PACE OF PLAY POLICY

 

The GOLF Channel Amateur Tour policy leaves the responsibility for maintaining the pace of play where it belongs, with the player. Efficient pace of play is a huge factor of a successful and positive Tour experience for all participants 
 

LEAD GROUP(S)

The first/lead group(s) must finish their first nine holes within the maximum allotted time established by the committee (typically, this time will be 2 hours 10 minutes). If the lead group finishes over the maximum allotted time after nine holes, each player in the group will be assessed a 2-stroke penalty on their 9th hole.

The first/lead group(s) off each tee must also finish 18 holes within the maximum allotted time established by the committee (typically, this time will be 4 hours 30 minutes). Failure to finish under this maximum allotted time for 18-holes will result in a 2-stroke penalty, which will be assessed to the score on the final hole of play.  EXCEPTION:  If the first/lead group(s) are held up by public play that was sent out before them or that began on the opposite tee, they will be exempt from a pace of play penalty if they finish over their maximum time but within 14 minutes of the group in front of them.  

 

ALL OTHER GROUPS
 

A 2-stroke penalty will be assessed to any group failing to complete their 9th hole within 14 minutes of the group in front of them AND over their maximum allotted time

A 2-stroke penalty will be assessed to any group failing to complete their 18th hole within 14 minutes of the group in front of them AND over their maximum allotted time

 

Players are advised of the following:

• Rules officials are not required to notify a player and/or group that they are behind. This is the responsibility of the group and each individual player in that group
• Each group is responsible for monitoring its own pace. Being in position means to be immediately behind the group in front of you.
• As a courtesy to each player, the pace of play policy will be reiterated on the starting hole
• As a courtesy to each player, the maximum allotted time will be on your official scorecard
• If a player is penalized three (3) times during the season on the Major/National level that player will be suspended from tournament play for a minimum of six (6) months
• If a player is penalized three (3) times during the season on the local level that player will be suspended from tournament play for a minimum of six (6) months

 

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.