Pace of Play

Posted on by greenacresgc

Club Competitions – Pace of Play

 A four ball’s position on the course was the only guide Match & Handicap had on their pace of play, but this can be influenced by individual circumstances.  E.g. the playing handicaps, the number of members in a group, playing above handicap and searching for lost balls.

At the monthly meeting on Monday 4th June 2018 the Council accepted Match & Handicaps proposed Pace of Play timings based on R&A Guidelines.  A group can now be monitored on both their position on the course and against the pace of play timings.

As a guide a four ball is expected to have completed the first nine holes within 2 hours 7 minutes and complete their round within 4 hours and 10 minutes.  The hole is completed when the last member of the group putts out and the flag is placed into the hole.

Out of Position

Groups who are out of position on the course are asked to speed up their play; keeping in mind the Club encourages all members to play ready golf when safe to do so and/or call the group behind through at the earliest possible opportunity.

Behind Time & Out of Position

Groups who are out of position on the course and behind the published timing per hole are expected to speed up their play.  If they are unable to close the gap they MUST call the group behind through at the earliest possible opportunity. If you fail to do so you must report to M&H at the earliest possible opportunity the reason for delay.

Groups who are not called through are asked to report the issue to Match & Handicap who will investigate the matter the following week and if required assign a representative to monitor the group with the power to:

  1. Advise the group it is behind the pace of play and give them the opportunity to speed up.
  2. Impose a two-shot penalty if the gap is not closed.
  3. Disqualify the group from the competition should the problem persist through-out the round.

Members who are repeatedly out of position and behind the pace of play timing will be referred to Council for further action which could include loss of tee time.