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Pace of Play

Pace of Play Policy

At Willow Park, we strive to ensure an enjoyable golf experience for all members and guests. To maintain a steady pace of play, the Club has established target round times and monitoring guidelines. Groups unable to maintain the required pace must adjust their play (e.g., picking up and moving to the next hole) or face the outlined consequences.

Target Round Times

Pace of play is influenced by the time of day and week. In general, an 18-hole round should be completed in 4 hours and 10 minutes, with earlier tee times having shorter targets:

 Time of Day   Day of Week   Target Time (18 Holes)  Target Time (Front 9) 
 8:30 am or earlier   Weekends/Holidays   3 hrs 50 minutes   1 hr 55 mins 
 10 am or earlier   Any day   4 hrs 00 mins   2 hrs 00 mins 
 Any other time   Any day   4 hrs 10 mins   2 hrs 05 mins 

  • These targets apply to all regular rounds (including league, individual, and team match play) but do not apply to event play.
  • Back-9 times include a 5 min visit to the halfway house.
  • Singles and twosomes are expected to maintain the same pace as threesomes and foursomes.

Monitoring Pace of Play

The Golf Shop and Professional Staff oversee pace of play using the Tagmarshal GPS tracking system. One player per group will carry a tracking tag, which monitors hole completion times and alerts staff if a group falls behind.

If a group is out of position, staff will intervene. Slow play is defined as:

  • Exceeding the allotted time for the round and being out of position on the course, impacting other groups.

If approached by staff, groups must act immediately to regain their position. Disrespectful behavior toward staff will not be tolerated.

Strategies to Maintain Pace

Members and guests are encouraged to follow these pace-of-play best practices:

  • Finish within the Target Round Time listed above.
  • Play ready golf—hitting when safe instead of strictly following turn order.
  • Speed up play if behind or pick up and move ahead to maintain position.
  • Allow faster groups to play through when necessary.
  • Limit practice swings and ball searches (maximum 3 minutes).
  • Line up shots while others play and use continuous putting when possible.
  • Play from the tees that match your skill level.
  • Leave your equipment between the green and the next tee.
  • Mark scorecards on the way to the next hole.

Slow Play Consequences

All slow play records remain on file for one calendar year.

 Instance   Action Taken 
 First   Members receive a written notice detailing slow play issues.
 Second   Members receive additional written notice detailing slow play issues. 
 Third   The Club will recommend a one-week suspension of playing and pre-booking privileges.  A formal notice will be issued. 
 Fourth   The Club will recommend a two-week suspension of playing and pre-booking privileges.  A formal notice will be issued, and further infractions may result in additional penalties.