Pace of Play
With competition tee sheets full this is increasingly becoming an issue at HMGC.
“A round of golf is meant to be played at a prompt pace.” (Rules of Golf 5.6b)
Every player should recognize that his or her pace of play is likely to affect how long it will take other players to play their rounds, including both those in the player’s own group and those in following groups.
It is the responsibility of all players in a Group to ensure play proceeds promptly and you keep up with the group in front.
As a guide a Group is considered to be “Out of Position” on the course if, on a par four or five, the group in-front has left the green before your group has reached the tee.
In these circumstances’ players should allow faster players or groups behind to “play through”.
The golf team have timed a number of three-ball rounds in competitions and a round should take no longer than three and a half hours. As a guide players should reach the 7th tee in an hour, the 12th tee in two hours and the 16th tee in 3 hours.
In the Rules of Golf 2019 – Rule 5.6b provides some recommendations regarding Pace of Play, these include –
- Move at a prompt pace when walking between shots and when making your way to the next teeing area.
- Prepare in advance for your next shot so you are ready to play when it is your turn.
- Play “ready golf” if you are in position and ready, then play your shot, providing it is safe to do so, this also applies to shots from the teeing area.
Other tips to avoid delays include
- Completing your score card either after teeing off or whilst waiting to tee off at the next hole
- Adhere to the 3-minute search time for lost balls, a ball found after 3 minutes is “lost” and cannot be played.
- If you are in any doubt that you will find your ball after playing a shot then play a provisional ball before you move forward. (See Rule 18.3 for a provisional ball and Penalty Areas.)
- In Stableford and Bogey competitions if you cannot score on a hole or improve on your partners score, pick up, do not “hole out”.
We would encourage all members to be aware of their pace of play when on the course and be considerate to other players by playing at a prompt pace or allowing quicker players to “play through”.
Thank you for your support and co-operation
The Golf Team