PACE OF PLAY
Rosedale Golf & Country Club has always maintained an “inclusive” rather than “exclusive” daily golf schedule. That is, we have and will always work to include members and guests on a daily basis rather than work to exclude them based on their playing ability.
We enjoy 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, there is a strong desire to more effectively monitor the pace of play. The game of golf over a Par 72 regulation course does have a “time limit” of sorts. No consideration is made in the time limit for a 9 or 18 hole round with respect to the golfer’s 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 “tense up” when finding themselves in a slow group. Therefore, we ask each of the golf associations, i.e. the MGA, RLGA and the RNGA to endorse the pace of play process our Rangers will be implementing. It is our hope to alleviate most, if not all, of the extended slow play situations they may encounter. The following five-step process is what we in the golf operations expect of our Rangers in their attempt to maintain the proper pace of play.
1. Observe golfers and determine if play is slow. Confirm actual starting time for the group.
2. Speak with golfers…offer a casual reminder.
3. If slow play
persists, inform the slow group that the group behind them is going to play
through.
Be sure to contact the Pro Shop immediately if any golfer is abusive.
Here are a few tips to help avoid the Rangers involvement in your game:
1. Watching others play their shot helps you to stay “in the game.” You are more in focus to play your shot(s). Watching other’s shots helps to locate errant shots quicker too!
2. Don’t always expect to be driven to your golf ball. Hop 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 loads of 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.
Have fun and keep up the pace!