Only you can prevent SLOW PLAY!

 

Understanding Pace of Play

We strive to provide an enjoyable and efficient round of golf for all members and guests. One of the key components to maintaining a great golfing experience is adhering to the established pace of play. Our standard pace of play for 18 holes is 4 hours and 9 minutes. While this is our benchmark, it is important to understand how pace varies throughout the day and what it means to be "behind pace" versus "out of position."

Expectations Throughout the Day

The pace of play naturally fluctuates based on the time of day. In the morning, we anticipate a faster pace as the course is less crowded. As the day progresses, play tends to slow down due to increased traffic on the course. This does not necessarily mean groups are playing too slowly; rather, they are maintaining the appropriate pace given the conditions. We encourage all golfers to be mindful of the groups ahead and behind to help keep an efficient flow.

Singles and Twosomes on the Course

It is important to note that singles and twosomes do not have standing on the course. While they may feel like they are waiting, they should understand that the pace is set by the foursomes and threesomes ahead of them. A group of four playing at our expected pace may seem slow to smaller groups, but they are still adhering to club guidelines. We encourage smaller groups to be patient and use any available opportunities to play through when appropriate, but they should not expect automatic priority.

Behind Pace vs. Out of Position

There is a crucial distinction between being behind pace and being out of position.  If you find yourself repeatedly out of position but on pace, this could be a sign that your group needs to play at a different time of day, or you may need to adjust your game to keep with the pace of the other groups around you for everyone’s enjoyment.

Behind Pace: A group is behind pace when they are playing slower than the expected 4 hours and 10 minutes for 18 holes. This could happen due to excessive time spent searching for lost balls, taking too many practice swings, or not being ready to play when it’s their turn.

Out of Position: A group is out of position when there is a significant gap between them and the group ahead. Even if a group is playing at a reasonable pace, they are considered out of position if they have fallen far behind and are holding up play for those behind them. If your group is out of position, our staff may politely ask you to improve your pace or allow others to play through.

Helpful Tips to Improve Pace of Play

Want to play a quicker round without feeling rushed? Ask yourself: What can I do to save 5 minutes per round? If each player in your group saves just 5 minutes, that’s 20 minutes per foursome! Here are some practical tips:

1. Play Ready Golf – Hit when you're ready, rather than waiting for the order of play.

2. Keep Your Pre-Shot Routine Short – Start preparing while others are playing, including checking yardage and selecting your club.

3. Play Your Shot in 20 Seconds – Avoid overthinking and commit to your shot efficiently.

4. Read Your Putt While Others Are Putting – Don’t wait for your turn to start reading the green.

5. Tap in Putts Within 18 Inches – Instead of marking, simply finish your short putts.

6. Lead by Example When Hosting Guests – Show them the importance of pace by playing efficiently yourself.

7. Be Efficient When Sharing a Cart – Drop your partner off and walk to your ball with a few club options.

8. Pick Up If Out of a Hole – The USGA Handicap System allows players to pick up and move on if needed.

9. Carry Multiple Clubs When Walking to Your Ball – Save time by avoiding trips back to the cart.

10. Encourage Your Group to Play Faster – Friendly reminders go a long way in keeping up the pace.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone on the course. Our goal is not to rush play, but to maintain a steady and fair pace for all golfers. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to seeing you on the course!