Pace of Play

Etiquette Reminders

Tips on Avoiding Slow Play

  1.  When your group is not keeping pace with the group in front of you: Walk at a reasonable speed between shots; Begin planning your next shot as you drive/walk to your ball.
  2. When you reach your ball, check the lie, select your club, visualize your swing and shot, and then play your shot.
  3. From the time you select your club until you actually hit your shot, you should take no more than 30 to 45 seconds.
    If you have a length pre-shot routine, begin your routine before it is your turn to play.
  4. If you are not ready to play when it is your turn, encourage another of your group to play first.
  5. Not all four members of a group have to search for a lost ball. Two should take their shot before helping. If the ball is not found after two shots are taken, the two may help search for the ball while a third can stop searching to go take their shot.
  6. On the green, find an exit point and leave your bag or extra clubs in a location between the hole and your path to the next tee. Avoid leaving bags and clubs in front of the green or on the opposite side from the cart path.
  7. If you are the first to hole out (or reach double par) grab the flagstick so the group can leave the green as soon as possible when the last player holes out.
  8. Resists the temptation to turn away in dismay when you’ve sh@nked another shot. Keep your eyes on the ball so you know where it went. You can flip out after everyone has shot and you are on your way to find the damn thing.
  9. When playing into the sun (late groups) ask your teammate to keep an eye on the shot.
  10. Most important: Know what ball you are playing! (Brand and Number). Consider placing a mark on the ball to distinguish it from others. If you play a “provisional,” the provisional ball should be marked differently than the first.

On the Green

• Generally, the person closest to the hole will tend the flagstick if needed.
• When tending the flagstick, avoid standing in someone’s line and stand so your shadow is not in the player’s line.
• If tending the flagstick, loosen the bottom to avoid it getting stuck before the player puts. Remove the flagstick immediately after the player hits the ball.
• Balls should be marked behind the ball, not in front or on the side.
• If you need to move your ball to get it out of another player’s line. First mark the ball. Pick out a landmark and move the mark 1 or 2 putter head lengths out of the player’s line. Before putting, reverse the steps to return your mark to the original location.
• When others are putting, try to avoid standing or moving within their peripheral vision.