LPGA take the lead in the slow play debate, implementing fines and penalties for offenders from the end of March
The LPGA Tour is set to implement stricter measures to address slow play, a concern that has been escalating within professional golf. According to an article by NBC Sports, the new policy introduces penalties for players who exceed the allotted time for shots.
Specifically, players taking 1-5 seconds over the permitted time will incur a fine; those exceeding by 6-15 seconds will receive a one-stroke penalty; and delays of 16 seconds or more will result in a two-stroke penalty. These changes are scheduled to take effect at the Ford Championship in Phoenix on March 27, 2025.
New slow play policy revealed at LPGA player meeting
According to sources in the NBC Sports article, the new policy was revealed at an LPGA player meeting on Tuesday night at the Founders Cup, this week’s tournament. The players also received written confirmation which outlined the new rules. Within the email, the LPGA states: “Our intention with these adjustments is to improve the pace of play, not to impose penalties and fines.”
The initiative has garnered support from top players. On Wednesday in a pre-tournament press conference, World Number One Nelly Korda welcomed the LPGA’s new slow play policy, calling it a much-needed change. “Finally,” she said when asked for her initial thoughts.
Korda pointed out that rounds used to take under five hours but have now stretched to five and a half hours or more. “I think that implementing harsher rules is going to be good for the game of golf,” she added. During the player meeting, officials emphasised that professional golf is a form of entertainment. “If we're taking really long out there, I mean, that's not entertaining.”
Largely positive reaction from players
Korda went on to say that the overall reaction in the room was largely positive, with players mainly seeking clarification on how timing would be enforced. “I think it was more of people were asking how the rules officials time exactly,” Korda explained. Some players were concerned about when the clock starts, especially if a ball is still moving on the green. “Over time that’s going to be ironed out,” she said, adding that the new policy will ultimately help speed up rounds and improve the experience for everyone.
The LPGA's decision reflects a broader movement in professional golf to enhance the pace of play, aiming to improve the experience for both players and fans.
It's great to see the LPGA leading the way in this area, where we hope talk around it, specifically when it comes to female players, becomes a thing of the past.
Are women slower at playing golf than men? Levelling the Fairways: Busting the myth of slow play and women - read the full article.
