PACE OF PLAY STANDARDS
The Cliffs Club’s pace of play policy is 4 hrs. and 20 minutes for 18 holes and 2 hrs. and 10 minutes for 9 holes. This is a very generous pace based on industry standards. The pace of play is always a hurdle that needs to be addressed at all levels of play. The round should not feel like work and cause stress to players trying to hurry up while looking behind them for the next foursome.
The following will help achieve the “pace of play” goal:
Gather around the carts at 9:15am for any announcements. The shotgun start will begin at 9:30am, and all Nifty Niners must come off the golf course by 11:45am. This is within the 2 hours and 10 minutes allotted to play 9 holes.
A time slot will be listed on the scorecard to help you be more aware of where you should be on the course at that specific time.
WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR PACE OF PLAY
Play “Ready golf.” Always be prepared to hit not only when it's your turn but also in case you can hit while others are getting ready. Prepare to hit your shot while other players are taking their turn, so you're ready as soon as they are done hitting. It’s proper etiquette to pay attention when they hit, to help watch for their ball.
Pay close attention to where your ball goes. Make a mental note of where you think it went to locate your ball faster. The maximum amount of time to look for a ball is 3 minutes. Know the rules for a lost ball or if it goes out of bounds. Niners Local Rule – Play OB and/or a lost ball as if it were a red stake or lateral hazard.
Know your max score on each hole. The max score you can record is called a Net Double Bogey, which equals Par for the hole + 2 strokes (double bogey) + any handicap strokes (dots) the player is entitled to receive on that hole based on their course handicap. (Par 4 + 2 + 2 dots = 8 max for a par 4 hole)
Players shouldn’t practice on the course on a Niners day; you play the course, keep up with your strokes and exit the fairway or green at your max. This will really help speed up play and make for a better-quality round.
You will know if you are not keeping up with the pace of play if you cannot see the group IN FRONT of you when you arrive at the tee boxes. Also, remember just because nobody is behind you doesn’t mean you have extra time.
When your group is not keeping up with the pace of play, make adjustments. Players can get out of the cart and walk to their ball while other players are hitting. You can be getting ready to hit instead of waiting to drive over to your ball. As soon as a player strikes their ball drive to yours. This will promote faster play.
It should not take more than 30 seconds to go through your pre-shot routine and hit your shot. Be 100% committed to the shot.