The San Marcos Standard:
Keep pace with the group ahead. Be ready to play.
Complete 18 holes in four hours or less.

A prompt pace of play makes golf more enjoyable for everyone. In accordance with USGA Rule 5.6, each player is responsible for playing without unreasonable delay and recognizing that individual pace affects the entire field.

The maximum allowable time for an 18-hole round in a San Marcos Men’s Golf Club event is 4 hours, including time spent at the turn.

Time Checkpoints

Each group should complete play within these cumulative times:

• 3 holes: 40 minutes

• 6 holes: 1 hour, 20 minutes

• 9 holes: 2 hours

• 12 holes: 2 hours, 40 minutes

• 15 holes: 3 hours, 20 minutes

• 18 holes: 4 hours

The Committee may place more detailed checkpoint times on the event scorecard.

Group Position

A group must:

• Keep pace with the group directly ahead.

• Remain within the four-hour time schedule.

• Monitor its position throughout the round without waiting for a reminder from course staff.

• Make an immediate effort to close any open gap.

A group may be considered out of position when it exceeds a published checkpoint time and is no longer maintaining a reasonable position behind the group ahead.

Being ahead of the group behind does not mean a group is in the correct position.

Play Without Delay

Under USGA Rule 5.6, a player should normally make a stroke within 40 seconds after being able to play without interference or distraction. Players are encouraged to play sooner whenever possible.

Players should:

• Prepare for each stroke while others are playing.

• Determine yardage and select a club in advance.

• Limit practice swings.

• Move promptly between shots and holes.

• Be ready to play when it is their turn.

• Avoid unnecessary conversations or activities when the group can play.

Ready Golf

In stroke play, safe and responsible ready golf is encouraged.

• The first player ready should play when it is safe.

• A player who is ready may play before someone who is farther from the hole.

• Shorter hitters may play first when longer hitters must wait.

• Players should putt continuously when appropriate.

• Ready golf must never endanger another player, interfere with another player’s stroke, or be used to give someone an advantage.

In match play, players should follow the required order of play unless the opponents agree to play out of turn to save time.

On the Tee

• Arrive at the first tee before the assigned starting time.

• Have a ball, tee, glove, and club ready.

• Play promptly when the landing area is clear.

• Play a provisional ball when the original ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.

• Do not delay play solely to preserve the traditional honor when ready golf is appropriate.

In the Fairway

• Go directly to your ball when it is safe.

• Take more than one club when walking to a ball.

• Do not remain seated in a cart while waiting for a partner to play.

• When practical, drop one player near that player’s ball and proceed to the other player’s ball.

• Watch each player’s shot to help locate the ball.

• Begin preparing before it becomes your turn.

Ball Searches

The Rules of Golf allow a maximum of three minutes to search for a ball, beginning when the player or the player’s caddie starts searching.

• Play your own shot before helping another player search when it is safe.

• Limit the number of players searching when others can continue play.

• If the ball is not found within three minutes, it is lost under the Rules of Golf.

• Play a provisional ball whenever a ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.

On and Around the Green

• Take a putter and any needed clubs when approaching the green.

• Position carts and bags on the side of the green nearest the next tee.

• Study the line of play while others are preparing or putting.

• Putt continuously when appropriate and permitted.

• Repair ball marks and rake bunkers promptly.

• Leave the green immediately after all players have completed the hole.

• Record scores at the next tee rather than beside the completed green.

Maximum Score and Picking Up

Players must follow the format established for the event.

• In a Maximum Score competition, pick up when the Committee’s maximum score has been reached.

• In Stableford, four-ball, match play, or team competitions, pick up when the player can no longer affect the result of the hole, when permitted by the format.

• In individual stroke play, do not pick up unless the competition conditions permit it. Picking up may result in disqualification from that event.

• For handicap posting, record the score required under the current Rules of Handicapping.

At the Turn

Time at the turn is included in the four-hour limit.

Players should:

• Proceed promptly to the next tee.

• Purchase food or beverages without losing position.

• Be prepared to play as soon as the tenth hole is clear.

• Avoid an extended break between the ninth green and tenth tee.

When a Group Falls Behind

A group that falls behind should:

• Notify every player in the group.

• Begin playing ready golf immediately.

• Reduce unnecessary delays and conversations.

• Play provisional balls when appropriate.

• Use continuous putting when practical.

• Regain its proper position as soon as possible.

• Follow all instructions from the Committee, golf professional, ranger, or player assistant.

During an organized competition, a group should not invite another group to play through unless directed or authorized by course or tournament officials.

Player Responsibility

Pace of play is the responsibility of every player in the group. Players should respectfully encourage one another to remain in position and complete the round within the required time.

Course staff or the Committee may monitor groups, issue pace reminders, and apply any warnings or penalties stated in the event’s pace-of-play policy. USGA Rule 5.6 may also apply when a player unreasonably delays play.