June Rules Tip of the Month
During the 2011 Kia Classic, LPGA rookie Shasta Averyhardt learned the hard way after she received a two stroke penalty for slow play.
In Shasta’s situation, her group fell behind their allotted time which forced them to be out of position from the rest of the field. When these two situations happen – over time & out of position - the group is placed on the clock. Each player, in this group, was timed individually by a rules official, and that official determined Shasta was the slow player. Therefore, she received the two stroke penalty.
So how much time are you allowed on the golf course? According to Rule 6-7, “The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground the player must not unduly delay play.”
It is understood that everyone has good and bad days on the golf course, and you are expected to get back on pace if your group falls behind due to a lost ball or other penalties. As a reference, each person in the group is allotted 40 seconds to hit each shot. Your 40 seconds begins when you arrive at your golf ball, and includes the time you may spend calculating yardage. An extra 10 seconds are permitted in the following situations:
a. the first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole
b. the first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole
c. the first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole
d. the first player to play a stroke around the putting green
e. the first player to play a stroke on the putting green
If your group is out of position, you will be notified by a Rules Official or Rules Rover. If the Rules Official chooses to time your group, you will be notified. It is to the discretion of the Committee to establish penalties for slow play, and this information is typically included on the Notice to Players in a tournament.
It is your responsibility as a player to know the Rules of Golf, as well as the pace of play guidelines for an event. Learn from Shasta’s mistake and be sure that you are staying on point with your pace.
For more information, Rule 6-7: Undue Delay; Slow Play, check the Rules Book Page 32.