2026 SGL Pace of Play Policy (PoP)
The Board is implementing a new Pace of Play Policy to help reinforce our commitment to an enjoyable experience for all SGL Members. Pace of Play is an issue every club faces at one time or another, and The SGL is no different. For years we’ve struggled with this problem, and we’re enlisting each one of you to help us solve it.
Player’s responsibilities: It is each player’s duty to help his group stay in position. Discuss issues early and respectfully.
Please read carefully below for expectations and potential penalties moving forward:
1) SGL PACE OF PLAY STANDARDS:
We are a “Ready Play League”
Target 18-hole time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Primary standard: Your group must stay in position “consistently” throughout the round—no more than ½ hole behind the group ahead.
Slow Play: If your group falls behind, you must take immediate, corrective actions (See Section 2).
2) IMMEDIATE, CORRECTIVE ACTIONS:
If your group is one hole behind:
Catch-up protocol:
Forego honors until caught up.
Limit pre-shot routines and second reads.
Each player looks for his own ball. Everyone else, play your shots first.
Continuous putting: When practical and not on another player’s line, players are encouraged to finish out.
3) DESIGNATED MARKER:
Designated PoP Marker: Each group will have one PoP Marker. If one has not already been designated on your card, the low handicap player in the group will be the default PoP marker. Please ensure everyone knows who this player is on your first tee.
It would be greatly appreciated if the Designated Marker would try to start the Golf Gameskeeper app when the first player in the group tees off and finalize the scores as soon as the group is finished playing its last hole.
It would also be greatly appreciated if the Designated Marker could do his best to note delays and causes on the card for Committee review. This includes if the group in front is holding you up on specific holes and/or if the group behind is frequently waiting or lagging.
4) POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS INCLUDE:
The slow play policy will be administered by the Pace of Play Committee. The Committee will initiate an investigation based on ANY one of the following:
Abnormal Times recorded in the Golf Gameskeeper App.
Member Observations
Information provided to us by the course ranger
A thorough investigation by the PoP committee will have been completed prior to the initiation of any warnings/penalties.
5) PENALTY ESCALATION PROCESS:
1st Violation: Verbal Warning by PoP Committee Member
2nd Violation: Written Letter by PoP Committee informing the players that their next violation will result in a penalty.
3rd Violation: Two-stroke penalty (you will be notified by PoP Committee)
4th Violation: Disqualification & 300 point deduction
5th Violation: Potential permanent suspension from the league.
Pace of Play Best Practices:
Keep chatter on the tee box to a minimum, please. Socializing is encouraged if you don’t hold up play.
Wait until you arrive at the next tee before entering scores in the app/scorecard for the previous hole.
As soon as you hit your shot, please move out of the way and allow the next player to hit.
Between shots: Proceed directly to your ball; choose your club on the way; and be ready when it’s your turn. Take several clubs & laser just in case.
Maximum search time: 3 minutes. If not found, proceed under the Rules without delay.
Cart etiquette: Drop the first player at his ball with a few clubs. Then move to your ball.