The PGA Tour is taking steps to address one of golf’s most persistent issues: slow play. Ahead of the Players Championship, the Tour’s commissioner announced the arrival of new sanctions aimed at improving the pace of play, which could include publicly identifying offenders.
Concerns over slow play have grown among players, with some arguing that current policies, which typically result in fines, are ineffective. Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the existing rules, advocating for stricter penalties such as stroke assessments or deductions in FedExCup points. According to Morikawa, financial penalties do little to deter slow play, as many players simply absorb the cost without concern.
The Tour’s leadership has acknowledged these frustrations and is introducing new measures to combat slow play. As part of this initiative, speed-of-play statistics will be published later in the season. Additionally, a new speed-of-play policy will be tested on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Americas. This policy will include the potential for penalty strokes, marking a significant shift in enforcement.
While there has been no official confirmation on whether players who are penalized will be publicly named, the idea is under serious consideration. The intent behind these changes is not only to discourage slow play but also to highlight and celebrate players who maintain a good pace. According to officials, providing this information will help competitors improve their performance while enhancing the experience for spectators.
Support for stronger enforcement is growing among players. Some believe that simply posting the names of slow players in locker rooms would be enough to prompt change, as the information would inevitably become public. One prominent player admitted to being on the slower side but expressed a desire to understand and correct the issue, highlighting the common perception among slower players that they are not actually slow.
With backing from player directors and members of the Player Advisory Council, the PGA Tour is committed to addressing slow play in a meaningful way. By implementing stricter regulations and increasing transparency, officials hope to create a more engaging and efficient game for both players and fans.
