PGA of Ontario Pace of Play Policy – Guidelines for Slow Play

 

The PGA of Ontario Pace of Play guidelines, fines, and penalties for slow play are in effect for all PGA of Ontario events, and will be shared with all registrants prior to each event.
 
Out of Position – Defined

The first group to start will be considered out of position if, at any place during the round, the group in question exceeds the allotted time to play as detailed on the hole location sheet.

Any subsequent group will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, the group in question (a) exceeds the allotted time and (b) reaches a par-3 hole that is open and free of play, or reaches a par-4 or par-5 and have not played a stroke from the teeing ground before the hole is open and free of play.

 

Time Monitoring

When play starts from two tees, the first groups in each segment to start will be informed by the PGA of Ontario Referees of monitoring and timing. Any subsequent group out of position will not be informed of monitoring and timing unless asked by the player(s).

 

An individual player is not subject to being timed unless the player’s group is out of position as defined.

 

When play starts from one tee, all groups out of position will be informed of monitoring and timing by the PGA of Ontario Referee.

 

Timing Procedure

 

Once a group is determined to be out of position, players in the group may be timed. Other than on the putting green, the timing of a player’s stroke will begin when it is his/her turn to play, and he can play without interference or distraction. Time spent determining yardages will count as time taken for the next stroke.

 

On the putting green, timing will begin after a player has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean and replace his/her ball, repair his/her ball mark or other ball marks on his/her line of putt, and remove loose impediments on his/her line of putt.

 

Note: A player is permitted 40 seconds to play a stroke, and an extra 20 seconds (for a total of 60 seconds) will be allowed for:

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-3 or par-4 hole
c)    The first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole
d)    The first player to play a stroke around a putting green
e)    The first player to play a stroke on a putting green

 

Any player in a group being timed who exceeds the applicable time to play a stroke will be informed as soon as possible.

 

Penalties During a Round

First Offense – First time exceeding the applicable time to play a stroke – no penalty
Second Offense – Second time exceeding the applicable time to play a stroke – no penalty
Third Offense – Third time exceeding the applicable time to play a stroke – a one (1)-stroke penalty
Fourth Offense – Fourth time exceeding the applicable time to play a stroke – an additional two (2)-stroke penalty
Fifth Offense – Fifth time exceeding the applicable time to play a stroke – disqualification

 

Fines

 

First and second offences – no fine
Third Offence – $100 fine
Fourth and subsequence offences – $200 fine for each offence

 

General

 

A PGA of Ontario Referee shall not be subject to abuse – oral or otherwise. Their duty is to enforce the above guidelines, with intent to elevate the overall experience at all PGA of Ontario events. Please be respectful of their decisions.

 

Appeals

Any appeal of a timing penalty or fine must be referred to the on-site PGA of Ontario Tournament Director immediately upon completion of the player in question’s round. The PGA of Ontario Tournament Director’s decision shall be final. If the player in question does not appeal immediately upon conclusion of his/her round, any penalties and fines shall stand.