A golf play pacing device that is contained in the flag stick itself. The device includes an orientation sensing switch in the flag stick that is activated when the stick moves through an arc of approximately 45. degree. , and reactivated when the stick is returned to perpendicular. The orientation switch controls circuitry that measures the time expired since the last reset of the device, and activates an alarm mechanism when that time is expired. The alarm mechanism includes visual alarms for the golfers and alarm capability for third parties. A sequence to monitor the putting time of players on the green can also be activated.