pace of play guidelines

Members and visitors are asked to maintain a good speed of play for the benefit of all players.

Effingham Golf Club supports the ‘R&A Ready Golf’ protocols and expects all forms of play to adhere to them with the exception of match play events.

Below are some ways you can help (not rocket science, but these do work).

The R&A’s guidelines

  • Keep up with the game ahead not with the game behind

  • Play a provisional if you suspect that might not find your ball

  • Walk briskly between shots

  • Make sure you line up your putts while waiting for fellow competitors to putt

  • Feel free to encourage slow playing partners to play quicker

  • A No Return is not the end of the world if you are not scoring well and holding up play.

Effingham members have offered several practical tips:

  • Players starting earliest have a key role in setting the pace of the field. If you wish to play at a more leisurely pace, book a start time at the end of the field

  • If you find that you are losing ground, call the following game through

  • Respect the guidance of the Ranger who has been tasked by the Club’s Board to optimise the pace of the field. If asked to make up lost ground, please do so

  • At the Halfway House, be ready to play as soon as the game ahead is realistically beyond your range - not when they reach the 9th green

  • If you wish to linger longer at the HWH to finish your refreshments call the following game through

  • Encourage others to play their shots when they are ready, not necessarily in strict etiquette order

  • If you reach the green first, you can help others to take their shots promptly: offer to mark any impeding balls if someone is waiting to chip on; repair several pitch marks.

  • Mark your scorecard at the next tee. If it is your honour, drive then mark the scores

It’s not about running; it’s simply being ready to play promptly
15 seconds saved on each shot saves ~20 minutes over a round