How to Help Your Group Keep Pace
Below are a few of the most important rules and etiquette changes as it pertains to pace of play enacted recently by the USGA. We appreciate you keeping these in mind during your round:
Play Ready Golf
Please play whenever it is safe to do so. The old etiquette of “you’re away” no longer applies, according to the USGA’s rules modernization initiative.
Ball Lost or Out of Bounds
Pebble Beach Company has adopted the new local rule allowing players an alternative to the traditional “stroke and distance” penalty for a ball lost or out of bounds. Please proceed to the edge of your fairway nearest where your ball was lost or last crossed the boundary line and drop under penalty of two strokes.
Flagstick
It is no longer a penalty to strike the flagstick while in the hole with a shot played from the green. Waiting for someone to tend or pull the flag now unduly slows down play.
It’s OK to Pick Up
The handicap system allows for a maximum score. If you reach it, pick up, regroup, and try again the next hole. The max scores by handicap, as stated by the USGA, are:
- 0-9: double bogey
- 10-19: 7
- 20-29: 8
- 30-39: 9
Aim to Play in No More Than 40 Seconds
From club selection to pre-shot routine to execution, strive to hit your shot in no more than 40-seconds once arriving at your ball.
In addition, Pebble Beach Company and the USGA share the following “age old” tips for speeding up play:
Get Ready for Your Shot Before You Reach Your Ball
Once you are off the tee, think ahead. Determine your yardage and make your club selection before it is your turn to play.
When You Share a Cart, Work Together
While your playing partner hits, get out of the cart and walk to your ball with a few clubs. Be ready to play when it is your turn, and let your partner pick you up. Whenever possible, park your cart ahead of your ball, not behind it.
Be Efficient on the Putting Green
Line up your putt while others are putting. Leave your clubs on the side of the putting green closest to the next tee. Wait until the next tee to record your score.
Play Formats Other Than Stroke Play
Match play, Stableford, best ball, and other formats are easy and fun alternatives to individual stroke play that don’t involve every player holing out on every hole.