PACE OF PLAY

March 2010

 

 

Rosedale Golf & Country Club has always maintained an ÒinclusiveÓ rather than ÒexclusiveÓ daily golf schedule.  That is, it has worked, and will always continue to work, to include members and guests on a daily basis rather than work to exclude them based on their playing ability.

 

It enjoys a varied membership with respect to golf ability, and as such, at times the daily golf schedule will have a diverse range of playing levels.  No consideration is made to keep players of any level from enjoying the course and a game of golf.

 

Based upon the results of the Golf Operations Survey, a strong desire exists to more effectively monitor the pace of play.  The game of golf over a Par 72 regulation course does have a Òtime limitÓ of sorts.  No consideration is made in the time limit for a 9 or 18 hole round with respect to the golferÕs ability.  Naturally, the lower handicapped players may have more time to spend on each shot, as there are fewer shots.  As a result, it is important that each player (low or high handicap) within a group be prepared and be aware of the time spent on each shot.

 

The golf staff realizes that even the most relaxed member may start to Òtense upÓ when finding themselves in a slow group.  Therefore, we ask each of the golf associations, i.e. the RMGA, RLGA and the RNGA to endorse the pace of play process our rangers will be implementing.  It is hoped this will alleviate most, if not all, of the extended slow play situations golfers may encounter.  The following five-step process is what we in golf operations expect of our rangers in their attempt to maintain the proper pace of play.

 

PACE OF PLAY RULES DURING COMPETITIONS

 

Pace of Play: Rule 6-7 in the USGA Rules states: Undue Delay: Slow Play – The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that locally have been established (see below).

 

Guidelines: The allotted time for 18 holes of golf is four (4) hours. Every group is to maintain their position on the course. A group is Òout of positionÓ when ½ hole is open in front of them. Follow all instructions given by the Rangers. If a group is Ò out of positionÓ and behind the allotted time, they will be warned. If the group does not catch up within two (2) holes, a 2nd warning will be given. At this time, each player in that group will be put on a 40-second clock to complete their shot. If a player(s) in the foursome receives a Òslow timeÓ designation in stroke play, that/those player(s) will be assessed a two (2)-stroke penalty for every hole the player(s) receives a slow time designation (more than 40 seconds to complete their shot). In match play, the player will lose the hole(s) on which he receives a slow time.

 

 

ROSEDALE RANGERS PACE OF PLAY PROCESS

 

1. Observe golfers and determine if play is slow.  Confirm actual starting time for the group.

 

2. Speak with golfersÉoffer a casual reminder.

 

3. If slow play persists, inform the slow group that the group behind them is going to play through.

 

4. Move the next group ahead of the slow group.

 

5. If slow play continues, ask the golfers to pick up their ball and move to the next hole.  Please check with the Pro Shop first.

 

6. Be sure to contact the Pro Shop immediately if any golfer is abusive.

 

 

PACE OF PLAY HELPFUL HINTS

 

Here are a few tips to help avoid the Rangers involvement in your game:

 

1. Watching others play their shot helps you to stay Òin the game.Ó  You are more in focus to play your shot(s).  Watching otherÕs shots helps to locate errant shots quicker too!

 

2. DonÕt always expect to be driven to your golf ball.  Get out of the cart and select the club you need, plus the club on either side to hit your next shot.  Stay behind whoever is away and be ready to advance by foot to your shot.  This will take quite a lot of time off your round.

 

3. Pick locations to clean clubs and/or write scores down.  Doing this in the way of others behind you may not slow your group down, but it will perturb those behind you.

 

4. There are many tips to get your group moving in a timely manner, but above all, remember this -- your place on the golf course is immediately behind the group in front of you not immediately in front of the group behind you.