Pace of play has always been a controversial topic in the world of professional golf, with slow play being a major source of frustration for both players and fans. The LPGA recently announced changes aimed at speeding up play on its tour, which will be implemented at the Ford Championship on March 27. Sam Burns, a fast player on the Tour, discussed the various issues that come with slow play on GOLF’s Subpar podcast.
One of the main problems with slow play, according to Burns, is the lack of incentive to play faster when in threesomes. Players often know that they will end up waiting at some point anyway, so there is little motivation to speed up. Burns noted that golfers tend to play each shot about five seconds faster when in twosomes, due to the reduced waiting time within the group. He emphasized the frustration that comes with playing alongside slow players who take excessively long to make their shots.
Burns suggested that fines for slow play should be more severe in order to effectively address the issue. While monetary fines may not have a significant impact on some players, penalties such as the deduction of FedEx Cup points or demotion from tee time categories could serve as stronger deterrents. He also proposed a proactive approach to identifying slow players, such as putting them on the clock as soon as they tee off, rather than waiting for issues to arise during the round.
The idea of singling out slow players immediately could potentially create a sense of accountability and encourage faster play. By making slow players aware that they are being monitored from the start of the round, they may be more inclined to maintain a consistent pace of play. Burns argued that proactive measures, such as early clock monitoring, could be less frustrating for fast players who are unfairly impacted by the slow pace of their playing partners.
In addition to implementing stricter penalties for slow play, Burns highlighted the importance of recognizing the differences between twosomes and threesomes in terms of pace of play. While some players may not see significant time savings in threesomes, the shift to twosomes could result in a more noticeable improvement in overall pace. By addressing these nuances and tailoring solutions to specific playing scenarios, golf organizations may be better equipped to combat slow play effectively.
Overall, the discussion around pace of play in professional golf underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address slow play issues. By considering input from fast players like Sam Burns and exploring innovative solutions, organizations such as the LPGA can take concrete steps towards improving the overall pace and flow of the game. With a combination of stricter penalties, proactive monitoring, and tailored approaches to different playing scenarios, the golf community can work together to create a more efficient and enjoyable experience for players and fans alike.
