Which design characteristic is most effective in speeding up the pace of play on a golf course?

Wider fairways and limiting the number of hazards on a golf course are effective design characteristics for speeding up the pace of play. Wider fairways provide players with more room to hit their shots, which reduces the likelihood of errant shots landing in difficult or time-consuming areas to recover from, such as trees or dense rough. This allows players to find their balls more easily and reduces the time spent looking for lost balls, which can significantly slow down play.

Additionally, by limiting hazards, players can face fewer obstacles that require strategic play and careful consideration, further streamlining the game. When players can focus on playing their shots rather than maneuvering around various hazards, they can maintain a more consistent pace, contributing to a quicker overall round of golf.

The other design characteristics, such as narrower fairways, more water hazards, and heavy rough, tend to create more challenging conditions that can lead to longer rounds as they increase the difficulty and the likelihood of players taking more time to strategize or recover from challenging situations.