What is "Ready Golf"?
CHMGA has developed the following set of “Ready Golf” recommendations to help members meet the 4 hour 30 minute maximum place of play requirement for our tournaments at Cinnabar Hills. All members should use these recommendations to play “Ready Golf” and improve their pace of play to ensure an enjoyable round of golf for everyone.
Get to the first tee early
Getting to the first tee late puts you behind from the start. Pay attention to the time at the range and putting green and get there early (10 min).
Keep up with the group in front of you
The ideal position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you. Arrive at your next shot just before the group in front leaves the area in front of you. Minimally stay “In Position” as definied in the CHMGA Pace of Play policies.
Hit when ready
Don’t wait for “honors” to hit. Whoever is ready to hit first on the tee, should go ahead and hit. On the course, if you’re ready to hit and it’s safe to hit and others are not ready to hit, then don’t wait, hit.
Don’t sit in the cart waiting
Don’t wait in the cart while your cart mate hits and then drive to your ball. Drop your cart mate off with the clubs they need and drive to your ball to get ready. Pick him or her up after the two of you have hit (have them walk back to the cart after they hit).
Take what you need on cart path only holes
When you can’t drive on the fairways, don’t walk out to your ball first to measure the distance, then walk back to the cart to get the club(s) you need, before going back to your ball to hit. Instead, take the club(s) you think you’ll need with you when you go out to measure the distance.
Be efficient on the putting green
Mark your ball and lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so you will be ready to replace it when it is your turn to play. You can usually line up your putt while others are putting, without disturbing them.
Score at the next tee
Don’t write down your score(s) in the cart by the green. Instead write down your score(s) while waiting to tee off at the next tee box. Put your club(s) away while waiting at the next tee instead of at the green
Limit time searching for your ball
The maximum time you should take looking for a lost ball is 3 minutes. If your group is falling behind, take even less!
Pick up when you hit the maximum score
If not in an individual stroke play competition, it is OK to pick up your ball and take a net double bogey (in 2-man better balls, pick up as soon as your net score exceeds your partners net score).
Keep your pre-shot routine short
Pick your line of play once and trust yourself. Try to take no more than one practice swing, then set up to the ball and play your shot. Start moving toward your next shot promptly.
Aim to play in 20 seconds
From club selection to pre-shot routine to execution, strive to hit your shot in 20 seconds when it is your turn to play. Help keep play moving at a brisk pace.
Be helpful to others in your group
Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own. Once in the fairway, help others look for their ball if you already know the location of yours. Volunteer to fill in a divot or rake a bunker for another player if needed. Be ready to attend the flagstick for others.
Play the best tees for your game
Select the tees that best fit your playing capabilities and skills. At Cinnabar Hills, the Board recommends the following tee boxes based on the “Tee-it Up” guidelines.
Driver Distance | Yardage | CHMGA Tee Box |
175 yards or less | Less than 4,400 | Oak |
175 – 200 yards | 4,400 – 4,600 | Oak |
200 – 225 yards | 5,200 – 5,400 | Quicksilver |
225 – 250 yards | 5,800 – 6,000 | Cinnabar/Quicksilver Combo |
250 – 275 yards | 6,200 – 6,400 | Cinnabar |
Greater than 275 yards | 6,700 – 6,900 | Hawk |