[CAxrrAYN]

This came up today, and I have heard many golfers saying that single players don't have any rights on the course. The part of the rules that said "a single has no standing on the course" was removed in 2004.

This is in the Etiquette section of the 2012 USGA Rules of Golf:

Pace of Play
Play at Good Pace and Keep Up

Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of
play guidelines that all players should follow.

It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a
clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind
to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Where a
group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can
play faster, it should invite the faster moving group to play through.

Priority on the Course
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is
determined by a group’s pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is
entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. The term “group” includes
a single player.


BUT! And this comes from http://golf.about.com/od/golfetiquet...espriority.htm


Unless. The rulebook does give golf courses an out, however, by including that "unless otherwise determined by the Committee" bit. So while the Rules of Golf are clear that singles do have standing on the course, the rulebook also gives committees the option to decide differently. If you're allowed to play as a single at a course, but then encounter trouble on the course, check with the pro about club policies - and make sure he or she understands the current USGA/R&A guidelines on the issue.