For the 2005 golf season the Topstone Golf Course, working as partners with the Men’s Club, have made a commitment to raise the awareness of slow play and implement appropriate strategies to improve the pace of play. Over the past two to three years the number one complaint among Topstone Men’s Club members is slow play. Mid morning rounds were running in excess of 5 to 5 1/2 hours. This past year we contacted all non-renewing members and learned that the number one reason for not renewing is slow play.

In an effort to address this issue, Topstone management and the Men’s Club Board have been tracking elapsed times for each foursome. As you have seen the times posted on the scores sheets have significantly improved. However each weekend we continue to have 3-4 groups playing slowly.

At this time we will introduce and implement a new pace-of-play policy outlined below. However, the Board recognizes that any success in improving our pace of play starts with a commitment from our membership. Your awareness and understanding of appropriate pace of play techniques and local rules will also help to improve our overall pace of play.

Pace of Play Policy & Guidelines

Every group in the men’s club will be timed from the beginning of their round to the end of their round every week. As assigned tee-off times are not always accurate, the starter will record the exact time that each group hits their first tee shot on the first hole. As groups make the turn, their turn times will be recorded by Topstone staff to assist the Pro Shop in knowing how play is moving on the golf course. As each group completes their round, their finishing time will be recorded by the scorer for the day as soon as the flag is placed back in the 18th hole. Finishing times will be posted next to each group on the scoreboard at the clubhouse and on the Topstone Men’s Club web page.

As always, there will be rangers on the course to assist you if necessary. In an effort to keep all players informed, they will notify the group about their pace as well as the pace of the groups ahead of you when they experience slow play. If your group needs assistance in finding golf balls to speed up play, the rangers will be happy to assist you. If you aren’t sure about a ruling, please ask the ranger and he can radio the Pro Shop for the ruling.

Below are the suggested time frames in which your group should expect to finish every week. Based on these established times, Topstone management will identify those groups who do not play within these expected times and notify the Men’s Club Board of their names and times.

The times below are the expected times your group should finish your round.

Tee Off Time Expected Finishing Time

6:00-7:00AM 4:15 or less
7:00-8:30AM 4:25 or less
8:30-9:30AM 4:30 or less

Players are expected to complete their round in less than or equal to the elapsed time of the group in front of them, without any gaps The Pro Shop will inform the Men’s Club Board of those players who did not finish their rounds within the expected time frames. The Men’s Club Board will notify these players in writing or via email when possible, making them aware of their slower play on that particular day. Important note: Every player is responsible for their group’s pace of play. Slow play letters will apply to each player within the group so identified, however each player who receives a letter will be tracked individually in the event additional offenses are recorded.

First and Second Offense
The pro shop will inform the Topstone Men’s Club Board and a letter will be sent informing all members in the group of this first and second occurrence

Third and Subsequent Offenses
If a player incurs a third offense – with no limit on the amount of time between the second and third offense – the player will be limited to later (last) tee times in the next tournament they enter

Rangers

Rangers are considered an extension of the pro shop and the Topstone Men’s Club Board. All members are to treat rangers in a respectful manner. Rangers will assist members whenever possible.

The Board and the pro shop appreciate your understanding and support in improving the pace of play. Regardless of whatever rules or techniques we develop any significant change we make will only be a result of the commitment that is made by our members.
http://www.topstonegc.com/mensclub/
Please familiarize yourself with the Rules of Ready Golf and the Local Rule found on our webpage

Topstone Board of Directors Topstone Golf Course Pro Shop