The R&A’s decision to introduce ‘ready golf’ at its top events this season will get a run out at this month’s Amateur Championship in Kent, and the Ladies’ British Open Amateur in Wales.
The Amateur Championship, which takes place from June 19-24, will see 288 players competing in two stroke play rounds over Royal St George’s and Prince’s, from which the top 64 will qualify for the match play stages over the final four days.
The R&A, which oversees the tournament, introduced ‘Ready Golf’ for all of its top events in 2017 as part of its effort to improve pace of play. The new ruling enables golfers to play when they are ready to do so rather than strictly adhere to ‘the farthest from the hole plays first’ requirement.
The practice can be used in stroke play and includes a number of actions that can help to improve the flow of golfers around the course and reduce the time taken by players to complete a round.
Examples of Ready Golf include hitting a tee shot if the person with the honour is delayed in being ready to play, playing a shot before helping someone look for a ball, and adopting continuous putting when possible.
The R&A’s portfolio of amateur events has expanded following its merger with the Ladies’ Golf Union and Ready Golf will feature in both men’s and women’s championships where stroke play is part of the format, including the forthcoming Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at Pyle & Kenfig from June 13-17.
Duncan Weir, executive director of golf development at the R&A said: “We support solutions that address the issue of slow play and Ready Golf is an effective means of reducing the time it takes to complete a round.
“Our research has shown that golfers would enjoy the sport more if it took less time to play and so we are introducing Ready Golf during the stroke play rounds at our amateur championships to help improve pace of play and the experience for the players and spectators.”
The staging of the 122nd Amateur Championship at Royal St George’s marks the 14th time that the club has hosted the event. Entry for spectators is free of charge over the full six days.
