Pace of play is a very real concern. Gulf Coast has implemented the following policy to ensure we play in four hours and fifteen minutes or less.
- At the beginning of the round the Club Pro will announce the standard time to play a round.
- If your group arrives at a tee and the hole is open, your group is out of position and must split into twosomes and continue play until the gap is closed. The course rangers will be notified of this rule and enforce it on the course. Respect them if they approach you.
- If a group that is out of position does not follow this policy, penalties maybe be assessed to the entire foursome. Penalties will be applied starting with deduction of point earned on 18th hole or going back to last hole where points were scored.
To accomplish our pace of play policy, please keep the following in mind:
Cart Management
- Change cart positions to ensure the driver of the cart is familiar with the golf course.
- When the first player in the cart gets to their ball and has made their club selection, the other player can move, when possible, the cart to their ball so they can prepare for their shot.
- After you hit your ball, get in the cart with your club(s). You can get them back in your bag at your next stop.
- Focus on the group in front and keep up with them.
Scoring
- Exchange scorecards with your cart partner who is your marker. It is not necessary to keep a master scorecard for four players.
- If you cannot make any points on a hole, PICK UP. (Net Double Bogey and you are done)
- Records your score at the next tee box.
Minimize your time on the tee
- Front cart tees off first OR Players who don’t hit as far tee off first.
- Always hit a provisional ball if you think your original ball is lost or out of bounds.
- Ditch your headcovers in the basket, replace when round is over.
Executing Your Shot
- Play Ready Golf. If you are ready to execute your shot prior to others and can safely do so, indicate you will hit.
- Be sensible about measuring yardages. If you can get to your ball while another player is hitting without interfering with their shot, get your yardage and plan your club choice. Be ready to hit when it is your turn or play ready golf and hit while another player is planning their shot.
- Take practice swings while waiting for your turn.
- When it is your turn, take no more than one practice swing.
- The USGA has adopted the 40 second Rule. A player is expected to get her shot off within 40 seconds of arriving at her ball.
On the Putting Green
- Mark your ball and lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so you are ready to replace it when it is your turn to play.
- Line up your putt while others are putting as long as you are not disturbing the player putting.
- If your second putt is within 3 feet, please putt out unless you are standing on someone’s line.
- Don’t put the pin in and out of the hole multiple times. Once the pin is out, those who like it out should complete the hole and then put the pin back in for those who want it in.
- Leave your clubs on the side of the putting green closest to the cart and leave green promptly after holing out. Replace clubs in your bag at the next tee box.
