During the 2011 Kia Classic, LPGA rookie Shasta Averyhardt learned the hard way after she received a two stroke penalty for slow play. Slow play is a big concern in the golf world – both on the tour and at your local golf course.
In Shasta’s situation, her group fell behind their allotted time which forced them to be out of position from the rest of the field. When these two situations happen – over time & out of position – the group is placed on the clock. Each player, in this group, was timed individually by a rules official, and that official determined Shasta was the slow player. Therefore, she received the two stroke penalty.
So how much time are you allowed on the golf course? According to Rule 6-7, “The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground the player must not unduly delay play.”
It is understood that everyone has good and bad days on the golf course, and you are expected to get back on pace if your group falls behind due to a lost ball or other penalties. As a reference, each person in the group is allotted 40 seconds to hit each shot. Your 40 seconds begins when you arrive at your golf ball, and includes the time you may spend calculating yardage. An extra 10 seconds are permitted in the following situations:
a. the first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole
b. the first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole
c. the first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole
d. the first player to play a stroke around the putting green
e. the first player to play a stroke on the putting green
The average player should be encouraged to complete all plays within 40 seconds. The extra time for new players probably does more to hinder success on the next shot than help it. Thanks to EWGA for supplying this great article!