Slow Play is a perplexing problem in the game of golf. A slow player at the start of the field can ruin the day for all the competitors.  It also disrupts club members who are playing behind a tournament.  Out of respect for others, all players have a responsibility to play at a

reasonable pace.

 

Rule 6-7 states, in part: “The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any Pace of Play guidelines that the Committee may establish, and thereafter prescribes penalties for slow play.  In order to prevent any such penalty we suggest that you carefully review the following guidelines

 

Players are required to play at no more than the Allotted Time (time par) set out for each event.

 

The first group to start will be considered “Out of Position” if, at any time during the round, the group is behind the prescribed schedule as detailed on the Pace of Play Time Chart.

 

Any following group will be considered out of position if it:

(a)                     is taking more than the Allotted Time to play, AND

(b)  (i)        reaches the tee of a par 3 and the preceding group has cleared the next tee, OR

(ii)                reaches the tee of a par 4 or par 5 the putting green is clear.

Both (a) and (b) must apply for a group to be “Out of Position”.

 

If a group is out of position, the players in that group are subject to being timed.  Rules Officials will advise the group that they are being timed.  When that group is back in position, timing will cease.  However if the group falls out of position again, timing may resume. In this occurrence, the Rules Officials are not required to advise the players, however a player may ask for this information.  The Committee reserves the right to time any groups that the Committee deems is Out of Position.

 

If a group is out of position, it may be monitored or timed for failing to comply with this pace of play guideline.  When a group is out of position each player is expected to play any stroke within 40 seconds after timing of the player’s stroke begins.

 

The timing of a player’s stroke will begin when:

-                     the player has had a reasonable opportunity to reach their ball

-                     it is the player’s turn to play

-                     the player can play without interference or distraction

Time spent determining yardage will count as time taken for the next stroke.

 

On the putting green, timing will begin:

-                     after a player has been allowed a reasonable time to lift, clean and replace the ball

-                      repair their ball mark and other ball marks on the line of putt

-                     remove loose impediments on the line of putt

Time spent looking at the line of putt will count as time taken for the next stroke.

 

An additional 10 seconds will be allowed for:

(a)               the first player to play a stroke on a par 3 hole

(b)               the first player to play a second stroke on a par 4 hole or a par 5 when attempting to reach the green

(c)                the first player to play a third stroke on a par 5 hole

(d)               the first player to play a stroke on or around the putting green

 

Any player in a group being timed, who exceeds the applicable time to play a stroke, will be advised as soon as possible.

 

The following are the penalties, in sequence, for any player in a group being timed who takes more than the applicable time to play a stroke:

•           one bad timing             -           “official”  warning

•           a second bad timing    -           a 1 stroke penalty

•           a third bad timing         -           an additional 2 stroke penalty

•           a fourth bad timing       -           disqualification

Any bad timings incurred carry over for the reminder of that stipulated round.

 

If a ruling or some other legitimate delay occurs (e.g. looking for a lost ball) which causes the group in question to lose its position, that group is expected to regain its position within a reasonable time (2 holes).