PGA TOUR Releases Four-Step Plan to Fight Slow Pace of Play

The PGA TOUR is looking to combat the slow pace of play problem that has plagued the league for several years after complaints have become more evident recently.

Yesterday, we reported that the TOUR would allow players to use distance-measuring devices, or rangefinders, during competition to speed things up. However, this is just one part of their plan to fight elongated rounds that have delayed play and even chased some fans away from being religious viewers.

The TOUR is now considering four ways to fight the pace of play problem, with the rangefinder solution being the first.

Now, it is also considering publicizing pace of play data with “average stroke time,” publicly disclosing fines and penalties for players to provide transparency, which is currently private, and aiming to speed up rulings during video review at the Florida production studio, something that is currently very deliberate.

🚨⏰⛳️ #SLOW PLAY — The PGA TOUR says they are considering several new initiatives to fix slow play issues. The proposed changes include:
—Testing the use of range finders in competition
— Publicize pace of play data with “average stroke time”
— Publicly disclose fines &… pic.twitter.com/Wj3q4VQxJc

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) January 29, 2025

The TOUR has finally seemed to admit that it has a real problem on its hands, and things will only continue to get worse if it is not confronted now. 

This past weekend, PGA TOUR commentator for CBS, Dottie Pepper, said the pace of play issue was more of a problem with “respect” for fans and fellow players. 

PGA TOUR Commentator Shocks with Truth Bomb on Golf’s Biggest Problem

Fans do not want to watch a round of golf that takes over five hours to complete. Deliberation over putts or yardages is understandable, but only to a certain extent. It has gotten so bad that it is being identified as just one reason the TOUR is dealing with a diminishing viewership issue.

Others, like Steve Flesch, a pro on the PGA TOUR Champions, says the rangefinders are a step in the right direction:

"We have been using range finders for over a year on the Champions Tour now. They significantly help when you’re way off the fairway and don’t save or add any significant time. Having said that, the snails don’t change unless they are pushed. Period! Penalty shots are the ONLY answer."

It seems he is ready to start penalizing players for the slow pace of play, and this is ideally a solution that would be used as a last resort. However, it seems this is becoming more of an option based on complaints, and it would surely speed things up.

Cover Image via Sky Sports