What Is Proper Pace of Play?

BY DAVID KELLY | CHAIR, GOLF COMMITTEE

Did you know there is a new pace of play policy in effect this season at SGCC?

The Golf Committee examined tens of thousands of data points to determine how long it actually takes players to play each hole and recommended an 18 hole pace of 4:15 (2:05 for the front, 2:10 for the back).

There are many causes of slow play: the individual golfer, course setup, weather, and tee time policies are just some of the variables that contribute to slow play. The Golf Committee considered these factors in developing a multi-faceted solution and policy.

While some members enjoy a leisurely 5+ hour round of golf, for many playing a round that lasts over 4 hours is too long. Given the volume of play we have seen since the pandemic, establishing a consistent pace of play policy that functions with a full tee sheet is an important component to providing an enjoyable experience at Springfield Golf & Country Club.

What does proper pace of play look like?

The answer has very different meanings for many of us and directly affects individual enjoyment levels. Most players think you need to keep up with the group in front of you. However, the expectation that a player is standing at their ball ready to hit as soon as the group in front is out of range or walking off the green directly contributes to increased waiting times on the course. Ideally, a player should be able to walk up and play with no wait. Generally speaking, keeping pace means staying within 8 minutes (3/4 of a hole) of the group ahead of you. Obviously, there are conditions in a round that dictate differences (looking for lost balls, rules issues, etc.).

Pace of Play is Everyone’s Job

Maintaining the proper pace of play is everyone’s responsibility. Players, professional staff, superintendent, and club policies all share ownership in developing a sound policy. There is not a single solution.

What can players do to improve pace of play?

• Choose the correct set of tees based on playing ability; make sure you play from tees that allow you to reach all holes in regulation.

• Play ready golf and hit when it’s your turn; take multiple clubs around the greens or when away from your cart.

• Read your putt prior to your turn; do not wait to finish tap-ins.

• Plan your shot before you get to your ball.

• Keep your pre-shot routine short. Try to take no more than one or two practice swings, then set up to the ball and play your shot. Start moving toward your next shot promptly.

• Hit first, then search. Play your shot before going over to help your playing partner.

• Be helpful to others in your group.

• Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own. Once in the fairway, help others look for their ball if you already know the location of yours.

• The handicap system allows for a maximum score. If you reach it, pick up, regroup, and try again the next hole. The max score is a net double bogey for any player.

• When on the putting green, leave your extra clubs between the hole and your cart or bag if walking.

• If walking, position your bag in a fashion that leads you in a straight line to the next tee.

• Park golf carts on the path that would allow players a quicker route to the next tee.

• After your group holes out, move directly to the next tee. Wait to replace clubs in your bags, and write down your scores, on the next tee.

• When riding a cart with a partner, drop one player off at their ball and then drive to the other player’s golf ball.

• If carts are restricted to the path, drop the player further away and then drive equidistant to your ball. The player dropped off first can then walk diagonally to the cart.

• Players should arrive to the first tee no later than 5 minutes prior to their tee time.

• Use local rules for Lost Ball and Stroke and Distance if a provisional ball was not played.

• Search time for golf balls is 3 minutes from the time the player is in the vicinity of where the ball is thought to be.

What will the professional staff/management do to improve pace of play?

• Provide proper tee time intervals to prevent overcrowding

• Routinely have someone start groups on 1st hole

• Not allow groups who miss tee times to be squeezed in

• Communicate with players the proper expectations for play or of progress during the round

• Ride the course to advise groups of their pace of play if there is an issue

• If necessary, forecaddie for groups that are out of position

Please know that if a staff member approaches your group about being out of position, it is not a personal attack against you. They are just trying to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone on the course that day, and we all know pace of play is a big part of the daily experience.

Official Policy

If a group gets out of position, they should be able to get back in position in the next two holes. If that group does not regain position, they can expect a visit from the professional staff asking them to regain their position. Should the problem continue after a reasonable amount of time, the professional staff will once again reinforce the need to close the gap. At this point, it may be necessary to re-position your group back behind the group in front by skipping a hole. A final reminder may provide an option to skip any open holes and reposition the group back in place or discontinue play.

An offense of the Pace of Play Policy is defined as:

1. Having professional staff give an on-course warning more than twice for 9 holes or three times for 18 holes

2. Finishing 9 holes more than 25 minutes behind pace or 18 holes 45 minutes behind pace.

3. Being asked to pick up and move ahead a hole in order to restore position with the group in front of you.

How will offenses be handled?

• 1st Offense Warning from Director of Golf with some videos and/or helpful hints to review

• 2nd Offense (within 12 months) Notice from Director of Golf Will serve as the first “official” notice

• 3rd Offense (within 12 months of 1st offense) Notice from General Manager The notice from the General Manager will come as a final warning and will let the member know the process of what happens if another offense occurs.

• 4th Offense (within 12 months of first offense) Notice from the Golf Committee about pending hearing. Player will continue to have reservation privileges until the Golf Committee has made a decision based off factual data.

After the hearing has concluded, the Golf Committee can impose any reduction/suspension of privileges. The Golf Committee will then notify the member of any alteration to their booking privileges and how long the alterations are in effect.

In addition, the professional staff will have flexibility before sending notices. Things that may be considered include, but are not limited to, cart path only restrictions, stroke play tournaments, playing behind a slow group, etc. 