Slow play remains one of the biggest talking points in professional golf, and for many fans, it’s become the most frustrating aspect of watching the modern game. It’s no secret that rounds on the PGA Tour often stretch beyond five hours, with some groups taking closer to six – a far cry from the sub-four-hour rounds most club golfers strive for on a Saturday morning. Whether it’s excessive practice swings, laborious pre-shot routines, or the widespread use of the AimPoint system on the greens, the result is the same – a product that’s increasingly difficult to watch.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Statistics paint a damning picture of the issue. According to ShotLink data, the average time for a three-ball to complete 18 holes on the PGA Tour in 2023 was 4 hours 57 minutes. By comparison, the same figure in 1995 was 4 hours 10 minutes. Even worse, some marquee groups have been known to take over 5 hours 30 minutes, with some individual players routinely taking over 45 seconds per shot, well above the recommended 40-second limit outlined in the rules.
While golf’s purists might argue that time should never be a factor when playing for millions of dollars, the wider consensus is clear. “It’s a joke. We’re professional athletes, not chess players,” remarked one leading Tour pro, who preferred to remain anonymous. “The amount of time some guys take is completely unnecessary.”
Tour’s Tough New Stance
Recognising the need for change, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced plans to introduce stricter enforcement measures beginning April 14 – the day after The Masters. The most controversial of these is the introduction of publicly available stroke-time data, effectively naming and shaming the worst culprits.
“It’s no longer going to be a guessing game,” Monahan stated. “Fans, media, and sponsors will have access to real data on how long each player takes. We believe this transparency will be a powerful tool for accountability.”
With this new system in place, slow players will no longer be able to hide behind the anonymity of group timings. The statistics will be there for all to see, and the impact could extend beyond the golf course. Sponsorship deals are a huge revenue stream for Tour pros, and brands may be less inclined to align themselves with players who earn a reputation for being deliberate and sluggish.
Will It Work?
The idea of publicly outing slow players has divided opinion. Some believe it could be a game-changer, encouraging a much-needed culture shift. Others, however, are more sceptical. “Will this really change behaviour, or will players just find new ways to manipulate the system?” asked former European Tour winner and Sky Sports analyst Rich Beem.
What is clear is that fans, media, and even fellow pros are reaching breaking point. With more players pushing for real-time shot clocks and in-round penalties for repeat offenders, the era of slow play apathy may finally be coming to an end.
One thing is certain – when the Tour’s new policy kicks in after Augusta, the worst offenders will have nowhere to hide.
