PGA Tour propose golfing rule change as pace of play comes under sharp focus

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There’s nothing worse than seeing a slow golfer in front of you and it can be even more infuriating when we see the professionals do it on the PGA Tour.

Pace of play is one of the big issues a lot of golfers have with the game right through from the amateurs all the way to the very best.

As we know, some players have no issue with slow play and the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Aberg are two of the game’s top stars who get on with things.

However, some are a touch slower than others.

Indeed, it was only recently that Fitzpatrick’s caddy Billy Foster named both Brian Harman and Tom Kim as the two slowest players on TOUR.

But rather than appear to address the issue, the PGA Tour are proposing a change that appears to go against what most fans want to see.

PGA Tour proposes major rule change to impact slow play

While slow play is an issue for many, the PGA Tour are making moves to address the matter which might not sit well with some.

In proposed changes to go before the PGA board in November – shared by golf journalist Josh Carpenter – it’s been suggested that the PGA board look at a number of resolutions.

Key to the changes are a decrease in the fines handed out for slow play, while also suggestions of players being afforded even more time when it comes to getting the ball back in play via a drop from a certain reference point.

There is also a suggestion that they redefine the definition of what ‘out of position’ means.

However, there are further provisions which could see new policies introduced related to average stroke time which, in turn, could see players hit in their pockets.

Proposed PGA Tour rule change could encourage slower play

While there’ll be more to this than meets the eye and it’s yet to be signed off, at first glance it looks like a change to play into the hands of the slower players.

The idea of lowering the punishments seems to simply encourage players to take their time that bit more.

Of course, nothing is set in stone just yet and there’ll no doubt be plenty of reaction to the news as time ticks along.

If the PGA does bring these changes in, then we could be in for some frustrating play in the next few years.