What Is the LPGA’s New Pace of Policy? New Slow Play Penalties Backed by Nelly Korda & Co Explored

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.