a. Unreasonable Delay of Play

You must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.6a:

• Penalty for first breach: One penalty stroke.
• Penalty for second breach: General Penalty.
• Penalty for third breach: Disqualification.

If you unreasonably delay play between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

b. Prompt Pace of Play

A round of golf is meant to be played at a prompt pace.

Your pace of play is likely to affect how long it will take other players to play their rounds, including both those in your group and those in following groups. You are encouraged to allow faster groups to play through.

Pace of Play Recommendations. You should play at a prompt pace throughout the round, including the time taken to:

• Prepare for and make each stroke,
• Move from one place to another between strokes, and
• Move to the next teeing area after completing a hole.

You should prepare in advance for your next stroke and be ready to play when it is your turn.

When it is your turn to play:

• It is recommended that you make the stroke in no more than 40 seconds after you are (or should be) able to play without interference or distraction, and
• You should usually be able to play more quickly than that and are encouraged to do so.

Playing Out of Turn to Help Pace of Play. In stroke play, play “ready golf” in a safe and responsible way.

In match play, you and your opponent may agree that one of you will play out of turn to save time.