Slow play in golf has been a longstanding issue, and despite it not being at its worst, the PGA Tour is at an inflection point where it needs to act. The convergence of fan outrage, broadcast pressures, and the ongoing schism with LIV Golf has brought this issue to the forefront. Recent tournaments have seen the pace of play stretch to unacceptable lengths, leaving fans frustrated and broadcasts scrambling to fill airtime. As CBS on-course reporter Dottie Pepper aptly put it, “It’s just gotta get better.” But will it?
The PGA Tour’s inability to address slow play has led to a decline in fan engagement, with final-round ratings plummeting 19 percent last year. It’s clear that something needs to change, but what? Well, here are three potential issues:
1. Stroke penalty and shot clock
Implementing a stroke penalty for slow play could be a game-changer. As PGA Tour pro-Ryan Palmer discussed in the latest episode of Golf’s Subpar on Spotify, analysts believe that a penalty stroke would hit players where it hurts the most – their scorecard. This approach would not only punish slow players but also reward those who play at a reasonable pace. The idea of a shot clock was also discussed, which would give players a set amount of time to take their shot, adding an extra layer of pressure to speed up play. “At the end of the day, nobody cares about the fines. I mean, they’re going to pay them and move on,” one analyst noted.
2. More manpower and money
Throwing more money at the problem of slow play won’t necessarily solve it. Analysts on Golf’s Subpar discussed the limitations of increasing manpower and investing in new technologies to speed up play. This approach may provide some temporary relief, but it doesn’t address the root causes of slow play. As one analyst pointed out, “You’re talking about manpower? Money, you mean? Talking about players bitching, saying you started at the early clock.” The analysts emphasized that a more nuanced approach is needed to address this complex issue. “What if instead of money it’s you lose FedEx Cup points? Would you rather lose 100 points or get stroked?”
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – Day Three – Old Course St. Andrews Jay Monahan teeing off on the seventeenth during day three of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course St. Andrews. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story GOLF Dunhill. Photo credit should read: Robert Perry/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xRobertxPerryx 77711744
They suggested that the PGA Tour needs to think more creatively about how to incentivize players to play faster, rather than simply relying on fines or increased manpower.
3. Reducing the field
Reducing the field size is another proposal that’s been put forward to address slow play. By having fewer players on the course, there’s less congestion, and play can move more quickly. However, analysts on Golf’s Subpar noted that reducing the field size may not have the desired effect, citing concerns that players may actually play slower in certain situations. “I think guys are going to play slower because of that reason and they’ve lessened the fines,” one analyst said. This concern is echoed by another analyst, who pointed out that “It’s hard to figure out what we can do to make it happen” when it comes to speeding up play. Ultimately, the key to addressing slow play may lie in finding a solution that balances the needs of players, fans, and the tour itself.
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