One of the most dissatisfied areas arising from the recent comprehensive Member Survey was in relation to Pace of Play. The policy that was first implemented as a trial in November 2013 has been re-communicated and many Members would have noticed Golf Shop staff and management on the golf course with their clipboard noting any observation of groups who have fallen more than one hole behind the group in front and hence lost their place in the field. Thank you very much to the large majority of Members who have made an obvious effort to keep up with the group in front and have provided plenty of positive feedback back to the Board and management.
Unfortunately 12 Members have received a yellow card during the month of May and the Board remain committed to ensuring that a reasonable pace of play is maintained. All Members are now required to “Grab and Go” if they are purchasing food and drinks from the Café at halfway during competitions. It is imperative that Members do not sit down and eat a meal at the Café at halfway to provide all Members with the opportunity to complete their round before the sun sets during Winter. The Pace of Play Policy is:
All Members prefer a round of golf that flows without undue delay. In accordance with the Rules of Golf (Rule 6-7) this Pace of Play Policy was established on the following principles:
- All players (not just the lowest marker) are responsible for the pace of play of their group.
- All players must keep up with the group in front of you.
- All players are required to be on the tee 5 minutes prior to your tee time.
- 4 hours and 20 minutes is the required maximum time for a group to complete 18 holes.
If a group is observed falling more than a hole behind the group in front, the Match Committee will apply these penalties as follows:
1. On the first occasion each player will be sent an email or letter advising the player of his or her first official warning for slow play and issuing of a yellow card.
2. On the second occasion in a four week period the player/s will be issued a red card and restricted to being able to only book into one of the last two tee times of the morning or afternoon fields for the following month of competition.
3. Repeated issuing of red cards to the same member may require meeting with the Match Committee.