Pace of Play

The time it takes to play a round continues to be an issue at all levels of golf. To assist administrators and players in improving pace of play, The R&A has produced written guidelines and recommendations. Pace of Play Guidelines It is understandable that clubs, public courses, resorts and competition organisers may have differing views on what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable pace of play. However, it is a fact that slow play detracts from the enjoyment of the game for many golfers, and few golfers are heard to complain about play being too quick. Things that players can do to help to minimise round times: Be aware of your position with regard to the group in front. Do not concern yourself with the group behind; the fact that you are not holding them up is irrelevant as it is your group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If you feel that your group is falling behind, advise the other players in your group. If your group is behind, try to catch up quickly. If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, or if there is no group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind, invite the group behind to play through. Do not wait until it is your turn to play before putting your glove on. Do not wait until it is your turn to play before calculating your yardage and selecting your club. Look at your own line of putt while the other players in the group look at theirs (within the bounds of normal etiquette). At the green, position your bags so as to allow quick movement off the green to the next tee. Move off the green as soon as all players in your group have holed out; mark score cards at or on the way to the next tee. Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost outside a hazard or out of bounds. If you keep up with the group in front, you cannot be accused of slow play.