The Golfing Front – 17 February 2022

Pace of Play

Over the next couple of weeks, our main focus will be the pace of play on the courses. We are aware that over the last couple of months the courses have been playing very difficult, and this does have an effect on the pace of play. One of the biggest concerns raised by team members and members are players arriving late for their tee-off times.

As per the rules of Golf, Rule 5.3a: “The player must start at his/her starting time”:
• This means that the player must be ready to play at the starting time.
• The starter time set by the committee (or your booked time) is treated as an exact time (for example, 9 am means 9:00:00, not any time until 9:01)

We are hereby requesting that all players be ready at least 10 minutes prior to their tee-off time.

A grace period, commencing 17 February through to 25 February is being granted to allow playing members to get used to the new procedures. We encourage all playing members to adopt the new procedures earlier which will be implemented with effect from 26 February.

Herewith are the changes:
• All pre-check-ins will be discontinued as of 26 February. All players to report to the Pro Shop to check in before the start of play.
• Social distancing and masks will apply in the Pro Shop.
• Players may not check-in for other players.
• Each player must have a slip before proceeding to their relevant tee boxes.
• No Slip = No Play.
• Players to report to the starter 10 minutes prior to your tee-off time. Please advise the starter of your name and tee-off time.
• Please be ready to play at your booked time.

In the event that a player or group is late for their tee-off time, the following will apply:

• If all 4 players are not ready to tee off at their set time, they will move to the back of the field. If the field is full, the players will forfeit their tee-off time and will not be able to play.
• In the event that one player is running late, the other players must tee off on the set time. The late player must skip the hole/s and catch up with his/her playing partners. Players will not be allowed to wait for the player on the tee box and must continue with their game.
• In the event that a player does not arrive for their tee-off a NO SHOW will be implemented against that player.

Slow Play on the Course

Our marshals on the courses will always ensure that slow play is monitored and the round is enjoyable for all our members and guests. Verbal abuse of the course marshals will not be tolerated and will carry sanctions that may extend to suspension of playing privileges.

The responsibility is still with the players to ensure they keep up with the four-ball ahead of them. If you lost time during play you must make up for the lost time, falling out of position creates congestion for the whole field and if it occurs in the morning field, it may extend to the afternoon field as well. In the event that a group does not make up for the lost time, the group will either be requested to Grab & Go when they reach the Halfway House or skip Halfway House to make up for the lost time. We are hereby requesting all members to assist us in this regard, to make the round more enjoyable for your group, but also the rest of the field behind you.

Please remember the following:

• Play “Ready Golf”, this will help the pace of play tremendously.
• Limit your time searching for a ball to 3 minutes as per the Rules of Golf.
• Do not waste time next to the green to collect scores, proceed to the next tee box and capture the scores there.
• When possible, proceed to your ball and play when you are ready.
• Leave your bag/pull cart in the direction towards the next green, do not leave your bag in front of the green.
• Limit your practice and pre-shot routine and be ready to play when it’s your turn.

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