Tips for Playing the Course – Keep the Game Moving & Enjoyable

At Mid Vallee Golf Course, we want every golfer to have a great experience. By following these pace-of-play tips, you can help keep the game moving efficiently while ensuring an enjoyable round for everyone on the course.

Smart Start – Arrive Prepared

• Confirm your tee time in advance and arrive early with your equipment ready.
• Your first shot should be in the air at your scheduled tee time—arriving at the tee at your designated time is considered late.
• Bring essentials like extra balls, tees, gloves, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Minimize Time on the Tee

• Hit when ready—there’s no need to wait for a strict order of play.
• The faster your group decides who hits next, the faster the round will go.

Plan Your Shot Before You Get to Your Ball

• Think ahead—determine yardage and club selection while others are playing.
• This simple step reduces wait times and keeps the game moving.

Keep Your Pre-Shot Routine Short

• Pick your line of play and take no more than one practice swing.
• Be ready to hit when it’s your turn and move toward your next shot promptly.

Aim to Play in 20 Seconds

• From club selection to execution, strive to hit your shot within 20 seconds when it’s your turn.

Cart Etiquette – Use a Buddy System

• Drop off your cartmate at their ball and then drive to your own instead of waiting.
• Be ready to play when it’s your turn.

Be Helpful to Others in Your Group

• Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own.
• Help search for balls (limit search to 3 minutes).
• Fill in divots, rake bunkers, and be ready to attend the flagstick.

Keep Up with the Group in Front of You

• Your correct position is right behind the group ahead of you, not just ahead of the group behind you.
• If a gap opens ahead of your group, work to close it by keeping pace.

Be Efficient on the Putting Green

• Mark, lift, and clean your ball when you arrive at the green.
• Line up your putt while others are putting, so you’re ready when it’s your turn.
• Place your clubs on the side of the green closest to your cart or bag to exit quickly.
• Wait until the next tee to record your score.

Know When to Pick Up Your Ball

• Under the USGA Handicap System, once you reach Net Double Bogey (Par + 2 + Handicap Strokes), you should pick up your ball and move on to maintain pace.

Pace of Play Guidelines

18-Hole Round:
✅ Target time: 4 hours or less
⛔ Never more than 4 hours, 30 minutes

9-Hole Round:
✅ Target time: 2 hours or less
⛔ Never more than 2 hours, 15 minutes

Play Smart, Play Ready, Play Fast!

Following these pace-of-play guidelines ensures an enjoyable experience for everyone. A smooth, steady pace keeps the game fun while preventing delays.

Let’s work together to keep Mid Vallee an enjoyable place to golf for all!