Montcalm’s Pace of Play Policy:  18 holes within 4:15

We ask that members and guests respect our Pace of Play Policy (completing 18 holes within 4 hours and 15 minutes) so that all may fully enjoy the Montcalm Experience. While there may be occasional exceptions to the rule, our professional team will address any pace issues we identify or are made aware of.  “Have fun quickly” seems to sum it up. 

9 Tips to Pick up the Pace

While Montcalm does not have rangers, we do monitor pace via GPS. We ask our members and guests to follow these tips to help us all support the 2022 Pace of Play Initiative. 

1. Tee it Forward:  Play from a set of tees where you are more likely to hit lofted irons into a green instead of hybrids or fairway woods.
2. Minimize your time on the tee. On the tee, it is usually acceptable for players to “hit when ready.”
3. Develop an eye for distance. You do not have to step off yardage for every shot. If you need to determine precise distance, try to find a yardage marker before you reach your ball. Step off the yardage before you reach your ball, then step off the yardage on your way to your ball.
4. Plan your shot before you get to the ball. Determine your yardage and make your club selection before it is your turn to play. Very often, you can do this while others are playing.
5. Keep your pre-shot routine short. Strive to hit your shot in 20 seconds when it is your turn to play.
6. When sharing your cart, use a buddy system. Either get out and walk to your ball with a few clubs while your cart mate hits, or drive to your ball after you drop off your cart-mate.
7. Be helpful to others in your group. Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own. Fill in a divot or rake a bunker for another player, if needed. Be ready to attend the flag stick for others.
8. 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.
9. Know that picking up your ball is permitted by the USGA System. Equitable Stroke Control allows you to pick up once you have reached the allowable score for your course handicap.

New Local Rule for Non-Tournament Play:

In our efforts to support the 2022 Pace of Play Initiative, we have implemented a new rule for non-tournament play. We ask that you observe this new local rule whenever possible:

If a ball comes to rest out-of-bounds, players may drop the ball within two club lengths of the fairway edge where it last crossed the margin (that is not closer to the hole).  A two-shot penalty will be added. Reminder:  the maximum time to search for a lost ball is three minutes.

New Cart-Sharing Policy for 2022:

Starting in the 2022 season, Montcalm will require all golfers to pair up on golf carts. If there are extenuating circumstances, we ask that you discuss them with the Pro Shop. Reminder:  Please ride all cart paths to their fullest extent before riding on any fairway; and keep away from greens, tees and bunker structures at all times.

The reasons behind this policy:  To reduce wear and tear on our turf, conserve fuel, decrease our environmental impact, and ensure we have enough cars for our members and guests.