The world of professional golf is about to get a whole lot more exciting, with a major shake-up aimed at speeding up the game! We have heard the buzz about the pace of play for years, and it is good to see the LPGA Tour finally navigating it. After listening to players and reviewing the issue, they’ve introduced a new pace-of-play policy to keep golfers moving and prevent slow play from dragging down the game. Honestly, it’s about time they stepped up to the plate.

So, how will the LPGA’s new policy work?

Here’s the breakdown: groups that fall behind will get a warning, and if they don’t pick up the pace, they’ll be timed. Players who exceed the allotted time for a hole will face penalties, ranging from fines to two-stroke penalties. For example, if a player’s time is just 1-5 seconds over the limit, they’ll get a fine from the LPGA. If they’re 6-15 seconds over, they’ll lose a shot on the spot. And if they’re 16 seconds or more over, they’ll get a two-stroke penalty. Ouch!

These penalties are designed to be a strong deterrent, making sure players take warnings seriously and make an effort to speed up their game. The LPGA believes this new policy will make a huge impact on the game, creating a more efficient and enjoyable competitive environment for players and fans alike. With this change, golf fans can look forward to a faster-paced and more exciting game. As LPGA Player President Vicki Goetze-Ackerman said, “Our overall intention is to improve the pace of play on Tour, and these updates mark a significant step toward creating a more efficient and enjoyable competitive environment, benefiting both our Members and our fans,” as per the official LPGA website.

The rules were long needed as many golf fans and players, including Nelly Korda, have been frustrated with the slow pace of play on the LPGA Tour.

Nelly Korda is ‘very excited’ about the new LPGA policy

The slow pace of play had become a major issue on the LPGA Tour, with rounds often stretching beyond five-and-a-half hours, and groups backing up on a single hole. The situation had become so dire that fans dubbed the 2024 AIG Women’s Open “barely watchable,” due to the glacial pace. This wasn’t an isolated incident, as slow play had become a recurring problem, frustrating fans, players, and officials alike.

Nelly Korda, who has been vocal about her disdain for slow play, welcomed the new policy, saying “Finally, yeah, I’m very excited about it.” The new policy is a significant step towards addressing the issue, and Korda’s enthusiasm is shared by many who believe that faster play is essential for the sport’s entertainment value.

The new policy introduces a three-tier penalty system, with players facing fines for delays of 1-5 seconds, a one-stroke penalty for delays of 6-15 seconds, and a two-stroke penalty for delays of 16 or more seconds. The policy specifically targets pre-shot routines, removing the previous 10-second allowance for first players hitting on par 4s and 5s.

While some players may find the new rules harsh, Korda believes they’re necessary to save the sport’s appeal, saying “At the end of the day, we’re a form of entertainment… if we’re taking really long out there, I mean, that’s not entertaining.” Well, that was what Korda thinks but what do you think of the new policy? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!