Pace Of Play

Slow Play Detracts From the Enjoyment of Golf!

This policy provides the framework and strategy to ensure a round of golf at Buninyong is not hindered by slow play and should be read in accordance with rule 5.6 a.

Responsibility

This policy will be administered by the Captain and the match committee.

It is the responsibility of ALL players in a group to be aware of pace of play in accordance with this policy.  If action is required by the group to regain their position in the field ANY player is empowered and obliged to take such action.

Definition of Slow Play

The Buninyong Golf Club match committee considers a round of golf can be comfortably achieved in the following times:

  • 4 hours and 15 minutes for a stroke event,
  • 4 hours for all other events,
  • A round of golf over 4 hours 30 minutes will be considered a bad time, is unacceptable and may incur penalties.

Variations to these times may be made depending on the size of field and conditions.

Position in the Field

Typically your position in the field is behind the group in front of you. There may be times when you lose your position in the field because of a lost ball, or because you are following a group of three or a group in carts.

However it is your responsibility to ensure you are not unnecessarily delaying the group behind you.

If you lose your position in the field please make an effort to speed up your play to catch up or consider letting the group behind you play through.

Penalties

Penalties may be applied to all players in a group that takes more than 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete their round.  Penalties maybe applied as follows:

  • On the first occasion of a bad time, all members of the group will be issued a verbal warning of failing to adhere to the BGC pace of play policy,
  • On the second occasion of a bad time within a 3 month period, a player who has previously been issued a verbal warning will be issued a written warning of failing to adhere to the BGC pace of play policy,
  • On the third occasion of a bad time, within a 3 month period of a verbal warning, a player will be issued a 2 stroke penalty.

A player deemed to have unreasonably delayed play during any competition round of golf may be penalised in accordance with Rule 5.6a.

 

Pace of Play Guidelines

Strategies to assist players in achieving an acceptable Pace of Play include:

  • Check-in at least 15 minutes prior to your tee time and be on the tee 5 minutes prior to your tee time.
  • It is a group’s responsibility to attempt to keep up with the group in front. If the group loses a clear hole and is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through.
  • Plan your shot, determine distance and club selection so you are ready to play when it is your turn.
  • Play Ready Golf if you are behind and it can be done safely. The person who is ready hits first, as long as playing out of turn does not endanger, distract, interfere or offer an advantage. On the tee, shorter hitters hit first. Longer hitters hit last.
  • If you are behind, two players who have holed out are encouraged to move to the next tee and hit off when safe to do so.
  • Play a provisional ball if there is some doubt to where your ball finished. Remember a ball is only lost if not found within 3 minutes and a provisional ball must be declared in accordance with rule 18.3.
  • Leave buggies on the side of the green nearest the access to the next tee.
  • Line up your putt and get set to putt while other players are putting, without breach of etiquette.
  • Putt out whenever possible (except in match play).
  • If you have the honour on the next tee and you arrive first, hit first and then mark your card.
  • Mark your scorecard on the next tee while others are teeing off.
  • In other than Stroke competitions, pick up your ball when you cannot score.
  • If asked to catch-up to the group in front by Club Official a group has 2 holes to achieve their correct position in the field.