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30 January 2025

PGA Tour Faces Slow Play Criticism With Proposed Solutions

Commissioner Jay Monahan explores new technologies and rules change to tackle slow play issues.

The PGA Tour is currently grappling with the contentious issue of slow play, spurred by growing dissatisfaction from fans and players alike. Amidst recent rule changes and public backlash, the slow pace of play was highlighted during the Farmers Insurance Open, where the final group took over five and half hours to complete their round, triggering widespread criticism. Viewers are increasingly voicing their frustration, and the Tour's Commissioner, Jay Monahan, is exploring potential solutions to revitalize the pace on the greens.

Monahan has stated, "Everything’s on the table" as officials review various initiatives aimed at speeding up the game and enhancing the viewer experience. Among the proposed changes is the testing of rangefinders during competitions, which could assist players by allowing quicker yardage calculations, especially under challenging conditions. The use of such devices could potentially allow players to choose their clubs more rapidly, but ambiguity remains about which events will adopt this technology.

Recent analytics from fan surveys, which involved nearly 50,000 respondents, show clear demands for both faster play and more transparency around penalties associated with slow play. While fines have historically been the norm, discussions have emerged about imposing shot penalties for those consistently delaying play. Cam Davis, a two-time PGA Tour winner, expressed his conviction, stating, "I think the only way to change and get faster is if they get more penal with the way they time people as money is never going to be an issue." According to Davis, players would not be deterred by monetary fines, as performance impacts, including FedEx Cup standings, hold greater weight.

South Korean golfer Byeong Hun An also weighed in, asserting, "Giving penalty strokes will DEFINITELY help slow play." An maintains his skepticism about the benefits of rangefinders, noting, "It hurts for those who hit fairways. And helps the guy who hits way off." He suggested more aggressive application of existing rules rather than introducing new technology, advocating for the establishment of shot clocks to create pressure on players to finish their shots within specified time limits.

Curiously, the last additional penalty stroke for slow play on the PGA Tour was implemented back in 1995, showcasing the lenient state of current regulations. Despite continual chatter among players and fans, the question looms: will the anticipated rule changes suffice to rectify the pacing issues?

Rory McIlroy, another prominent figure on the Tour, echoed sentiments about slow play not being a new problem. At the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he remarked, "This isn’t a new problem, this has been around forever, but slow play was also around when people seemingly loved golf." He recognized the necessity for adjustments in tournament scheduling and player behavior, saying, "You can improve it by 15 or 20 minutes, but that's still a five-and-a-half-hour round." McIlroy's insights reflect the growing complexity of addressing slow play without diminishing the quality of the competitive experience.

The PGA Tour's recent moves have included more than just technological experiments. Officials have announced intentions to publicize average stroke times for each player and to reveal the specifics surrounding any fines levied for slow play infractions. This transparency is aimed at dissuading players from adopting leisurely stances toward their rounds.

Critics argue the urgency for effective action has never been greater, particularly as golf’s popularity surges. Today’s fans expect much more than leisurely jaunts across the golf course; they crave action, competition, and entertainment. Monahan will face significant scrutiny as he elaborates upon these findings at the forthcoming Players Championship scheduled for March.

While new rules promise to increase interest and improve gameplay flow, the underlying factors contributing to slow play remain. Players have pointed to the increasing difficulties presented by today's courses and the strategic decisions needed for effectively tackling them. Cam Davis mentioned, "The golf courses are getting harder. The pin locations are getting more difficult." With pin placements contributing to longer deliberations, the discussions surrounding pace are likely to remain heated.

The time for change is now, and the Tour has responded with optimism yet caution. Many among the ranks believe precision and skills alone can’t eliminate slow play, pointing toward necessary rule adaptations capable of injecting urgency. The pulse of the PGA Tour is at stake, as it navigates balancing tradition and innovation to retain its audience and challenge the very essence of the game.

Only time will reveal the effectiveness of the forthcoming initiatives and whether any changes to the slow play dilemma will translate to quicker rounds for the future of the PGA Tour.