Slow play lessens the game enjoyment of those groups who must follow it and of the members within a slow group who recognize that their group is out of position. A policy for slow play has been implemented by the Men’s Club, with guidance from the Costa Mesa Country Club, the SCGA and other teams. This policy has been adapted and adopted by the Costa Mesa Seniors Golf Association, as this issue has also been identified within our club.
The course marshall will be roaming during our tournaments, and will have the authority to enforce this policy. All players in a group are responsible for keeping proper pace. Any warnings or penalties will be applied to all members of the group, since it is not feasible for the marshall to time individual players.
One player from each group is asked to write on their card the start time, time at the end of the 9th hole and time at the end of the round. Rounds on Mesa Linda should be completed ideally in 4 hours, but within a maximum of 4 and 1/2 hours. Los Lagos should be completed ideally in 4 hours and 20 minutes, but within a maximum 4 and 50 minutes.
Avoid being “out of position” as defined below:
Par Threes - The hole is open and the group ahead has finished teeing off for the next hole.
Par Fours - The green has cleared before any player has hit a tee shot.
Par Fives - The preceding group has begun play on the green before any player has hit a tee shot.
Enforcement:
If a group is out of position, and not on pace to complete the round within the maximum expected time, the following will apply.
1st Infraction - Group Warning. Regain position within two holes.
2nd Infraction - Skip one hole. Enter a score of net bogey.on the card (for each player). When the group skips a hole, the group behind is allowed two holes to catch up.
3rd Infraction - Skip another hole. Enter a score of net bogey on the card. When the group skips a hole, the group behind is allowed two holes to catch up.
4th Infraction - Disqualification of the group
If you are close to being out of position, be familiar with:
USGA Tips to Improve Pace of Play
Version 2021-03-16