Pace of Play Policy

USJGT PACE OF PLAY POLICY

      Despite repeated attempts to get players to play faster, our average round time has actually gotten longer this spring.  As a result, the USJGT is instituting a new Pace of Play policy.

     This new policy allots 15 minutes per hole for each group and five minutes at the turn.

      Here is how it will work.  On the tee time sheet two new columns will appear.  See the example below.

     The first column is the group’s tee time.  The second column (labeled Turn) is the time that group should complete the front nine.  The third column (labeled Finish) is the time that group is required to finish its round.

1.       Any group who does not finish their round by their designated Finish time will be penalized two shots per player in that group.

2.       A group which finishes past their designated Finish time, but completes the round within 10 minutes of the group in front of them will not be penalized.

3.       The finish time will be determined by when the group arrives at the scorer’s table.  The group must report to the scorer’s table within five minutes of finishing the round.  Using the example above, the 8 a.m. group must be at the scorer’s table by 1240 to avoid being penalized.  If the group arrives at the scorer’s table at 1241 or later, two penalty shots will be assessed to each player.  The second group must be at the scorer’s table by 1248 or within 10 minutes of the previous group.

Exceptions

1.       Delays in tournament play due to inclement weather will be accounted for in the timing schedule.

2.     If a course has unusually long gaps between holes, times will be adjusted on the tee sheet to account for that.

3.       If the lead group is delayed by a group of non-tournament players in front of them, that will be accounted for in the time calculation.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q:  Will a situation such as a lost ball, a player having to play two balls or other unusual circumstance give the group more time to complete the round?

A:  No, it will not.  The designated finish time will still be in effect.

Q:  Two of the group members play fast while one is slow.  Will the whole group still be penalized?

A:  Yes.  It is incumbent upon all members of the group to play in the designated time.  If there is a slow player in the group, the other two should strongly encourage them to play faster.

Q:  What if everyone in the group is not scoring well and, thus, taking a lot of shots?

A:  The designated finish time is still in effect.  For example, at our last tournament at Wedgewood, the lead group on Sunday consisted of three players who shot above 100 on Saturday.  On Sunday, all three players shot above 100 again.  However, that group was able to finish the round in 4 hours, 25 minutes and they were delayed by non-tournament players in front of them.  Had they had a clear course in front of them, they would have finished in just more than four hours.

Q:  If my tee time is later than what appears on the tee time sheet, will the finish time be adjusted?

A:  Yes.  You will have 4 hours, 35 minutes from the time the first player in your group hits the first tee shot to complete the round.

Q:  If a group arrives at the scorer's table past their scheduled time but within 10 minutes of the previous group, when does the next group have to arrive at the scorer's table?

A:  Within 10 minutes of the previous group arriving at the scorer's table.  For example, if a group arrives at the scorer's table at 1240, then the next group must arrive at the scorer's table by 1250 regardless of whether the prior group has completed its scorecards.  The time is based on when a group arrives at the scorer's table, not when they leave.

We are certain that other questions may arise.  That is one of the reasons we are testing the system at the next three events.  It will also allow players to get used to playing in a designated timeframe.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PLAYING FASTER

      It has been our observation that there are three main causes for slow play:  walking slowly, not being prepared to hit when it is a player’s turn, and time spent on the green.  We will address each of these individually.

WALKING SLOWLY

      Once the group is ready to move, walk with a sense of purpose.  Competitive golf is not meant to be a leisurely stroll on the course.  It is competition and within competition, certain guidelines must be followed. 

BEING PREPARED TO HIT

     Unless one player is in the direct line of another  player, all  in a group can be preparing to hit the next shot.  Determining yardage, taking  practice swings, getting a line – all of these can be done simultaneously by each player.  Do not wait until it is your turn to begin your pre-shot routine.

ON THE GREEN

      This is far and away the biggest time consumer in an event.  All players can read putts simultaneously instead of waiting until it is your turn.  If you want to read a putt from four different angles, that’s fine.  However, do it before it is your time to putt.  Once it is your turn, spot your ball, take your practice swings and putt.

      Also, finish out your putting.   Unless you are in another player’s line or would be standing on their line, there is no reason to mark a putt inside of three feet and wait for someone else to putt.  Finish out the hole whenever possible.

OTHER PACE OF PLAY TIPS

TAKE FEWER PRACTICE SWINGS

      Often, we see players taking five or more practice swings before hitting a shot.  Unless it is an unusual shot (e.g., odd stance, etc.) there is no need for more than two practice swings.  Once a tournament begins, you are in competition.  The place to practice a swing is on the range.  Provided you are not interfering with another player, you can take practice swings while waiting for them to hit.  When it is your turn, play.

CART SHUTTLES

      The USJGT allows players to be shuttled by cart from green to tee.  When available, use the carts. 

DO THINGS WHILE WALKING

      Players can write down scores, clean clubs, etc. while walking.

BE AWARE OF THE GROUP IN FRONT OF YOU

      If you get to a tee box and you don’t see the group in front of you, then you are out of position and it is your responsibility to play faster and catch up.

BAG PLACEMENT

     If the tee box for the next hole is to the right of the green, don't leave your bag on the left of the green while playing the hole.  Shorten your walk and your time by placing your bag at the spot nearest the next tee.

WHY IS THIS POLICY NECESSARY?

      There are several reasons why we are implementing this policy and continue to push for faster play.

1.       Host facilities are reluctant to have us back when play is slow.  Golf courses are businesses and they have customers other than us to satisfy.  When our slow play interferes with that, they lose business.  Our host facilities are very generous to us in terms of allowing us to play, the rates they charge us and their congenial attitudes.  We, in turn, must respect what they do as well.

2.       When you as a player move into national tournaments such as AJGA events, you will find that they are very strict on pace of play.  We are trying to prepare you to be successful at a national level.  This is one way to prepare you for that.

3.       The biggest complaint in golf is slow play.  We are not immune to those complaints.

4.       When a group plays slowly, it is disrespectful and unfair to the groups behind them.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to email us at usjgtjrgolf@aol.com