officiating: pace of play

Officiating: Pace of Play

•Pace of play falls under Rule 6-7 (Undue Delay; Slow Play)

•On-course officials spend 80-90% of their time dealing or concerned with pace of play.

•Several different pace of play systems in the world: -Checkpoint (USGA Amateur Championships)

-Group time & position (CGA)

•No matter what system is used it is only useful if the policy is followed and penalties are enforced.


• Policies are only one of six factors that ultimately determine pace of play

USGA Video: Why Traffic Jams Occur


Factors Used in Determining Pace of Play for a Round:

• Tournament format



• Field size & tee time intervals

Officiating: Pace of PlayFactors Used in Determining Pace of Play for a Round:

• Group size (group of two, three or four)



• Player skill level (beginner juniors, USGA qualifiers)



• Course set-up (yardage, hole locations, green speeds)



• Course conditions (wet, carts on path)



• Distance between holes



• Local rules in effect (preferred lies)


What is the CGA Doing to Improve Pace of Play in Our Events?

1. Reduced field sizes (based upon the event)

2. Spread tee times intervals as much as possible

3. Set-up slightly shorter course yardage (based upon the event)

4. Set-up slightly easier hole locations (based upon the event)

Officiating: Pace of PlayWhat is the CGA Doing to Improve Pace of Play in Our Events?

5. Pace of play policy reminder and tips in every tournament email confirmation communication

6. One-Day Tournaments: changed from groups of four down to groups of three (most events)

7. Request normal rather than faster green speeds

8. Pace times are listed on every player’s score card

Officiating: Pace of Play“Closing the Gap”A misconception has been that the allotted time is the pace they should play…actually this is the MAXIMUM amount of time given prior to implementing pace of play timing procedures and penalties.

Therefore at CGA events, we will speak to out of position groups and ask them to “Close the Gap” even if they are under their allotted time.


Our goal is to be more proactive in helping groups stay in position and under the maximum time.

We have found that once groups fall out of position and over the allotted time, its a tough task to get them back into position.

This will be a “friendly” reminder to keep position with the group in front and not an “official” warning

“Closing the Gap”

Officiating: Pace of PlayWhen to Speak to Out of Position Groups?Some common sense will be needed (threesome following twosomes).

Need to let groups play a few holes to establish a pace

Once they have fallen out of position then give the “friendly” reminder.

Script: “Your group is OK on your overall pace time however this is just a friendly reminder to try to keep pace with the group in front of you to avoid any pace of play issues later in the round. We appreciate your help.”

Leave the group, give them a couple of holes, then re-check their position.

Officiating: Pace of PlayWhen to Speak to Out of Position Groups?The goal is to help groups not reach the point where they may be timed and subject to penalty.

Be gentle in your delivery to avoid possible confrontation with players

All players may not appreciate our efforts!

Officiating: Pace of PlayHow to Monitor Pace of Play?

Find out pace of play guidelines set forth by the Official in Charge for that round. (pace of play sheet)

Look for groups that are out of position.

Officiating: Pace of PlayWhat is Out of Position and When to Enforce the

Pace of Play Policy (i.e. Time Players)First Group: position based upon the allotted time.

Following Groups:

1. The group is over its per hole allotted time average, AND

2. The group has arrived at the teeing ground and the group in front:

Par 3--has cleared the next tee

Par 4--has cleared the putting green of the hole being played

Par 5--is on the putting green of the hole being played.

Both 1 and 2 must be met


Pace of play checklist before timing players:

1. Starting time.

2. Overall time.

3. Position relative to group ahead.

4. Spread of the field ahead. (is there a back-up?)

5. Leave or inform group and start timing individuals.

Carolinas Golf Association


Player has 40 seconds to make a stroke…PERIOD!

No extra time, grace period or margin of error given to players whether they are the first or last player to play.



CGA Pace of Play Policy for Stroke Play

First, notify all players in the group that they are out of position and behind allotted pace of play:

1st bad time = Warning to Individual(s)

2nd bad time = 1 stroke penalty

3rd bad time = 2 stroke penalty

4th bad time = Disqualification



CGA Pace of Play Policy for Match Play

First, notify all players in the match that they are out of position and behind allotted pace of play:1st bad time = Warning to Individual(s)2nd bad time = Loss of Hole3rd bad time = Loss of Hole4th bad time = Disqualification from event

Officiating: Pace of PlayCGA Pace of Play Policy for

Four-Ball Match Play

First, notify all players in the match that they are out of position and behind allotted pace of play:

1st bad time = Warning to Individual(s)2nd bad time = Individual DQ from Hole3rd bad time = Individual DQ from Hole4th bad time = Team DQ from event

Officiating: Pace of PlayQ: Now that I have determined that a group is out of position, how and when should I speak to the group?

A: Prior to starting a hole or after all players have played from the teeing ground, inform the group that they are being timed. Also, tell them:

- You are there to assist them back into position (spot balls, etc).

- Explain the timing procedure if needed

(Stroke play: warning, 1 stroke, 2 strokes, DQ)

(Match play: Warning, loss of hole, loss of hole, DQ).

- Ask if there are any questions.


• Never approach players while they are still on the putting green.

• Use good judgment.

• Do not be confrontational with any player.

• Stay with the group until they are back into position (continue timing).

• Inform players when they are back in position.

• Tell the players “thank you” for regaining their position and ask them to keep pace for the remainder of the round.

• A pace of play warning remains with a player throughout the round. It does not “start-over” after regaining position.

Q: Now that I have determined that a group is out of position, how and when should I speak to the group?

Officiating: Pace of PlayQ: When do I start timing a player?

A: Other than on a putting green, the timing of a player’s stroke will begin when he has had:

• a reasonable opportunity to reach his ball,

• it is his turn to play and

• can do so without interference or distraction.

Time spent in determining yardage and club selection will count as part of the time taken for the next stroke.Keep track of an individual’s per-shot time so you will have “evidence” of slow play.

Officiating: Pace of PlayQ: When do I start timing a player?

A: 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 from 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 net stroke.Keep track of an individual’s per-shot time so you will have “evidence” of slow play.

officiating: pace of play

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