Some formats of MGA events have become longer than they should ( 5.0 + hours). MGA survey “feedback” stated many of the MGA membership would not play due to the lengthy rounds.
Your MGA board, listening to the memberships feedback, feels the membership is expecting this issue to be addressed. MGA membership must take on the responsibilities associated with Pace of Play. MGA members must provide “Candid Feedback” to other playing members exhibiting slow play (Mentoring/Coaching).
Several key areas for Pace of Play focus
- Play ready golf when /where appropriate
- Be Ready to play your shot (Club in hand)
- Be “Smart” with the golf cart. Use a driving-buddy system to efficiently time-manage around the course.
- IF “out of the hole” / pick up / use assumptive scoring for net double bogey max
- Position the carts effectively to utilize the GPS systems to aid club selection.
- Exit the greens quickly……. move to the next tee before cleaning clubs and updating scorecards.
- Help each other by watching the ball flight & final location… minimizing time spent searching for balls
- Work on reducing your Set-Up preparation time multiple practice swings etc.
- When CPO is in effect, carry a small selection of clubs (and sand bottle) for your pending shot.
- See USGA suggested tips for improving Pace of Play
Corrective Action / Consequences:
MGA Board Members (1 per MGA event) will assume responsibility of MGA “Pace of Play” Marshall. The Marshall will be on the course during the event to assess slow play and apply the board’s process.
The board’s Pace of Play process is:
- With a 1-hole gap directly ahead of group, a warning is issued.
- If gap does not tighten, group is put on clock and formally monitored.
- If the speed of the group does not improve, Marshall will ask them to skip a hole to close the gap.
- Appropriate penalization will be assessed. i.e. net double bogey for skipped hole, point deduction, etc.
MGA Target Play Time is 4 ½ hours