MGA Pace of Play Policy

 

 

The MGA’s pace of play policy is intended to provide a method that keeps the tournament moving at an acceptable pace. Before we run down a list of suggestions for speeding up play, it's important to note that many of these tips have nothing to do with rushing your play, but rather with simply being ready to play, and with using common sense and good etiquette on the course.  
The bottom line is, as soon as it's your turn to play, you should be ready to step right up and make the stroke.

Here are some best practices ideas to help you to be ready to play without rushing to play.

• Cartpath only – estimate from the cart what you need to hit the ball. Take 3 clubs, the one you need for that distance and one on either side of the distance.
• Not your turn to play?
  • Get out of the cart and go to your ball with the 3 most likely clubs you will use when it is your turn.
  • Determine your distance while the other players are playing.
• Begin reading the green and lining up putts as soon as you reach the green. Don't wait until it's your turn to putt to start the process of reading the green. Do it as soon as you reach the green so that when it's your turn you can step right up and putt.
• Never delay making a stroke because you're having a conversation with a playing partner. Put the conversation on hold, make your stroke, then pick up the conversation again.

One of the best ways to keep your group moving is peer pressure within the group. Don’t be afraid to tell someone in your group to get out of the cart and go to their ball or pickup if their ball is not going to count. Just record their most likely score not to exceed equitable stroke control.

One final note. Forget what’s in the rearview mirror. If the group ahead is running off leaving you, do something to catch up.

Shotgun tournaments

If a group is out of position, they will be advised by club personnel, or representatives of the MGA board that they have 3 holes to catch up and regain their position. If they are unable to get back into position, the club personnel will notify the tournament director of the situation and provide the names of each member in that specific group. If an individual is reported twice in two different groups he will be on notice for future pace of play actions. If he is reported a 3rd time the committee will review all the circumstances and the repeat offender may be restricted from playing in future events.

Out of position – a group will be considered out of position on a par 4 or par 5 if they reach the tee of and the preceding group has finished play of the hole. A group will be considered out of position on a par 3 if they reach the tee and the preceding group has cleared the tee of the next hole.

Tee time tournament

If your group arrives at the scoreboard more than 15 min. behind the preceding group AND you completed your round in more than 4 hours 20 min, a pace of play penalty will be assessed. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, each person or team will have a two-strokes added to their score.