LPGA Pros Share Strong Opinions on How to Fix Tour's Slow Play Problem
Slow play is a persistent challenge in professional golf, with many LPGA players expressing frustration over rounds extending beyond 5 hours. Recent events, like the Annika tournament, have brought this issue into sharp focus.
Key Issues:
- Rounds regularly exceeding 5 hours
- Impact on fan experience
- Varied pace between players
- Complex course conditions affecting play speed
Player Perspectives:
Nelly Korda (World No. 1):
- Advocates for first instinct being the best instinct
- Suggests better preparation before shots
- Recommends more on-course monitoring
- Believes standing over putts for 2-3 minutes is excessive
Charley Hull's Proposed Solution:
- Three bad timings should result in loss of tour card
- Mandatory return to Q-School for persistent slow players
- Emphasizes need for stricter penalties
Other Player Suggestions:
- Improved tee time spacing
- Shot clocks on every hole
- Increased fines and penalties
- Better course management
Lydia Ko's Balanced View:
- Consider course difficulty
- Account for tournament stakes
- Recognize multiple variables affecting pace
- Suggests no single solution will fix the issue
Practical Solutions:
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The consensus among players indicates that while slow play remains a significant issue, solutions require a multi-faceted approach combining stricter enforcement with practical considerations for playing conditions and tournament stakes.
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