POLICY for all TPGL Players

PACE OF PLAY - TPGL POLICY

 

PACE OF PLAY - #1 TPGL PRIORITY

A satisfactory pace of play is the most important commitment the TPGL has made to its new home golf courses. The TPGL has committed to completing each round within 4 hours and 20 minutes. Yes, there will be days when groups ahead of the TPGL are slowing things down.  But, at all times, each player must be aware of their group’s pace (actual time) while on the course.  A good rule of thumb is to keep the group in front visible – no more than one hole ahead. If you can’t see them ahead of you, you are probably behind the course pace of play. This doesn’t mean you have to play in a rush, it just means play more efficiently.

 

2018 PACE OF PLAY MANDATES

In support of its pace of play program, the 2018 TPGL Committee has announced that two traditional TPGL pace of play guidelines will now be considered mandates for the 2018 season.  The two mandates include:

  • Lost ball procedure – 2.5 minutes is the maximum time allowed for looking for a golf ball.  After the 2.5 minutes is up, the ball will be considered lost and the player will be required to play his provisional ball.  More importantly, no other TPGL players in the foursome are allowed to help with the search.  Fellow competitors must proceed to their ball, and prepare and play their next shots, while the player is searching for his original ball. 
  • First on tee is the first to hit – The honor system (i.e. player with the lowest score from the previous hole hits first) will also be eliminated completely from the TPGL – regardless of the competitive format.  Whoever arrives on the tee box first, will be required to hit first.  Similarly, where possible, a player who finishes a hole first, will look for opportunities to proceed to the next tee and hit their next tee shot – while other competitors in the group might still be completing play from the previous hole.

 

The TPGL Committee’s intention is not to rush players at any time but encourage members to play a round being as efficient as possible.

 

 

OTHER PACE OF PLAY GUDIELINES . . .

 

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR TIME RELATIVE TO TPGL AND GOLF COURSE EXPECTATIONS

  • The CDGA/USGA has rated our home courses to play at a pace of 4 hours and 10 minutes.
  • All TPGL groups must finish a round in 4 hours 20 minutes or less.
  • If the Course is played as “Cart Paths Only” it may add ½ hour to the expected finishing time.
  • Groups must finish putting out on #18 and leave the green within 15 minutes of the group ahead.
  • Maintain less than, but NO MORE than, a 1½ holes separation from the group ahead. If there is a full 1 hole separation you MUST begin increasing the pace of your group.
  • Be prepared to tee off on the first tee when instructed by the Starter.

 

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR STARTING TIME AND FINISHING TIME

  • Write the time of leaving the first tee on the scorecard AFTER the last person has teed off and left the tee box. (Use a "smart phone" if possible)
  • Write the time of leaving the last green on the scorecard AFTER the last person has holed out and left the green. (Use a "smart phone" if possible)

 

RIDING IN A GOLF CART - BE EFFICIENT WHILE YOU PLAY . . . DON'T BE LAZY

  • When approaching your ball in the fairway, park the golf cart in a neutral spot (if possible) between your ball and your riding partner's ball.  Then, both players at the same time, can select a few clubs, walk to their balls, prepare for the shot, select their club, and be ready to hit.  Please avoid a routine where the cart is being used to drive to each ball separately - one player at a time.               
  • If riding, carry the club just used into the cart and replace it in your bag when you are at your next shot and selecting your next club. It has been calculated that a foursome in two carts can save an average of 20 minutes a round if all players follow this strategy.
  • Park carts between the green and the most direct path to the next tee box.

 

PROVISIONAL BALL

  • Announce and hit a Provisional Ball if there is ANY doubt that a ball may be lost on the course, not cleared a Regular hazard (and if there is not a Drop Zone which you choose to utilize), out of bounds, or in an obstruction. Off the tee, a provisional ball should be hit after all other players have hit their initial tee shot. In the TPGL, we never go back to play a shot. If a ball is lost on the course and a provisional ball has NOT been played you may drop a ball within two club lengths of the spot where the ball was most likely judged to be. The penalty is two strokes. Therefore, if the lost ball was a tee shot and a provisional was not played, after dropping another ball you will then be playing your 4th shot.

 

IF YOU ARE FALLING BEHIND ON THE GOLF COURSE, YOUR GROUP NEEDS TO SPEED UP PLAY 

  • Play ready golf immediately if your group is falling behind, or if, as a group playing a stroke play event, you agree to play ready golf through the round. There are NO penalties in the TPGL for hitting out of turn.

 

SOME COMMON SENSE PACE OF PLAY GUIDELINES

  • Mark and identify your ball to competitors on the first tee and whenever hitting a provisional ball, second ball, or replacing the ball in play according to the rules.
  • Mark the scorecard at the next tee, not at the green of the hole just completed.
  • Any player may mark another player’s ball on the green without permission of the player (mark directly behind the ball with a coin or ball marker). The ball does not have to be replaced by the marker.
  • Begin preparing for your next shot while approaching your ball. On the green, begin preparing to putt immediately (even if you are not away) without interfering with those in the process of putting.
  • Rake traps for other players whenever prudent or expedient.
  • Don’t travel in a “pack”; drive or walk briskly to your ball and be prepared to play as soon as it is your turn.
  • Identify a feature or landmark near the spot where you think your shot will finish. This will assist you in getting directly to your ball to prepare for your next shot.
  • All players are allowed and encouraged to share yardages from rangefinders of any type when asked.
  • First to hole out should retrieve the flagstick and prepare to replace it.
  • While on the green, place any clubs, bags, towels in a line to the next tee box.
  • If you are out of position, ask the cart girl to come back when you have caught up. 

 

THE TPGL COMMITTEE WILL MONITOR PACE OF PLAY AT EACH ROUND

  • The Committee will identify patterns of slow play and reserves the right to make changes as needed.  This might include forced pairings or forced tee times among specific members.