2001 Player Handbook

The second and third groups, and additional groups as determined by the Rules Committee when play is in pairs, to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they (a) exceed the allotted time to play and (b) reach any place where there is an open par-3 or par-4 hole, or when the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground.
Any subsequent group will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they reach any place where there is an open par-3 or par-4 hole, or the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground.

3. Monitoring Group
Groups will not be informed by the NGA Tour Rules Officials of monitoring and timing unless asked by the player(s).

4. Timing
The timing of a player's stroke will begin when it is his turn to play and he can play without interference or distraction. Any time spent determining yardages will count as time taken for the next stroke.

On the putting green, timing will begin after a player has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean and replace his ball, repair his ball mark and other ball marks on his line of putt and remove loose impediments on his line of putt.
NOTE: An extra 10 seconds will be allowed for:A. the first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole;
B. the first player to play a second stroke on a par- 4 or par-5 hole (when attempting to reach the putting green);
C. the first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole, or
D. the first player to play on or around the putting green.

5. Penalties - During The Round
Any player in a group out of position who exceeds 40 seconds to play a stroke on three occasions will be informed as soon as possible that he has been penalized one stroke. If the player in question exceeds 40 seconds to play a stroke on one or more occasion (a total of four), he will be informed as soon as possible that he has been penalized an additional two strokes. If the player in question exceeds 40 seconds to play a stroke on one more occasion (a total of five), he will be informed as soon as possible that he has been disqualified.

(Next Page)