Phoenix Golf Association pace of play guidelines in accordance with USGA rule 5.6.
- Players should recognize their pace of play affects others and should play promptly throughout the round, such as by preparing in advance for each stroke and moving promptly between strokes and in going to the next tee.
- A player should make a stroke in no more than 40 seconds, usually in less time, after the player is able to play without interference or distraction.
- In addition, rule 6.4 affirmatively allows and encourages players to play out of turn in a safe and responsible way to save time or for convenience, also known as ready golf.
The following time guidelines result in a 4 hour 30 minute round:
4 par 3 holes at 14 minutes each
4 par 5 holes at 16 minutes each
10 par 4 holes at 15 minutes each
In order to achieve this, according to USGA rule 5.6:
Our first group out must finish in no longer than 4 hours 30 minutes. Subsequent groups should also finish in 4 hours 30 minutes or less with the following guidelines:
Your group is out of position if your group:
* reaches the tee of a par 3 hole and the preceding group has cleared the next tee
* fails to clear the tee of a par 4 hole before the preceding group clears the putting green,
* arrives at the tee of a par 5 hole when the preceding group is on the putting green.
The entire foursome is responsible for meeting the pace of play guidelines. If your group is told by a ranger, board member, or board member appointee you are out of position, you must immediately improve your pace of play to close the gap.
- If a board member or appointee has given the warning, this will be considered an official warning.
- A second instance of a group being told they are out of position will result in a one stroke penalty for the group or offending player or players if it is determined to be caused by only those players through timing of the 40 second shot allotment.
- A third instance by the same group and/or player or players will result in an additional 2 shot penalty.
- A fourth instance by the same group and/or player or players will result in a disqualification.
In addition to the 40 second shot rule, the following actions can ensure your group is playing at an appropriate pace:
- The easiest of all recommendations is to play ready-golf. There is no need to debate, particularly when you are in the fairway, who is furthest out. The first person who is ready should hit. That goes for the tee box as well.
- If you aren’t hitting, get ready to play. Know where and how far you want to hit the ball when it’s your turn swing.
- Don’t wait in the cart for you partner. Drop him or her off, go to your ball and get ready for your shot. If you want to leave the cart, that’s fine, too, but take a couple clubs and start walking. Nothing wastes more time than sitting in the cart watching someone else play.
- Be aware of how much time you spend looking for balls. Don’t spend more than 3 minutes in search of a ball that likely will provide an unplayable lie even if found. On desert courses we play “desert rule,” use it!
- Fill out the scorecard and app on the next tee box, not beside the green where you just putted out.
- Take every precaution to avoid walking back to the cart. Keep an extra ball in your pocket if you are in search for one; bring more than one club, particularly if you are chipping and have a variety of choices. Golf is a thinking man’s game and using your head before you get to the ball will speed up play.
- Read your putt while others are playing. Use the time when other players are chipping or putting to read your putt & look from the other side if you choose to. Be ready to putt when it is your turn, or even before your “turn” if ready and someone needs to rake a bunker, get ready to chip again or read a long putt after chipping on.
The reality is the difference between playing in 4:30 and 5 hours isn’t as great as some might believe. ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR GROUP are responsible to maintain an appropriate pace of play.
One player can back up an entire golf course. Don’t be that player!