GOLF ETIQUETTE TO AVOID SLOW PLAY

Many people think that the game is played at a slow pace. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. All players are obligated to move as fast as possible to complete their round. Failure to do so can impact on the pace of the entire field for the day. Four players are expected to complete 9 holes of golf in 2 hours or less. When playing in a field each group MUST KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT. Following are some useful tips and etiquette that ALL PLAYERS SHOULD APPLY to ensure that the field moves at a reasonable pace.

· Arrive at least 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR TEE TIME. Remember your tee time is when you should be on the tee ready to play, not coming from the car park.

· Note the playing conditions for the day. The options are: Play the Lie or 15cm Clean and Place through the green.

· The player on the lowest handicap in any playing group is automatically responsible for the conduct and etiquette of the group. In particular she is responsible for:

- Ensuring that the Rules and Conditions of Play and Local Rules are observed.
- Avoiding slow play within the group.

· EACH GROUP MUST KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT. If your group is unable to do this, two people putt out and move QUICKLY to the next tee, TEE OFF AND THEN MARK YOUR CARDS.

· Players should wait for, and be slightly behind a person playing a shot on the fairway. However, BY WATCHING CAREFULLY, you may be able to walk ahead down the side of the fairway closer to where your balls lies, while others play their balls. This keeps play moving and allows time to contemplate your next shot. However, DO WATCH THE PLAYER BEHIND YOU CAREFULLY.

· Select your club whilst waiting for the others to play their shots. The number of practice swings should be limited.

· As a marker it is your duty to watch the players shot and count her shots as well as your own. As a beginner golfer, be aware of this responsibility but do not overburden yourself until you become more confident. On reaching the green it is a good idea to say how many strokes you have played before beginning to putt.

· When searching for a lost ball, don’t hold players up behind. The Rules state that you are allowed 5 minutes searching before a ball is deemed lost, but this does not mean you should hold up following players for this time! Initially, all players should assist in the search EXCEPT THE GOLFER WHOSE TURN IT IS TO PLAY. Immediately it appears that a ball is going to be difficult to find SIGNAL TO THE PLAYERS FOLLOWING TO PLAY THROUGH.

· Park trundles and carts toward the back of the green, on the side to where you next tee off. DO NOT LEAVE TRUNDLERS AND CARTS IN FRONT OF THE GREEN.

· When greens staff are working on greens with the flagstaff out, do not play onto the green until the flag is replaced. Greenkeeping staff have the right of way at all times.

· ALWAYS REPAIR YOUR OWN PITCH MARK. - And ideally a couple of others - as you wait for your turn to play on the green.

· A ball on the putting green is marked BEHIND, not in front BEFORE the ball is picked up. When replacing the ball put it down on the green first, and then pick up the marker.

· If a further short putt remains after you have putted, it is often preferable (saves time!) to putt out rather than mark your ball UNLESS YOU WILL BE STANDING ON ANOTHER PLAYERS LINE. A simple “OK if I putt out?” will usually meet with approval.

· Having putted out LEAVE FROM THE BACK OF THE GREEN AT ONCE - BEFORE MARKING CARDS. The player with the honour (or the first to the tee if your group has agreed to play “ready golf”) is REQUIRED TO TEE OFF IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE MARKING HER CARD.

· Try and keep your social chat mainly for the Clubhouse afterwards. You will find that your concentration on the golf course will greatly assist your golf and speed.