Pace of Play Guidelines

Effingham Golf Club seeks to provide members and visitors alike with a memorable golfing experience in every aspect of its offering.

Members and visitors are asked to maintain a good speed of play for the benefit of all players. Below are some ways you can help (not rocket science, but these do work).

The R&A’s guidelines

• Keep up with the game ahead not with the game behind

• Be ready to hit your shot as soon as it is your turn to play

• Play a provisional if you suspect that might not find your ball

• Walk briskly between shots

• Make sure you line up your putts while waiting for fellow competitors to putt

• Feel free to encourage slow playing partners to play quicker

• A No Return is not the end of the world if you are not scoring well and holding up play.

Effingham members have offered several practical tips:

• Players starting earliest have a key role in setting the pace of the field. If you wish to play at a more leisurely pace, book a start time at the end of the field

• If you find that you are losing ground, call the following game through

• Respect the guidance of the Ranger who has been tasked by Council to optimise the pace of the field. If asked to make up lost ground, please do so

• At the Halfway House, be ready to play as soon as the game ahead is realistically beyond your range - not when they reach the 9th green

• If you wish to linger longer at the HWH to finish your refreshments call the following game through

• Encourage others to play their shots when they are ready, not necessarily in strict etiquette order

• If you reach the green first, you can help others to take their shots promptly: offer to mark any impeding balls if someone is waiting to chip on; repair several pitch marks.

• Mark your scorecard at the next tee. If it is your honour, drive then mark the scores

It’s not about running; it’s simply being ready to play promptly

15 seconds saved on each shot saves ~20 minutes over a round