PGA Tour Implements Stricter Pace of Play Policies

The PGA Tour is taking significant steps to address the ongoing issue of slow play, as commissioner Jay Monahan announced new policies aimed at improving pace during rounds. Starting next month, the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Americas will trial penalties for slow play violations, in addition to publicly releasing pace-of-play statistics for players. This change follows pressure from prominent players like Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas, who advocate for stricter enforcement and transparency regarding slow players. Monahan expressed a commitment to finding solutions that balance accountability with positive reinforcement for faster players. The Tour will also experiment with distance-measuring devices in competition to expedite play. These measures come after notable criticism of lengthy rounds, with some exceeding five hours, prompting the need for reform.