At Laguna Lăng Cô Golf Club, we are proud to uphold the highest standards of the game, blending the natural beauty of our Sir Nick Faldo-designed course with the timeless traditions of golf. A frequent question from members is whether a group that is meeting the club’s posted pace of play (typically 4 hours 30 minutes for 18 holes, as outlined in our Regulations) is still required to allow a faster group behind to play through. The answer, rooted in both our own Rules and the globally accepted etiquette of golf, is a clear yes when practical and safe.
Many members believe that simply finishing within the scheduled time is sufficient. However, pace of play and position on the course are two related but distinct concepts. Our club regulations (Section 14.6) explicitly state: “All players are asked to… keep up with the group ahead of them and if practical, allow faster groups through.” This is not an arbitrary Laguna rule-it reflects the fundamental etiquette of the game itself.
Our Membership Agreement, in Clause 14.15 (Conduct), requires all players to act respectfully at all times, with conduct guided by “the Club’s Rules and Regulations, common politeness and by the basic etiquette of the game of golf itself.” Allowing a faster group to play through when you have fallen a hole or more behind (even if your overall round time remains on target) is universally recognised as part of that basic etiquette.
The governing bodies of golf affirm this standard. In Vietnam and most of the world (including Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa), courses follow the Rules of Golf published by The R&A. Rule 5.6b (Prompt Pace of Play) explicitly encourages players to “allow faster groups to play through.” The R&A’s official Pace of Play Manual further describes this as a “fundamental principle of golf etiquette,” stating that a group out of position should invite the following group to pass. (Courses in the United States follow the nearly identical rules of the USGA, which align completely on this point.)
This is not a modern invention or a decision unique to Laguna Lăng Cô. It is a long-standing global norm, observed at St Andrews, Augusta, and every respected club worldwide. Smaller or faster groups-whether twosomes, threesomes, or simply quicker players-deserve the courtesy of uninterrupted rhythm when open space exists ahead. Refusing a reasonable request, even while technically “on pace,” can frustrate fellow members and contradict the spirit of respect that defines our club community.
By embracing this simple act of courtesy, we all contribute to a more enjoyable experience: rounds flow smoothly, frustration decreases, and the camaraderie that makes golf special is preserved. Next time you notice a group waiting on every shot with an open hole ahead, a friendly wave-through goes a long way.
Thank you for helping maintain Laguna Lăng Cô as one of Vietnam’s finest golfing destinations. Play well, play respectfully, and enjoy the game.
Laguna Lăng Cô Golf Club Management Team
