Delays in Play
Dear Members,
It has been brought to the attention of the Men’s Golf Committee that there were significant delays during last Saturday’s first round of the Men’s Club Championships, 10thof October. It was reported that later groups were teeing-off up to 45 minutes later than their scheduled start time. In light of the events that transpired, the Committee has considered all of the available information regarding that day and would like to take the opportunity to make the following announcement;
Factors on the Day
It was found that there were contributing factors to the delay. Some of those factors included:
- First tee-time was perhaps a few minutes too early for the first Saturday of Daylight Savings.
- Very large field of players: 194 in total.
- Heavy Rain slowing players down as they prepared their wet-weather gear on the 1st hole.
- An unusual number of players hitting into the gully on the 2nd hole resulting in significant accumulated time spent looking for balls, hence backing up groups behind with up to 4-5 groups waiting on the 2nd tee.
- Difficult conditions for various reasons: only 27 of the 194 players broke 80 on the day and only 103 broke 90.
Not Teeing Off on Time
It is unclear if groups deliberately refused to tee off at their schedule tee-time in the hope the weather might clear and become favourable. Having said that, as a reminder please note that unless the Club, Golf Pro or Committee suspend play, Golfers are expected to tee-off at their scheduled tee-time. Any delay in doing so grossly effects all players and groups that are to follow. Golf is an outdoor sport and players are subject to changing weather conditions. Players are expected to be prepared for such weather and are not to delay their start time, dangerous conditions excluded.
Expectations of Golfers
In referencing and summarising the Golfing Preamble for Leonay Golf Club (found on the website as Comp Formats, Rules & Info 2026), Golfers are reminded that,
- Members are required to report to the starter at least 15 minutes before their hit-off time.
- Failing that, they may lose their place and may be sent to the end of the field or may incur a penalty (suspension or disqualification) as the Match Committee may decide.
- Members are responsible for their own tee-times on the Starting Sheet – no exceptions given.
- The times selected on the Starters Sheet by members will be accepted and adopted by the Match Committee as the official starting times i.e., THE TIME LAID DOWN BY THE MATCH COMMITTEE.
- NOTE: Any member who fails to attend in accordance with their starting time may be DISQUALIFIED.
Looking for Lost Balls – play a Provisional Ball
Further, Golfers are reminded that the Rules of Golf (18.2a (1)) stipulate that you are only allowed 3 minutes (180 seconds) to search for a lost golf ball. Players searching for a ball should signal the player/s behind them to pass as soon as it becomes apparent the ball will not easily be found.
Given this, players are reminded to adopt a “Ready-Golf” attitude. In the case of a potential lost ball, employing the use of a Provisional Ball is imperative in maintaining the speed of play for all players.
Lastly, given the size of the field, the Committee would ask all players and groups to do their very best to keep up the pace of play in alleviating any bottlenecks. Further tips on how to adopt a “Ready Golf” approach can be found on our website at this link.
Men’s Golf Committee
