DURHAM COUNTY GOLF UNION
PACE OF PLAY POLICY FOR DCGU CHAMPIONSHIPS AND COMPETITIONS
The following Pace of Play Policy will apply to all DCGU Championships and Matches.
All competitors should ensure they are familiar with and understand this Policy before playing, as it will be strictly enforced.
1. Time Allowed for Round
Each hole is given a maximum completion time, primarily based upon its length and difficulty. The maximum time allotted for the completion of 18 holes will be available prior to play.
2. Out of Position
The first group and any group after a starter’s gap will be “out of position” if, at any time during the round, the group’s cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes completed. Any following group will be considered “out of position” if it is more than the starting interval behind the group in front.
3. Procedure when Group is Out of Position
a) A Group “Out of Position” will be asked by the referee to get back into position within a specified time. Failure to do so may lead to players being individually timed.
b) If a decision is taken to time a group, each player in the group will be informed that the group is out of position. At the referee’s discretion, each or any player will be subject to individual timings.
4. Time Allowed for a Stroke
a) The maximum time allocated per shot is 40 seconds. 10 seconds extra are allowed for the first player to play:
i. a tee shot on a par three hole
ii. an approach shot to the green
iii. a chip or putt
b) The time will start when the player has had sufficient time to reach his or her ball, it is his or her turn to play and they are able to play without interference or distraction.
c) The time allowed includes any yardage assessment, any walking forwards or backwards and any pre-shot routine, including practice swings.
d) On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, and clean his or her ball, repair pitch marks and move loose impediments on his or her line of putt. Time spent determining the line and aligning the golf ball, is included in the time allowed for the stroke.
e) Should a player elect to play out of turn and wish to continue to hole-out after missing a putt (permissible under the rules), that player must do so without re-marking their ball.
5. Timing Ceases
Timing ceases when a group is back in position. Players will be advised accordingly.
6. Penalty for Breach of Local Rule
1 Bad Time Strokeplay: One Stroke Penalty
Stableford: Deduct 1 Point from Total
Matchplay: One Stroke Penalty
2 Bad Times Strokeplay: Additional Two Penalty Strokes
Stableford: Deduct 2 further Points from Total
Matchplay: Loss of Hole
3 Bad Times Strokeplay: Disqualification
Stableford: Disqualification
Match Play: Disqualification
7. Procedure When Again Out of Position During Same Round
If a group is subsequently out of position during a round, the above procedure will apply on each occasion. Previous bad times and penalties applied in the round will be carried forward until the round is completed.
8. Individual Timings Without Warning
In addition to the above, a player without notice may be individually timed (whether “In Position” or not). If his or her time exceeds 60 seconds the player will incur a warning.
Any future bad times will result in penalties being imposed as set out in clause 6 above.
Adopted on 15th February 2021.
Download this policy HERE