PGA Tour needs to address slow play crisis before it's too late

The PGA Tour has a growing pace of play problem that has frustrated players, fans, and television networks alike. Recent comments from Lucas Glover have reignited the debate as the Tour continues to struggle with rounds that stretch well beyond five hours. Meanwhile, LIV Golf has managed to average sub-five-hour rounds, raising the question: Why can’t the PGA Tour adjust?

The Problems with Slow Play

1. Fan Experience and TV Broadcasts - Watching a round of golf on television can feel like an endurance test. Lengthy delays, excessive pre-shot routines, and long rulings make tournaments drag on, leading to a declining viewing experience. Unlike sports with a set duration, golf’s unpredictable timing makes planning difficult for networks, leading to lost engagement.
2. Player Frustration - Lucas Glover recently spoke out about the issue, calling for stricter enforcement. Many players share his concerns, as slow play disrupts rhythm and forces competitors to adjust their pace throughout a round. Faster players often suffer the most, waiting on nearly every shot. Players frequently step away from shots due to events staff golf carts moving unpredictably across the course, usually crossing their line of sight.
3. Lack of Enforcement - While the PGA Tour has rules in place, actual penalties for slow play are rare. Players are placed on the clock, but enforcement is inconsistent. Even repeat offenders rarely receive more than a warning, creating little incentive to speed up.
4. Course Setup and Field Size - PGA Tour events often feature larger fields than LIV Golf, which naturally leads to congestion. More challenging course setups, with deep rough and tricky greens, further slow down play as players deliberate over every shot.
5. AimPoint and Overly Methodical Green Reading—AimPoint, a green-reading method in which players use their feet to gauge slope, has contributed to longer putting routines. While it can be effective, it often results in excessive delays as players take multiple readings before putting.

Solutions the PGA Tour Should Consider

1. Stronger Enforcement of Rules - The Tour needs to impose penalties for slow play, not just warnings. Implementing a shot clock—where players must hit within a set time—could provide accountability.
2. Shot Clock on the Greens - One of the biggest culprits in slow play is putting. A shot clock specifically for greens would ensure players take no more than a set time for their putts, preventing unnecessary delays and keeping the pace steady.
3. Smaller Field Sizes - Reducing the number of players in events could help prevent logjams on the course. This approach has worked well for LIV Golf, keeping rounds under five hours.
4. Revised Grouping and Tee Time Strategies - Spacing out tee times or implementing two-tee starts more frequently could alleviate congestion, especially on courses with tight bottlenecks.
5. Encourage Ready Golf - Ready golf, where players hit when they are ready rather than strictly following honors, has been successful at amateur levels and should be encouraged more in professional play.
6. Course Setup Adjustments - While complex course setups challenge players, extremely rough pin placements and overly firm greens can add unnecessary delays. A balance between difficulty and playability is key.

Final Thoughts

The PGA Tour’s slow play issue is damaging the product for fans, players, and broadcasters. LIV Golf has shown that a faster pace is possible, and the PGA Tour should take note. Implementing stricter enforcement, adjusting field sizes, and revising course setups could greatly improve the overall experience. Additionally, enforcing a shot clock on the greens would prevent excessive delays, especially from prolonged AimPoint routines. It’s time for the Tour to step up and take action—before fans tune out for good.