A. Pace of Play and Code of Conduct
To improve the enjoyment of players during general play there are many actions that a Committee can take to improve pace of play and to encourage a good standard of player conduct, such as:
- Reducing group sizes, increasing starting intervals, introducing starter’s gaps.
- Considering fundamental changes to course set up such as widening fairways, reducing the thickness or length of rough, or reducing the speed of greens.
- Encouraging players to play from tees that suit their ability.
- Adopting a pace of play policy and a code of conduct.
The following sections give some of the considerations a Committee should take into account when adopting a pace of play policy or a code of conduct.
(1) Pace of Play Policy
- The nature of such a policy will often depend on the available resources of that course.
- For example, a course with limited staff might simply state that each group is expected to keep up with the group in front or that each group is expected to play within a certain amount of time, while another course may be able to have one or more people on the course to monitor the pace of play and, when necessary, speak to groups that are falling behind.
- The enforcement of such a policy is usually best handled through disciplinary measures. Such sanctions are separate from the Rules of Golf and it is a matter for the Committee to write and interpret any such sanctions.
(2) Code of Conduct Policy
- For general play, a Committee might post a notice in the clubhouse area stating what types of behaviour or attire are not acceptable at that course, including in certain areas.
- Enforcement of this policy is usually best handled through disciplinary measures. Such sanctions are separate from the Rules of Golf and it is a matter for the Committee to write and interpret any such sanctions.
B. Suspending Play
Each Committee should consider how it will suspend play if it is determined that weather conditions warrant. A suspension of play can be handled through a variety of methods, depending on the resources available to the course, such as signalling to players through an air horn or by personal notification of the players.
C. Providing Rules Support
Players may have questions on how to resolve Rules issues that have arisen during general play. Each course should identify a person or persons to handle such Rules questions. In many cases that person may be the professional or manager. If that person is unsure of the correct ruling, he or she may refer the question to the appropriate Rules organization for an answer.