Pace of play is the number one complaint among golfers and golf courses. In a perfect world, a foursome should only take 4 hours to complete 18 holes. However, in the real world the average foursome takes between 5 and 6 hours to complete a round. Forget about the pros on the PGA. A round of competitive golf is much more fun when played at a prompt pace!

 

OUR #1 RULE IS PACE OF PLAY:  Keep up with the group in front of you. No excuses.  The group behind you is irrelevant, do not worry about them. Your group must keep the pace with the group in front of you. Period.

 

417GC has the following Pace of Play regulation in effect: If your group is more than a hole behind for more than one hole, each member of the group will receive a 2-stroke penalty. No warnings will be given. Continued infractions will be dealt with as follows:

 

First offense: 2-stroke penalty

Second offense: On the spot DQ

Third offense: On the spot DQ and 2 month suspension

 

PRACTICE BETWEEN HOLES:

Members shall not play any practice shot on or near the putting green of the hole last played in any 417GC stroke play event. If a practice shot is played on or near the putting green of the hole last played, the player shall incur a penalty of 2-strokes at the next hole, except that in the case of the last hole of the round, they incur the penalty at that hole.

 

THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SCORE PER HOLE IS QUADRUPLE BOGEY (+4)

This rule is in effect for all 417GC stroke play events. If you have achieved a quadruple bogey (+4) on any hole, you must pick up your ball and proceed to the next tee box.

 

USE OF "PROVISIONAL" BALLS

If you elect to hit a "Provisional" you must clearly state you are hitting a provisional and YOU MUST DO IT WHILE STILL ON THE TEE BOX. There is NO going back to the tee to re-hit for lost or O.B. balls. If you leave the tee without hitting a provisional you MUST use the ALTERNATIVE TO STROKE AND DISTANCE RULE.

 

All penalties are subject to full review by the Pace of Play Committee.

 

Follow these tips to increase the pace of play:

  • Go to the next tee when you're done putting. There is no need to wait for everyone to finish. Go ahead and tee off while the rest of your group is still on the previous green completing their putts. When your group is behind, this method is the easiest way to catch up. There is no penalty for playing out of turn in stroke play to save time.
  • Go directly to YOUR ball after everyone tees off. Don't group together.
  • Think about your next shot as you approach your ball. Notice the elevation, wind direction, and pin placement before you get there.
  • If in doubt, take more than one club with you when you leave the cart.
  • Develop a quick and effective pre-shot routine.
  • Hit your ball if you are ready and it is safe. Ignore "honors" in stroke play.
  • It is your responsibility to search for your own ball. Other players in your group should advance to their own balls and hit their shots before helping you search. A ball is lost if not found in 3 minutes after the player begins to search for it.
  • It is preferred that players use the "ALTERNATIVE TO STROKE AND DISTANCE RULE".
  • Invest in a $100 laser rangefinder like this one: Gogogo Sport Vpro
  • Place your equipment properly: It can be annoying to watch a player walk back and forth to the far side of the green to retrieve their clubs after completing a hole. Know where you’re going to walk off the green and place your clubs in your path.
  • Line up your putt while others are lining up their putts and going through their pre-shot routine. Do not wait for your turn to to start thinking about and lining up your putt.
  • Putt out, instead of marking, whenever you can (except in Match Play).

 

Dedicate yourself to playing a 4 hour round. During practice rounds encourage your playing partners to do the same. It is the most fun, competitive, and civilized way to play the Royal and Ancient Game of Golf!!!