Pace of Play Policy
The Association may refuse to accept entries in tournaments it sponsors from players who have violated the Code of Conduct at tournaments sponsored by other associations and organizations.
Rule 6-7 states, "The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines which may be laid down by the Committee. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player shall not unduly delay play."Each player is responsible for their group maintaining proper position on the golf course in relation to the rest of the field. The position of the group following has no bearing in determining whether or not a player's pace of play is satisfactory.
Players will be provided the Pace of Play Policy on their 1st Tee, and are expected to adhere to the Time Limits as indicated on the Official Scorecard.
Time Limits may be adjusted based on factors specific to the golf course being played. Any adjustments will be reflected on the Official Score Card or on their 1st Tee.
The PAGA Pace of Play Policy utilizes a FOUR checkpoint system (under unavoidable circumstances, we will utilize two checkpoints)
Each group is responsible for monitoring their own pace.
Checkpoints will be on #4 green, #9 green, #13 green and #18 green, unless otherwise indicated.
To avoid penalty, groups must complete each checkpoint hole:
1. Under the allotted time, or
2. Within 15 minutes of the group ahead.First Group(s) off Either Tee – The first group(s) will be in breach of the pace of play policy if they take more than the allotted time to finish a checkpoint hole until they reach (within 15 minutes of) any group ahead. After they reach a group ahead, both conditions must be met to be in breach of the pace of play policy.
All players in a group in breach of the pace of play policy at any checkpoint are subject to penalty.
Players are responsible for knowing their position on the course relative to their Time Limit. Players should monitor and speak to individuals causing slow play. Players may ask that the group be monitored by an Official without identifying an individual causing slow play. Information obtained by that Official will be considered in applying penalties under this Rule.
SUMMARY
When a group is out of position at any check-point the players in the group are liable to penalty under these guidelines. Players in a group that have missed one or more check-points will be liable to penalty according to the following schedule of penalties pending final determination of whether a breach or breaches of these guidelines have occurred:
PENALTIES (4 Point Check-Point)
1st missed check-point: Warning*
2nd missed check-point: liable to a one stroke penalty
3rd missed check-point: liable to a two stroke penalty
4th missed check-point: liable to disqualification
*If a group clears the third check-point and has not missed any other check-points, but is out of position at the 4th check-point, each player in the group is liable for a one stroke penalty if, in the Committee's view, a reasonable effort was not made by the players to complete their round within the allotted time for the final check-point.
It is the player's responsibility to record and include any penalties assessed on their scorecards. Penalties are to be added to the checkpoint hole where the breach occurred. (Holes #4, #9, #13 or #18)
PENALTIES (2 Point Check-Point)
1st missed check-point: Warning*
2nd missed check-point: liable to a two stroke penalty
*If a group clears the 1st check-point, but is out of position at the 2nd check-point, each player in the group is liable for a one stroke penalty if, in the Committee's view, a reasonable effort was not made by the players to complete their round within the allotted time for the final check-point.
It is the player's responsibility to record and include any penalties assessed on their scorecards. Penalties are to be added to the checkpoint hole where the breach occurred. (Holes #9 or #18)NOTIFICATION
Any group that completes a checkpoint hole in breach of the pace of play policy will be notified by a Checkpoint Official. When a group has been notified of a missed check-point, that group is expected to regain its position before reaching the next check-point. If that group reaches the next check-point out of position, each player in the group may incur the applicable penalty for a breach of these guidelines. Any group that is out of position may be monitored by a Rules Rover.CONCERNED PLAYERS AND REVIEW PROCESS
A player concerned about slow players in a group should first remind that player of the pace of play policy and encourage them to play more efficiently. A player concerned about a non-responsive (slow) fellow-competitor in his group, who is delaying play, should request a Rules Rover to monitor the group in case the group is, or becomes, liable to penalty under these guidelines.
Reveiw Process: The Pace of Play Committee will consist of up to three officials, including the Official-in-Charge. The player must appeal the penalty at the Scoring Area before the score card is signed and returned. Lost balls, bad play, and time waiting for a ruling are not viable excuses for slow play. In order for an appeal to be considered, there must have been circumstances or situations beyond the player's control. Information from other Rules Officials assigned to the event may be considered in reviewing the appeal and in determining penalties. The final decision rests with the Pace of Play Committee.
Before returning his score card, a player who is liable for penalty during his round may consult with the Pace of Play Committee to determine if he has incurred a penalty under these guidelines. The Pace of Play Committee will determine that a player who has been found to be out of position is not in breach of these guidelines only if:
(A) The player was delayed by the Committee; or
(B) The player was delayed by a circumstance beyond control of the player or the group; or
(C) The player was delayed by another player in the group
A player who was out of position during his round and who elects not to consult with the Pace of Play Committee to determine whether he was in breach of these guidelines prior to returning his score card is deemed to be in breach of these guidelines and incurs a penalty or penalties according to the above schedule of penalties.DEFINITION OF OUT OF POSITION
FIRST GROUP (off the 1st and 10th holes, both morning and afternoon waves): The first group is out of position if it takes more than the allotted time to finish a check-point hole.
FOLLOWING GROUPS: A following group is out of position if it (a) takes more than the allotted time to finish a check-point hole AND (b) completes play of a check-point hole more than 15 minutes after the preceding group completed play of that hole.
ALLOTTED TIME: The time indicated on the Official Scorecard for completion of a given hole or check-point(s). The Allotted Time is based on the scheduled Starting Time. If the group is unable to begin play at its scheduled time, the Starter will advise the players of their new Official Starting Time and the Allotted Limit will be adjusted accordingly. The Official Starting Time will be when the Starter clears the first competitor to play.
COMPLETED PLAY: Groups have completed play when all players have holed out and the flagstick has been returned to the hole.NOTE: During a "WALKING ONLY" competition the Committee will have the right to assist players with automotive transportation, at their discretion.