The following is the procedure that is to be followed by a starter who is missing a player(s) on the starting tee:  

• At a point three minutes prior to the group’s tee time, the starter will get on the radio and announce, “Group No. 7, the 9 a.m. tee time on hole No. 1, we have three minutes to go and I’m missing Kevin Smith.”  

• Four-Ball Competition: “… I’m missing Kevin Smith, but their partner is present.”  

• At a point one minute prior to the group’s tee time, this message is repeated over the radio and the starter should ask that the radio be kept “clear” of all traffic for the next 60 seconds. At this point, the starter should also inform the other players or opponent(s) that 60 seconds remain.  

• At a point 30 seconds prior to the group’s tee time, the starter should also inform the other players or opponent(s) that 30 seconds remain.  

• At a point 10 seconds prior to the group’s tee time, the starter counts down each second over the radio and to the other players or opponent(s), then says over the radio and to the other players, “Kevin Smith is late to the tee.” and then start the group.  

When the initial 3-minute radio transmission is made by the starter, a Rover should proceed to that starting hole. It is the USGA’s policy to “look” for players who are missing. However, the starter must not leave the tee to do so.  

If the player is “found,” that should be communicated on the radio.  

The player must be directed to get to their starting tee as soon as possible to avoid a penalty. The player may be transported by anyone and in any type of vehicle.  

If a player arrives to the tee prior to the group’s tee time, the starter must communicate that fact on the radio as follows: “Group No. 7, the 9 a.m. tee time on hole No. 1, is now complete.” If the player arrives at the tee after the group’s tee time, the Rover, not the starter, will handle the application of the penalty, including communicating with the player’s marker or opponent in match play. If the group starts late as a result of this issue, the starter must communicate this on the radio to all Rovers and Referees. 

All Referees should use good radio etiquette during this time and keep the radio clear of all other communications.