Pace of Play Strategies

Your Men’s Club Board of Directors along with the Pro Shop is making Pace of Play a high priority this year, for Tournaments, NCGA 12-Man Team events, Wednesday games and all regular play.

Rounds at Tahoe Donner should take no longer than 4 hours 30 minutes, with 2 hours 15 minutes per front and back.

A substantial reason for the USGA and R&A rules changes in 2019 was specifically to improve pace of play.  Time allowed to search for a ball has been reduced from 5 minutes to 3 minutes.  Rule 5.6 specifically addresses Unreasonable Delay (with penalties up to and including disqualification) and Prompt Pace of Play.

There are specific strategies the Pro Shop and each of us as individual players can take to ensure we maintain the required pace of play.

You have likely noticed more Marshalls on the course than past years.  Jeff is working with his team to monitor pace with a polite heads up when we’re falling behind.  If you are in a group having a bad day, Marshalls will act as fore caddies to help find errant shots.  New clocks are on order to clearly identify our pace.

When it comes down to it though, pace of play is an individual player’s responsibility.  Mindset and a culture of timely play are critical.  Keeping up with the group ahead is one indicator that you are maintaining pace.  But we’ve all had bad days that cause us to fall behind, made worse if several in a group are struggling.  

Follow these tips to improve place of play:

Be Ready When It’s Your Turn

Start assessing your shot as you approach your ball.  Have your distance measured, club selected, glove on and shot planned out while others are playing.  Don’t wait until it is your turn to start this process.  If you are first to play, move through this process efficiently.

Keep Your Pre-Shot Routine in Check

Adopt an effective and efficient routine.  The Rules allow up to 40 seconds to take a stroke, while adding that you usually should be able to play more quickly and are encouraged to do so.

Watch Where Your Ball Goes

The only reason to look up in your swing is to see a crappy shot.  When you've done that don't look away in disgust, watch where your ball goes.  Identify and discuss specific landmarks so you know exactly where to start looking when you get there.  Watch your partners' balls and do the same.  If you're out of position and a few errant shots have been hit do not expect all four players to search for each ball; only players in close proximity should help.

If In Doubt, Play a Provisional Ball (or take E-5 when available)

Avoid the walk/drive of shame when you are required to go back and re-hit when you can’t find your ball.  Have a pre-established provisional ball strategy that allows you to quickly hit your provisional.  Understand and use Local Rule E-5 (Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Ball Lost or OB) when it is available – Wednesday games, regular play and some but not all tournaments.

Three Minutes to Search for Your Ball

Set a 3 minute timer on your watch and use it.  DO NOT SEARCH MORE THAN 3 MINUTES.

Be Self-Aware

Know whether you are on pace or out of position.  Don’t leave your cart or clubs short of the green; walking that extra 50+ yards wastes time.  If you are behind, it is not the time to start a lengthy conversation or story; save that for after the round.

Check Your Time

If you finished the fourth hole in less than one hour then congratulate your partners on setting a good pace of play.  If longer than one hour, let your partners know you’re behind and need to catch up.  Do the same at the turn with a 2 hour 15 minute benchmark.

Play Ready Golf

If you are out of position this is generally the quickest way to gain ground.  Whenever possible, forgo honors; a player in a cart can get to their ball faster than a walker and should go ahead and hit.  In stroke play, play ready golf in a safe and responsible way.  In match play, you and your opponent may agree that one of you will play out of turn to save time.

Take Multiple Clubs

Take multiple clubs around the greens or in the fairway, to eliminate going back and forth to the cart or making your partner wait.

Mark Your Score at The Next Tee Box

We’ve all waited for a slow group ahead to mosey off the green, wipe down their clubs, figure out where they go, write down their scores, check their phones for messages, celebrate with birdie juice, etc.  Don’t be one of those guys!  Move on to the next tee quickly and take care of this business as others are teeing off.

It is important to note that we are not asking players to rush their shots; but we are most definitely asking players to play at a prompt pace.  Thank you in advance for helping to support a culture of prompt pace of play at Tahoe Donner by following these tips and holding yourself and your playing partners accountable.

On behalf of the Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf Club Board of Directors,