Pace of Play Guidelines

These guidelines are designed to help all of us, not just a select few. Remember, we often recognize slow play in others, but seldom recognize it in ourselves.

*"IF YOU KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT, YOU CANNOT BE ACCUSED OF SLOW PLAY." 

* PACE OF PLAY: guidelines and recommendations. The R&A, St Andrews.

Slow play is a universal problem for all golfers on all golf courses, and whether you're a professional or an amateur, it affects play. Golf should be an enjoyable sport of competition and camaraderie, and because it is played by players of varying skills the time required to complete a round varies greatly. A person who uses 110 strokes while traversing the 18 holes is certainly going to take longer than a person only utilizing 75 strokes. And when players of different skill levels are mixed together, in varying formats, the pace of play of one group can be dramatically different from another group in the field. Recognizing this, there are still some basic things players of all skill levels can do to be mindful of their playing time, greatly enhance the quality of the round for everyone while still having fun.

GENERAL

* In the shotgun format, we all start together and except for travel time, we should all finish about the same time. Some weeks we achieve this goal, other times there is up to an hour gap. Please be considerate to the other players and try to keep on pace.

* One of the Rangers jobs is to keep everybody on schedule. If you are approached by a Ranger and asked to pick up the pace, please be courteous and responsive as they are only doing their job.

FROM TEE TO GREEN

* Players should watch each other's shots and mark where the ball landed near a tree, bush or other obvious landmark. Drop a hat or towel next to the found ball before walking and/or driving away to insure quick recovery when the player reaches the ball.

* Play a PROVISIONAL BALL if there is a possibility your ball may be lost in a hazard or out of bounds.

* Play READY golf. Don't be concerned with whose honor it is on the tee or who's away in the fairway. If you're ready to go, HIT AWAY. Especially let the short hitter, who can't reach the group ahead of you anyway, hit first.

* Use the time you spend getting to your ball to think about the next shot, the yardage, and the club selection. When you reach your ball you'll need less time to figure out the shot.

* Work on building a concise pre-shot routine. If your pre-shot routine is a lengthy one, it's probably in your best interests to shorten it anyway. Limit practice strokes to one or two at the most.

* When utilizing a cart, drive to the first ball and drop off the first player with his choice of clubs and a shovel of sand for divots. The second player should proceed in the cart to his ball. After the first player hits his stroke, he should begin walking toward the cart as the second golfer is playing.

* Upon returning to your cart, don't take time to clean your clubs, rather get in the cart, drive to the next shot, and then put away and clean your club while getting the club for your next shot.

* In looking for a lost ball, your playing partners should hit their ball first before helping you. Keep to the MSIS  time limit of 3 minutes.

* If you feel your group is falling behind, advise your playing partners accordingly and try to catch up.

** KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP AHEAD OF YOU. Regardless of your 'time on the course', if your group has no one ahead of you and the group behind you seems to be waiting on every shot, let them play through.

* When approaching the green, park your carts on the cart path in back of the green. That way the next group can hit their approach shots while you are departing the green.

ON THE GREEN

* Begin reading the green and lining up your putt as soon as you reach the green. Do it as soon as you reach the green so that when it's your turn, you can step right up and putt.

* The person whose ball is closest to the hole should mind the pin. The first person to putt out should replace the pin after the last putt is made.

* Unless you are in someone's line, continue putting until the ball is in the hole.

* When leaving the green and returning to your cart, don't stand around fussing with your putter or other clubs. Drive to the next tee, and then put away your clubs. Likewise, mark your scorecard after reaching the next tee, not while lingering on or near the just-completed green.

*On par three greens, allow the group following you to hit up and then complete putting out.

Ready Golf – What That Means

On the Tee

• Carry an extra golf ball in your pocket
• Tee-off as soon as the group ahead is clear
• Shorter hitters should hit first; if not, then the first player who is ready should hit.
• Again, don’t wait for honors; when you are ready hit the ball

On the Fairway

• Drop off your cart passenger first, then drive to your ball
• Take appropriate clubs to your ball and then hit without delay
• Players on opposite sides of the hole may hit simultaneously
• Unless it’s dangerous, when you are ready hit the ball
• Watch your ball; if it leaves the fairway then mark its path with an object
• Limit a search for a lost ball to three minutes
• When you’re out of the hole, stop and pick up your ball

On the Green

• Place any extra clubs you carry between the green and your cart
• Study your putt while others are putting
• Unless you are in someone else’s line continue putting until you putt out
• After everyone holes out, all players should leave the green immediately

• Mark scorecards only after you reach the next tee box and while others are teeing off

And Always, Always …

• Keep your practice swings to the minimum
• Be ready to play when it’s your turn
• Stay within one shot of the group ahead

Abstracted by permission granted 1/18/06 from:

   The Golfer's bible

   published by

   The Allmark Company

   11306 Idaho Avenue

   Hollydale, South Gate, California 90280

   (562) 633-1780