ETIQUETTE & PACE OF PLAY GUIDELINES – YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Members should be aware at all times that they are not only representing their respective clubs, they are also representing the Society. Foul language audible to others - on the course or in the clubhouse - and the throwing of clubs is unacceptable. Proper etiquette is expected at all times.
Although few golfers might admit to being slow, we can all do our bit to play a little faster.
ON COURSE MARSHALLING AT SSGS EVENTS
Members will be aware that during the past few tournaments we have had a marshal on the course during play. The initiative for marshalling the course derived from some concerns among members about pace of play in one or two recent events.
The committee stresses that the role of the marshal is not to single out or sanction players that may have fallen behind the group in front, but primarily to monitor overall pace of play throughout the field in order to maintain flow.
So far, the presence of a marshal has been sufficient to remind groups that have fallen behind to quicken their pace without need for warnings or players being ‘put on the clock’.
We believe that the marshalling so far has delivered positive results and we are minded to continue with this initiative when resources and manpower allow (which will not always be the case).
These days, complaints about slow play are common in virtually all golfing environments and arenas. While it is sensible to try to address this problem wherever it might arise, there is a danger of becoming overly fixated on the issue when, in reality, around four hours for a three-ball in tournament conditions is not unreasonable.
It should be noted that slow play is not defined by players having to search for lost balls. Slow play can only be measured by a player or players taking inordinate amounts of time between shots, or to play shots. For guidance, players should not delay after shots have been completed and should walk briskly between shots. A player should take no longer than 40 seconds from the time he arrives at his ball until completion of his shot (provided it is safe to play). In a three-ball, the second competitor waiting to play should take no longer than 30 seconds to complete his shot, and the third player no longer than 25 seconds.
To emphasise again, the course marshal is not there to sanction slow groups. When appropriate, his job is to politely point out to players that they may be losing too much ground to the group in front or are delaying groups coming behind them.
The presence of the marshal at any particular part of the course does not necessarily mean he is concerned about a group’s pace of play. He may just be admiring the golf before moving on!
We trust members will support this initiative and show the marshal due courtesy and respect for a job well worth doing.
PACE OF PLAY GUIDELINES
KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT
* Do not gauge your pace on the position of the group behind. Keep up with the group in front.
* If you feel that your group is falling behind, take responsibility and bring this to the attention of your playing partners.
* Respond positively and politely to the situation; if your group is behind there is no need to run but. Simply quicken your pace to catch up.
* If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind consider inviting the group behind to play through.
* If there is no group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind invite the group behind to play through.
PLAY AT A GOOD PACE AND KEEP UP
You should always play at a good pace. It's a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If they lose a clear hole and delay the group behind, they should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, they should also invite the faster moving group to overtake them.
BE READY TO PLAY
* Put your glove on, check your yardage, and assess the wind strength and direction.
* Decide on the type of shot that you are going to play.
* Select your club.
* When it is your turn to play, play promptly.
* You only need one practice swing.
* You do not need to waggle the club back and forth and round about again and again.
* You should be ready as soon as it's your turn to play. When at or near the putting green, leave your bags or trolleys just off the green on the way to the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, leave the putting quickly.
LOST BALL
If you think your ball may be lost outside a penalty area or is out of bounds, play a provisional ball. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They shouldn't search for three minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they shouldn't continue play until the group coming through has passed and is out of range
AT THE PUTTING GREEN
* Assess your line, repair pitch-marks on the green and remove loose impediments while others are playing.
* It is not necessary to look at your line from every angle.
* You do not need to have an alignment mark on your golf ball and ensure that it is perfectly aligned to the hole before every putt.
* Move off the green as soon as all players in your group have holed out and mark score cards at or on the way to the next tee.
* Speed up your exit by positioning your bags on the way to the next tee.
* If each player took a few seconds off their pre-shot routine then the cumulative effect would be very significant.