BMGC Pace of Play Policy
As in all events held under USGA rules, pace of play is of great importance. In BMGC events, we will adhere to the pace of play policy stated below:
Summary: Each golfer must play without undue delay according to these and any other pace of play guidelines the BMGC Board of Directors may establish. Our rules contemplate penalties for slow play.
Allotted Time: Groups are allotted 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete 9 holes and 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete 18 holes. It is critical that the first group to play in other than shotgun formats adhere to these times, and its time will be closely monitored. Subsequent groups must keep up with the groups in front of them so that all groups can finish within the allotted times. A group’s actual time of play will be determined from the time at which the group’s last hole scores are entered in Golf Genius.
Maintain Your Position on the Course: Each group must remain in the same position behind the group it follows. If a group falls out of position for any reason, it is expected to regain its position as quickly as possible.
Out of position means:
- Par threes – As your group arrives at your tee box, the group you follow has completed its tee shots on the next hole.
- Par fours – As your group arrives at your tee box, the group you follow has left the green.
- Par fives – As your group arrives at your tee box, the group you follow is on the green or has left it.
When a group is out of position, it must play “ready golf” until it has fully recovered its position.
Ready Golf - To the extent possible without disturbing other golfers, "ready golf" means each player hits when ready rather than following the standard practice of determining honors. “Ready golf” incorporates a purposeful intent to play and move quickly!
Other Specific Requirements:
Tee Times – Players are expected to arrive at the tee at least 2 minutes prior to their tee time and be ready to play.
Lost Balls – Golfers must adhere to the 3-minute maximum time allotted under USGA rules for lost ball searches.
Provisional Balls and Alternative to Stroke and Distance Local Rule – Whenever a shot is hit to an area where the ball might be lost or out of bounds, the player is expected to either hit a provisional ball or decide he will employ the local rule alternative to stroke and distance relief if it is later determined necessary.
Penalties: Slow play warnings can be issued by course marshals and members of the club’s board of directors. If a group receives a second slow play warning, each player will be required to card a “10” for the hole and immediately pick up and move to the next hole. A golfer who is concerned about a slow player in his group should request a marshal or director to monitor the player before it becomes necessary to penalize the entire group. Golfers who have received multiple slow play warnings may be assigned to the last group in future events.
Appeals: Prior to leaving the course after the tournament, any player who has incurred a penalty under these guidelines may file an appeal with the board of directors. An appeal will only be considered if the delay was caused by circumstances beyond the player’s control or by another player in his group. The decision made by the board of directors will be final.
The bottom line is this: If you play within the allotted time and keep pace with the group you follow, you will never be penalized. If there is a slow player in the group, don’t be afraid to address it with him during play. Each player has an obligation to the rest of the field to play at a reasonable pace.