Pace of play at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Golf Channel reporter Todd Lewis has shed light on the impressive pace of play at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Unlike recent tournaments plagued by slow play, this event broke records with its refreshingly fast tempo.
Before the Pro-Am, slow play had dominated golf headlines, with the Farmers Insurance Open and The American Express suffering from excruciatingly long rounds. During The Amex, Sepp Straka’s final group took an astonishing three-and-a-half hours to complete just 11 holes, with a 30-minute delay on one hole. The situation at Torrey Pines during the Farmers Insurance Open was no better, as the final round broadcast lasted a grueling six hours, prompting CBS on-course reporter Dottie Pepper to express her frustration.
Thankfully, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am provided a stark contrast. According to Lewis, play during all four rounds finished ahead of the prescribed pace set by the PGA Tour and broadcast partners. The tournament concluded 15 to 20 minutes earlier than expected, signaling a significant improvement in speed. In fact, the first two rounds of the tournament were the fastest in its history, as confirmed by a PGA Tour rules official. This newfound emphasis on faster play has become a hot topic in the locker room, with players motivated to avoid being labeled as slow and facing public scrutiny. The PGA Tour and fans are also pushing for increased efforts in addressing this issue.
What the PGA Tour is doing to combat slow play
The PGA Tour is not turning a blind eye to the slow play issue. They have introduced several measures aimed at speeding up the pace of play on the course. One proposed solution is the use of measuring devices, such as range finders, which have already been implemented at the PGA Championship. These devices would simplify yardage calculations for caddies, ultimately reducing the time spent on each shot.
Additionally, the Tour plans to establish a video review center to swiftly address subjective rulings. Currently, when a player encounters an issue, play is halted until an official arrives at the scene. The introduction of a video review center would expedite the decision-making process, minimizing disruptions to the flow of the game.
Furthermore, discussions have taken place regarding publicizing the names of the slowest players and imposing fines and penalties. This approach aims to demonstrate the Tour’s proactive stance in tackling slow play. Surprisingly, since 1995, only three players have faced public penalties for slow play, highlighting the need for a more stringent enforcement system.
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am serves as a beacon of hope for golf enthusiasts yearning for faster-paced tournaments. The impressive speed of play witnessed at this event, coupled with the PGA Tour’s initiatives, indicates a positive shift towards more efficient and enjoyable golf experiences.