Procedures       Timing System       Rescinding Red Card       Appeals       Tips      

Pace of Play Procedures

The EKJGA will endeavor to use a timing station procedure at all events. This is the system currently employed by the USGA at all Junior Championships and at all AJGA competitions. Since both major junior golf organizations use this system the EKJGA believe it is in the best interest of our members to learn to play under these guidelines. The use of this system will require the use of several volunteer timers. If the association cannot secure enough volunteers at a particular site, the timing station system will not be used at that event.

How the Timing System Works

Several checkpoints will be set up on each course. It is the responsibility of the players to reach each checkpoint in a pre-determined time. That time will vary from course to course and will be determined based on the length of the course and the difficulty of play. Timing station personnel will be positioned at each checkpoint and will monitor the pace of play set by each group.

In order to understand how the process works you must understand the meaning of the terms “OUT OF POSITION” and “IN POSITION”. “OUT OF POSITION” simply means the group has fallen behind the group ahead of them and has failed to complete the play of the checkpoint hole within 15 minutes of the time the group ahead completed play of the hole. “IN POSITION” simply means the group has completed the checkpoint hole within that same 15-minute time period.

At each checkpoint the timer will notify the group of their pace of play by showing them either a “green” card (no penalty) or “red” card (warning). A “green” card indicates the group is on time and/or in position, a “red” card means the group is over the allotted time limits AND “out of position”. All players in a group may be assessed a one-stroke penalty if they receive back-to-back “red” cards. NOTE: The lead group will only be judged against the established time limits.

Rescinding a Red Card

A “red” card can be rescinded in three ways:

1. The group is in position with the group ahead through the next checkpoint.

2. The group is on or below the overall time set for the next checkpoint.

3. The group gains 3 minutes of time from the “red” card checkpoint to the following checkpoint.

Appeal of Pace of Play Penalties

Any player receiving a penalty for violation of the pace of play policy may appeal that decision in the scoring tent. The player(s) must state they wish to appeal and MUST do so before signing and returning their scorecard. Once the scorecard has been signed and returned the player has given up their rights to the appeals process. In deciding to uphold or rescind a penalty, the EKJGA will look at all of the facts presented by the players before making a decision. That decision may be to rescind the penalty to a specific player(s) or group or uphold the penalty as originally issued. The decision of the EKJGA is final and not subject to subsequent review or reversal even if new facts become known.

Pace of Play Tips

Golf is played over a very large area and in many different conditions. There is never “one” right way to play the game but I think we will all agree the wrong way to play is to play slow. I know of no golfer who wants to spend 5 plus hours on the course, yet we often find ourselves in that situation. I can’t give you all of the answers on how to improve you pace of play, but if you will read and apply the following dozen examples I know it will not only help you with your score, it will also enhance your tournament experience and can keep your group from receiving a red card during your round.

1. Put an identification mark on you ball.

2. Get your yardage before it is your turn to play.

3. Read your putt before it is your turn to play.

4. Recognize when someone will need the flag tended or your ball marked.

5. Get to your next shot without delay. It is more important what you do between shots than during.

6. Be aware of who is away. If you are not sure, ask.

7. Know where your group is in relation to the group in front of you.

8. Anyone can search for a lost ball. Have your parents and spectators one shot ahead of your group to spot errant shots.

9. If a ball is not found after a brief search (3 minutes), the fellow competitors should go forward and play their shots to the green and let the player and spectators continue the search until the 5-minute time limit is reached.

10. If your ball might be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, play a Provisional Ball (Rule 27).

11. If a situation arises and you do not know how to proceed, play a second ball under Rule 3-3 and continue playing the hole with both balls. Remember, if this occurs you must report the facts to the EKJGA staff after the stipulated round regardless of the scores achieved by each ball.

12. Place your golf bag off the putting green near the next teeing ground. This avoids holding up the following group to hit while a player retrieves their golf bag from the front of the green.

Remember, golf is a game that is meant to be enjoyed by all who play. We can only make it enjoyable for all who play, if we all do our part and play in a timely manner.