Randall Oaks Golf Club
How to Properly Monitor Play
Circulate each nine in reverse 1-2x per hour.
Address issues because problems that go undetected tend to
escalate and guarantee an unfavorable opinion.
Quickly monitor play by checking that tee times are on schedule
and turn times & finish times are on pace.
Dialog with ALL players affected by slow groups and
communicate actions being taken, when to expect improvement
and when to expect an update.
1. STARTER MUST RECORD
ACTUAL TIME EACH
GROUP LEAVES THE
FIRST TEE.
Pace-of-Play Axioms
Just because a group is behind pace of the group ahead, it doesn’t
always mean they are playing slow – check time & position against
pace-of-play log.
Early detection is Key! Groups struggling off
immediately with forecaddie service.
1st
tee should be assisted
Using positive reinforcement and incentives rather than punishment
and embarrassment makes golfers feel good about speeding up
rather than bad about playing slow. The latter just magnifies what is
already a bad situation.
2. MONITOR EACH GROUP
ON THE COURSE TO
ASSURE A 4 HOUR AND
15 MINUTE PACE-OFPLAY.
Golfers can play poorly and still keep pace by being prepared to hit as
soon as they can safely get to their ball.
On days with a solid tee sheet, once a group putts out on the 18th
green in 5 hours there is no chance to recover. Constant monitoring is
essential.
3. REFER TO PACE-OF-PLAY
TIME GRID TO
ESTABLISH SPECIFIC
LOCATION EACH
STARTING TIME SHOULD
BE ON THE COURSE AT
ANY GIVEN TIME.
Group Playing Too Slow – 1st Time To Address:
Using a caring tone of voice that conveys your intent, inform them they are behind pace AFTER
consulting your chart. Offer free recycled golf balls to drop ahead, suggest they play ready golf and
thank them for their efforts. This turns a tough message into something very positive. In many cases,
golfers are playing with clients and friends they don’t want to be embarrassed in front of. This is a
great way to communicate the point without putting them on the spot.
“Gentlemen, based on your actual tee time, your group has fallen about 15 minutes behind our targeted
pace of play. I would like to ask a favor of each of you. Please accept these golf balls to use when you
are near the water or trees. When you lose one, just drop another down in the fairway where you lost
the first one and play from there instead of spending time searching for the lost ball. By doing this and
playing ready golf, you will hopefully catch up. Our golf course and the groups behind you will greatly
appreciate your efforts. Thank you in advance for helping us out.”
Group Playing Too Slow – 2nd Time To Address:
Using positive and enthusiastic energy, accompany group to help speed play and provide any service
such as forecaddie role.
“Gentlemen, I see that you are struggling to keep pace. As the Player Assistant, I will be accompanying
your group to help speed play and provide any service. My services include course information, raking
your footprints in bunkers, tending the pin and anything else possible to help you and the groups behind
you enjoy their round of golf here today. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.”