Pace of play is like the weather: everybody talks about it. The difference is that some people also do something about it. As part of its on-site Course Consulting Service, the USGA offers maintenance-related recommendations designed to improve pace of play. Here are some of the items on their checklist aimed at keeping players flowing through a property:
- Are tee markers and yardage plaques easily visible?
- Do walkers and pull carts have easy access to the tee coming from the previous green?
- Are tee amenities, such as ball washers, trash cans and drinking water, provided on each tee or in convenient locations throughout the course?
- Are there forced carries over hazards to putting greens? If so, are there drop areas with visible yardage plaques?
- On holes with blind landing areas, is a directional aid provided?
- Are cart paths sensibly routed?
- Are rakes readily available?
- Are green speeds kept at a manageable pace?
- Are unmaintained areas far enough out of play that only the most errant shots will find them?