Ranger
The ranger is a course supervisor who drives around the facility keeping an eye on order, safety and pace of play.
In golf, the ranger performs a similar role to the marshal: they are the friendly force for order on the course. Typically they do their rounds in a cart, watch the flow of play and speak to groups that fall noticeably behind the intended pace. At the same time they are the point of contact for rules questions, problems with the course or when a group needs to be let through. Many rangers are members who volunteer and receive privileges in return. At larger facilities and tournaments, salaried staff also take on this job.
In practice you meet the ranger above all when things get tight. An example: your group has lost touch after a lost ball, and behind you the next flight is building up. The ranger comes over and kindly asks you to speed up or to let the following group play through. At tournaments they may also work towards compliance with the local rules, but they do not impose penalty strokes — that is reserved for the committee or the referee.
Typical misconception: the ranger is not an adversary but a helper for everyone on the course. Ignoring them or arguing makes things worse for the entire round. Take their advice on pace of play as a service to your own day of golf — bottlenecks on the course spoil everyone's round. And if you are unsure whether you are right in a rules situation, the ranger is exactly the right person to ask before a mistake turns into a penalty stroke.
FAQ
May the ranger give me penalty strokes?
No, only the committee or a referee can impose penalty strokes. The ranger is the friendly force for order: they watch pace of play, safety and order and help with rules questions. At tournaments they can point to the local rules, but they may not punish you.
What do I do when the ranger speaks to my group?
Accept the advice in good spirit and speed up or let the following group play through. The ranger is not an adversary; they make sure everyone can play smoothly — bottlenecks spoil everyone's round. Arguing or ignoring only makes it worse for all.
Can I ask the ranger for help myself?
Yes, that is exactly what they are there for: rules questions, course problems or when your group needs to be let through. If you are unsure whether you are right in a situation, ask the ranger rather than risk a mistake turning into a penalty stroke. They are the first point of contact on the course.