quicker as a group. That's where slow players wear on their quicker-playing partners... they put pressure on their fellow playing partners to help make up the difference.
But one does need at least a modicum of time to process what is required of him as a player to at least give himself a chance to execute a decent shot.
It's just that when you find yourself looking over your shoulder constantly, wondering if players playing behind you are waiting on you, it's very difficult to not get out of your usual playing rhythm when you've got a slowpoke in the group who ain't looking over his shoulder, who couldn't give two shits about those playing with and behind him. Most golfers who respect the etiquette part of the game have that awareness... some do not, however. Only to say that a slow player can have a significant negative impact on others playing with them. And I'm not talking about the occasion stray ball that takes a couple minutes to find, etc... we all deal with that. That's expected. It's a difficult game. But on a routine shot? Different story.
Me personally? I'd rather have to wait on a group ahead of me than feel rushed because the group behind is up my ass.
But 4 hours is plenty of time for a 4some to play 18 holes. 4:15-4:30 is pushing it, but not intolerable. But beyond that - it starts having a seriously negative impact on my game and overall performance.
And that's part of the reason why I joined a private club. Longest round I played at my club last year was a scramble, believe it or not. Took 4:30. It was an outside outing that I signed up with a buddy to play in, because it was for a good cause.
My weekend group usually gets 18 holes in in-under 4 hours, or at the 4:05 mark.
I think that's about perfect for me. We're keeping up with the group ahead, but not waiting... and also not making the group behind wait on us.
Keep pace with the group ahead. That's my motto.