Pace of Play

The speed and rhythm at which golfers complete their rounds, crucial for course management, player enjoyment, and facility operations. Proper pace of play typically allows groups to complete 18 holes in 4-4.5 hours, maintaining appropriate intervals between groups and preventing course backups. Slow play affects not only the group playing slowly but all groups behind them, creating frustration and potentially impacting course revenue. Effective pace of play management includes being ready to play, efficient pre-shot routines, quick decision-making, and understanding course flow. Many courses implement pace-of-play policies and provide rangers to monitor and assist with maintaining appropriate playing speeds.