Guidelines given to aid BMW GAP Team Matches pace of play

  In an ongoing effort to improve the BMW GAP Team Matches experience, the Golf Association of Philadelphia issues a list of best practices in regards to pace of play.

  Captains from participating teams, as well as golf professionals and chairmen, received a six-page document outlining key areas such as advanced analysis, golf course set-up, educational opportunities and data collection. The BMW GAP Team Matches begins on Sunday, April 19.

  “Pace of play remains an issue that affects the BMW GAP Team Matches,” Kirby Martin, the Association’s Director of Competitions, said. “We continue to be proactive in addressing it during all of our events, and the BMW GAP Team Matches is no exception. This list of best practices is a great resource for clubs and players alike.”

  Regardless of the amount of competing teams, a club must first develop a pace-of-play policy. Since the BMW GAP Team Matches is a match play event, the Association recommends establishing the required time for players to complete the round, a hole or holes and a stroke. Transportation (walking or riding) and distance between greens and tees must also be considered. Generally, a playing group must breach its allotted time and out of position relative to the group ahead before monitoring and timing is warranted.

  Identifying potential bottleneck holes is also key when it comes to pace of play. A bottleneck is likely a par 3, a drivable par 4 and a two-shot par 5, especially if grouped within the opening of a stipulated round. Additional marshals/forecaddies and thoughtful set-up decisions can help manage bottleneck holes.

  Speaking of set-up, hole locations and golf course length prove critical to pace of play during the BMW GAP Team Matches. Exact good judgment in deciding which hole locations will produce fair results. Study the design of the hole and the putting green’s holding quality. Know the length of the shot to the putting green and how it may be affected by the day’s probable conditions. Clubs should consider the following yardages when setting up the golf course.

  Sensible logistics and operations effectively address pace of play, too. Participants should choose a starting time that allows for member play before and after BMW GAP Team Matches play without disruption to either.

• starting time intervals: should be at least 10 minutes; 12 minute intervals preferred and recommended.
  
• separation between BMW GAP Team Matches and regular member play: consider blocking time before and after Team Match starting times. Tournament and casual rounds shouldn’t be expected to be played at the same pace.
  
• order of teams: be willing to try multiple combinations to determine the order that best suits your facility.
  
• location of on-course player services: items such as water coolers, snacks, etc. should be located in places where players don’t need to backtrack for use.

  Click here to view the complete list of best practices for pace of play in the BMW GAP Team Matches.

Golf Association of Philadelphia
  Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 150 Member Clubs and 57,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. As Philadelphia’s Most Trusted Source of Golf Information, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.