Deep Drivers Golf Club

 

USGA Rule 6-7 states, in part: "The player shall play without undue delay and in accordance

with any pace of play guidelines which may be laid down by the Committee," and thereafter

prescribes penalties for slow play. In order to prevent any such penalty we suggest that you

review carefully the following guidelines.

 

Pace of Play Penalties

 

The following are the penalties, in sequence, for any player in a group or match being timed

who takes more than the allotted time to play a stroke after timing of the player's stroke begins:

 

DEEP DRIVERS Stroke Play:

 

• One bad timing exceeding the allotted time - warning given to the entire foursome)
• A second bad timing - 1 stroke penalty (applied to the entire foursome)
• A third bad timing - Additional 2 stroke penalty (applied to the entire foursome)
• A fourth bad timing – Disqualification (applied to the entire foursome)

 

Allotted Time

 

When play is in groups of four (stroke play), groups will be required to play at no more than a

4-hour and 45-minute pace for the 18-hole round. (The attached Pace of Play Time Chart can

be found on your official DDGC Scorecard.)

 

Definition of "Out of Position"

 

The first group(s) to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, the

group is behind the prescribed schedule as detailed on the attached Pace of Play Time Chart.

 

Any following group will be considered out of position if it (a) is taking more than the allotted

time to play and (b) reaches the teeing ground of a par-3 hole and the preceding group has cleared

the next tee; reaches the teeing ground of a par-4 hole and the putting green is clear; or reaches

the teeing ground of a par-5 hole when the preceding group is on the putting green. Both (a) and

(b) must apply for a group to be out of position.

 

Group Out of Position

 

If a group is out of position, the players in that group may be monitored and timed. In the event

a group is monitored for time the players will be notified by a Rules Rover i.e. (Course Marshall). The

notification by the Rules Rover will be made immediately after all players complete their tee shots on

the hole where monitoring will begin.

 

Timing

 

When a group is being monitored and timed each player in the group is expected to play any stroke

within 40 seconds after timing of the player's stroke begins.

 

Other than on the putting green, the timing of a player's stroke will begin when he has had reasonable

opportunity to reach his ball, it is his turn to play and he can play without interference or distraction.

Time spent determining yardage will count as part of the time taken for the next stroke.

 

On the putting green, timing will begin after a player has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to

lift, clean and replace his ball, repair his ball mark and other ball marks on his line of putt and remove

loose impediments on his line of putt. Time spent looking at the line from beyond the hole and/or behind

the ball will count as part of the time taken for the next stroke.    

 

NOTE: A player is permitted 40 seconds to play a stroke. An extra 10 seconds (for a total of 50 seconds)

will be allowed for:

 

• the first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole
• the first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole
• the first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole
• the first player to play a stroke around the putting green
• the first player to play a stroke on the putting green

 

NOTE: The Committee reserves the right, at any time, to time a group when the Committee deems it

necessary. Players should also be aware that the Committee may assess a "bad time" to a player in a

group which is out of position if the player makes no effort to help his group get back in position. An

example of this would be a player who delays play between shots.

 

It is still every player’s responsibility to understand the rules of golf as stated by the USGA Rules of

Golf Handbook. During tournament play DDGC will always enforce and adhere to the USGA Rules of

Golf handbook.

 

 

Tips, Guidelines and Best Practices to Improve Pace of Play

 

IDEAL PACE OF PLAY: all groups are positioned right behind the group in front of them in "ready golf".

This can be achieved when golfers:

• are respectful to your fellow golfer by keeping up with the group ahead of you
• have an awareness and accountability for your own pace of play
• are committed to NOT falling behind and maintaining your position on the golf course
   

Will a course expect every group to be in position at all times? NO. Groups will have times when they are

temporarily "out of position". You should recognize your disposition and get back into position in a short

period of time.

 

TIPS FOR MANAGING PACE-OF-PLAY:

 

From the tee box:

• Play ready golf and always keep up with the group ahead of you.
• When in doubt hit a provisional ball.
• Put a spare ball, a ball mark repair tool, two ball makers and tees into your pocket at the first tee.
• Be ready to tee off when it is your turn. Limit practice swings. Don't wait until your turn to select your club.

 

From the fairway:

• Respectfully, play ready golf from the fairways given that the player away is not ready to hit.
• Always keep up with the group ahead of you.
• When in doubt hit a provisional ball.
• Limit 2 players and 5 mins to search for your lost ball from the point of entry.
• Review shot assessment early. Be ready to play when it is your turn. Limit practice swings.
• Avoid watching and waiting for your partner to hit their shot
• The cart driver should drop off your passenger at their ball before proceeding to your own ball.
• The passenger should take more than one club and proceed down the fairway after your shot.
• If your next shot is with your wedge, automatically take your putter with you.

 

From the green: (Avoid the chit-chat on the greens)

·         Play ready golf at all times and always keep up with the group ahead of you.

·         On par 3’s, players who cannot reach the green should hit when ready.

·         When approaching the green with your cart, position your cart nearest the path/route to the next tee.

·         Do as much of your preparation as possible before it is your turn to play.

·         Study your line of putt while others are putting. Continue putting until your ball is holed.

·         Mark scorecards on the next tee box, not on or next to the putting green.