Pace of Play Policy
Adherence to the Pace of Play is the player’s responsibility. Warnings will not be issued to slow groups, advise rules officials ASAP of a slow player in your group.
Rule 5.6a, Unreasonable Delay of Play: “A player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes.”
A player may be allowed a short delay for certain reasons, such as:
- When the player seeks help from a referee or the Committee
- When the player becomes injured or ill, or
- When there is another good reason
EXPECTED TIME – This is the time within which all groups must play each nine holes. An Expected Time will be given for the front nine and back nine, e.g. the Expected Time for the 1st nine might be 2:15 and for the 2nd nine 2:10. When a group falls behind, whatever the reason, it must regain its position. Time for ball searches, rulings and walking time between holes is included in the Expected Time.
Each group’s starting time will be recorded on a time card at the start of each round. The group’s time will be noted when the flag stick is replaced at the end of each 9 holes. If the group is within the Expected Time and less than 13 minutes behind the group in front, no action will be taken, although the group may be warned if they are failing to keep up with the group ahead.
OUT OF POSITION
First Group – The first group is out of position and subject to penalty if they complete the first nine and/or second nine holes over the Expected Time
Following Groups – Following groups are out of position and subject to penalty if they complete the first nine and/or second nine over the Expected Time and complete play of the 9th/18th hole more than 13 minutes (13:00) after the preceding group completes play of that hole.
PENALTIES
| Group is out of position upon completion of first 9 holes | 1 penalty stroke |
| Group is out of position upon completion of second 9 holes | 1 penalty stroke |
| Second breach upon completion of 18 holes | 2 stroke penalty |
| Total of 3 strokes |