Well, there has been heat about the pace of play for quite some time now, and it’s about to get even more intense. The PGA Tour Policy Board is set to meet on Monday to vote on some significant changes, including shrinking field sizes and reducing the number of fully exempt cards available starting in 2026. But not everyone is on board, and former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover is leading the charge against these proposals.

Glover isn’t mincing words, calling the changes “terrible” and accusing the Tour of using the pace of play as a convenient excuse. He claims that 20 years ago, there were only a handful of slow players, but now that number has inflated to around 50. Instead of cutting fields, Glover suggests the Tour should simply tell players to speed up or be transparent about their real motivations.  “Tell us to play faster, or just say you’re trying to appease six guys and make them happy so they don’t go somewhere else and play golf,” he said, per Golf Week likely referencing the lucrative LIV Golf Invitational Series, which has been poaching top talent from the PGA Tour with its hefty purses and attractive offers. For Glover, it’s about prioritizing the needs of the entire membership, not just a select few.

Glover’s criticism is not limited to the pace of play issue; he also aims at the Tour’s leadership, led by Commissioner Jay Monahan. “The fact that the PGA Tour is hiding behind the guise of slow play to change these field sizes… that’s complete crap,” Glover said. He advocates for a simpler approach, emphasizing personal responsibility among players. “Tour players, yes, you do affect the people you are playing with and the people behind you. That’s a selfish act. So, speed up.” Glover’s comments resonate with concerns that the Tour prioritizes its top stars over the broader membership.

Tensions surrounding the PGA Tour’s proposed changes continue to simmer, but some players, including Michael Kim and Byeong Hun An, have expressed appreciation for the new plans which probably offers a glimmer of optimism amidst the controversy.

“PR isn’t the PGA Tour’s specialty”, says Tom Kim

The PGA Tour is shaking things up with major changes aimed at tackling delayed finishes due to darkness, which has plagued 28% of tournaments this year. Starting in 2026, field sizes will shrink for most full-field events, capping at 120 players, with exceptions like the American Express keeping its 156-player field. This move aims to save time and streamline the game. Professional golfer Michael Kim, who’s experienced the struggles of the Korn Ferry Tour, applauds the changes, saying they level the playing field and give more golfers a fair shot. The new schedule provides better opportunities for top Korn Ferry Tour players, transforming a limited PGA Tour card into a genuine chance for success.

However, Kim also critiques the PGA Tour’s pace-of-play rules, stating that players aren’t adjusting their pre-shot routines and that “PR isn’t the PGA Tour’s specialty.” The Tour faces a delicate balance between addressing player concerns and speeding up play. To succeed, it must prioritize transparency, empathy, and clarity, putting the fan experience first. If done well, these changes could benefit everyone involved. But if not, things could get messy quickly. With players like Kim speaking out, the pressure’s on the PGA Tour to get it right.