A player’s starting time and finishing time must be recorded on the completed scorecard. The finishing time is the time the completed scorecard is turned in to the scoring table or pro shop as designated. Players who finish 15 minutes or more behind the group in front of them will receive a warning after the first occurrence. The second infraction results in a slow play or “Turtle” designation for 4 weeks. The third infraction results in an additional 8 weeks of the “Turtle” designation. This designation prevents all golfers in the group from receiving early tee times. When you sign up, you will be placed in one of the last tee times.
Players should recognize that their pace of play affects others and they should play promptly and move to the next tee box quickly after completing each hole. USGA Rule 5.6 encourages prompt play and ready golf, even playing out of turn, in a safe and responsible manner to save or make up playing time. Players are expected to complete their stroke in 40 SECONDS when it is the players turn (5.6b). Time spent determining yardage and conditions will count as time taken for the stroke.
Tips to Speed Up Play
Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your time. Two minutes saved per hole will save thirty-six minutes per round.
- Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own.
- Play a provisional ball if you think your original ball might be lost or out of bounds.
- Keep up with the group in front of you. Your correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you.
- Before reaching your ball, take note of distance and think about club selection. Take 2 or 3 clubs to your ball. Be at your ball and ready to play when it is your turn.
- Study the line of your putt while others are preparing to putt out.
- Record scores at the next tee, not at the green.
- Pay attention to the location of your cart. Don’t leave it behind.
- When sharing carts, don’t wait in the cart while your cart mate hits. You can do as much early preparation for your turn as possible. This might include taking a couple of clubs and walking to your ball.
- Agree to play ready golf.
- Occasionally a group falls way behind. This is apparent when there are one to two open holes ahead of them. In these situations, the VSWGA board advises:
- The slow group should look back and offer to let the waiting group play through.
- The group immediately behind the slow group should contact the slow group and ask to play through.