USGA SENIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

PACE OF PLAY GUIDELINES

 

In an effort to address slow play, the USGA has adopted Group Pace of Play Guidelines for all 2019 USGA Amateur Championships. This pace policy had very positive results in the past several years in terms of reducing the length of rounds in stroke play.

 

  • As long as you keep up with the group ahead of you (within 14 minutes) your group will NEVER be in jeopardy of being out of position. Always look ahead – not behind

 

  • Each group will be given a fixed amount of time in which to play 9 holes within each of the 2 checkpoints. Times will be reflected on the Notice to Players and/or scorecards. Each group will be required to complete each check-point hole based on the allocated time or within 14 minutes of the group ahead.

 

  • Atomic clocks will be located on all check-point holes

 

  • Check-points will be located at the 9th and 18th greens. A check-point will be considered missed if: the hole is not completed (flagstick in the hole) within the allocated cumulative time and the group has not completed the hole within 14 minutes of the group ahead. If a group misses a check-point all players within the group will be informed by the check-point official as follows:
    • 1st missed check-point – liable to a one stroke penalty
    • 2nd missed check-point – liable to a two stroke penalty

 

  • If a group misses a check-point a player(s) may request a review before signing and returning his score card. A review will be successful if there is evidence the player was:
  • Delayed by the committee
  • Delayed because of a circumstance beyond control of the player or group
  • Delayed because of another player in the group

 

  • Review and application of the penalty will only occur in the scoring area, not during the stipulated round. Discussion of the situation with the check-point official will only cause further delay of the group.

 

  • A player concerned about a non-responsive (slow) fellow-competitor in his group who is delaying play, should request a Rules Rover to monitor the group in case the group is or becomes liable to penalty under these guidelines.

 

  • You, your fellow-competitors and caddies can help by having your yardages and being ready to play when it is your turn.