Pace of Play Policy

All Members enjoy a round of golf that flows and does not involve constant waiting.  In accordance with the Rules of Golf (Rule 6.7) this Pace of Play Policy has been established on the following principles:

  • All players (not just the lowest marker) are responsible for the speed of play of their group

  • All players are required to be on the tee 5 minutes prior to your tee time

  • 4 hours and 20 minutes is the required maximum time for a group to complete 18 holes

  • Over 4 hours and 30 minutes is an unacceptable period of time to complete 18 holes of golf

  • If you wish to tee off in the first 5 groups of the morning or afternoon field, you should complete your round in 4 hours or less

Therefore, penalties in a competition field may be applied to the first group which takes more than 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete its round of golf. The Match Committee may apply these penalties as follows:

  1. On the first occasion each player may be sent a letter advising the player of his or her first official warning for slow play.

  2. On the second occasion in a four month period that player/s may be restricted to being able to only book in one of the last two tee times of the morning or afternoon fields for the following two weeks of competitions.

  3. On the third occasion in a four month period that player/s may be suspended from playing in a competition timeslot for one week.

Strategies to Achieve a Good Pace of Play

Due to extensive member feedback and in recognition of the Rules of Golf (Rule 6.7) the Club has established a Pace of Play Policy that is based on 4 hours and 20 minutes being the maximum time for a group to complete 18 holes. Strategies to assist players in achieving this include:

  • Check-in at least 10 minutes prior to your tee time.

  • Be on the tee 5 minutes prior to your tee time.

  • Every player is responsible for the speed of play of their group.

  • Always endeavour to keep up with the group in front of you.

  • Move quickly between shots and be ready to play when it is your turn.

  • If you are behind, abandon the “Honour” system and the furthest from the hole hits first rule and adopt the procedure where, if it can be done safely, the person who is ready hits, even if he is further up the fairway, providing it is safe to do so. On the tee, shorter hitters hit first. Longer hitters hit last.

  • Play a provisional ball if there is some doubt to where your ball finished.

  • 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 matchplay).

  • If you “have the honour” on the next tee, hit first and then mark your scorecard.

  • 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 you lose a ball and or fall behind, play your next few shots as soon as it is safe to do so.

  • If asked to ‘catch-up” to the group in front by a Club Official, a group has 2 holes to achieve its correct position in the field.

  • Follow these timing checkpoints during your round:

    1. complete the first 6 holes in 1 hour 25 minutes

    2. complete the front 9 holes in 2 hours 10 minutes

    3. complete the first 15 holes in 3 hours 35 minutes

    4. complete the 18 holes in 4 hours 20 minutes

Please do not:

  • mark score cards on the green.

  • take an excessive number of practice swings.

  • replay putts.