Pace of Play Policy

 

Golf Channel Amateur Tour has instituted a Pace of Play Policy in accordance with Rule 6-7 of the USGA® Rules of Golf, Undue Delay, which leaves the responsibility for maintaining the pace of play where it belongs, with the player. The players in the first group of the field must play in 2 hours 10 minutes or less per nine holes. All subsequent groups must finish the checkpoints within the parameters listed below.


Scorecards will have the expected time each group is to complete each hole. If the group falls behind, it is expected to play efficient golf and get back into position. This means playing ready golf and/or continuous putting which are both allowed in stroke play.


The Pace of Play Policy utilizes a two checkpoint system. There are two things to keep in mind:

  • Players will not receive warnings.
  • Each group is responsible for monitoring its own pace.


To avoid penalty, groups must complete each checkpoint hole:

  • Under the allotted time on the scorecard, OR
  • Within 14 minutes of the group ahead.


Checkpoints will be on holes #9 and #18, unless otherwise indicated. All players in a group in breach of the pace of play policy at any checkpoint are subject to penalty.

 

PENALTIES

First Breach in Round = 2 stroke penalty to each player in the group.
Second Breach in Round = additional 2 stroke penalty to each player in the group.

Three breaches of the Pace of Play Policy in a season will result in Tour suspension for six (6) months

 

NOTIFICATION

Any group that completes a checkpoint hole in breach of the pace of play policy will be verbally notified by an Official. Officials at checkpoints should never be confronted.  It is the players’ responsibility to recognize when a breach has occurred at each checkpoint and penalties must be recorded on their scorecards. Penalties are to be added to the checkpoint hole in which the group was notified of the breach (holes #9 or #18).

 

POSITION

First Group(s) Off Either Tee: If the lead group is behind its expected time after completing one checkpoint (holes #9 or #18) players will be notified and each player in the group shall add a Two-STROKE PENALTY to his/her score for that hole. If they also pass the second checkpoint behind their expected time, each player shall add an additional TWO-STROKE PENALTY to his/her score for that hole. A group may appeal the penalty in the scoring area before surrendering their scorecards.

 

Subsequent Groups: If any subsequent group passes one checkpoint (holes #9 or #18) behind its expected time AND more than 14 minutes behind the preceding group, players will be notified and each player in the group shall add a TWO-STROKE PENALTY to his/her score for that hole. If they pass the second checkpoint behind their expected time AND more than 14 minutes behind the preceding group, each player shall add an additional TWO-STROKE PENALTY to his/her score for that hole. A group may appeal the penalty in the scoring area before surrendering their scorecards.

 

CONCERNED PLAYERS AND APPEALS

A player concerned about slow player(s) in a group should first remind that player of the pace of play policy and encourage them to play more efficiently. The concerned player may, before or after penalties are assessed, request an Official to monitor the group. If a player is identified as holding up the pace of the group, penalties may be applied to that player and rescinded from the others.  Appeals for exceptional situations will be considered only in the scoring area after the completion of the round and prior to the return of a player’s scorecard.

 

DEFINITIONS

Timing – A group’s completion time at each checkpoint is measured when the flagstick is replaced in the hole once all players in the group have holed out.

Allotted Time – The “allotted time” is the maximum time allowed to complete play of the course or the holes between checkpoints. The allotted time is predetermined by the Tournament Committee and may be adjusted between rounds. Time for ball searches, rulings, and walking or travel time between holes is included in the allotted time. The allotted time for each hole and course will be posted on each player’s scorecard.

Rule 6-7 of the USGA® Rules of Golf, Undue Delay; Slow Play states: “The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player must not unduly delay play.”

 

RULINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTS

If a ruling or some other legitimate delay occurs which causes the group in question to lose its position, that group is expected to regain its position within a reasonable time. 

 

TIPS TO HELP PACE OF PLAY

  • Be ready to play when it is your turn.
  • Walk briskly between shots or drive the cart without undue delay.
  • Proceed directly to your golf ball; don't follow others unless assisting in a search.
  • Take several clubs with you to your ball so you won't have to walk back to the cart.
  • Play a provisional ball if you think the original might be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds.
  • If you use a range-finder, walk to your ball with your range-finder and a couple of clubs so you are not making 2-3 trips