Playing speed

Etiquette 1: I once played in a tournament. It took us ages because two of us were always looking (had to look) for their balls. Then the marshal came up for the second time, admonished us and said that if we didn't speed up, we would have to end the game. Is there such a thing as a maximum playing time that you can't exceed? And are there penalties other than disqualification?

Yes, there are guideline times and also the applicable penalties specified by the match management.

5.6 Unreasonable delay; speedy play
Rule 5.6a Unreasonable delay of the game
A player may not unreasonably delay play either when playing a hole or between holes.
A player may be allowed a short delay for certain reasons, for example

if he needs assistance from a referee or the game management,
if he is injured or ill, or
if there is another valid reason.

Penalty for violation of rule 5.6a:
Penalty for first offence: One penalty stroke.
Penalty for second offence: Basic penalty.
Penalty for third offence: disqualification.

If a player delays play unreasonably between two holes, the penalty is incurred on the next hole.
next hole.

Guideline times for three-man flights (depending on course conditions):
Par-3 holes 10-12 minutes
Par-4 holes 12-14 minutes
Par-5 holes 14-16 minutes

In Stableford competitions, the ball should be picked up if no more points can be scored on the hole in question and, in accordance with Rule 6-7, there is no longer a connection to the previous group.


If you would like to know more about the rules of golf in the meantime, please contact me directly at hans.kienesberger@golf.at.