In a refreshing development, the PGA Tour has finally decided to address the long-standing issue of slow play that has been a source of annoyance for fans at the inception of the season. For a while, it seemed like the organizers were turning a deaf ear to the slew of complaints arising from the initial events of the year. However, the 2026 season promises a shift, with plans to cut down field sizes at most events and limit the number of players who automatically retain their cards annually.
This decision comes in the wake of widespread criticism directed at The American Express following a final round that lasted almost six hours. A similar sentiment was echoed during the concluding match of the Farmers Insurance Open.
The PGA Tour, however, is not resting on its laurels and is contemplating a series of changes to be implemented by next year. Fans remain cautious, awaiting tangible changes before passing judgment. Among the alternatives being considered is publicizing the average time each player takes per shot.
Golf star Collin Morikawa weighed in on the slow play debate during a media interaction before the Players Championship. He expressed his favor towards the idea of publicizing timings, although he also cautioned viewers who are hoping for immediate, drastic improvements.
Morikawa argued for the release of the timings, questioning why anyone would oppose such a move. He believes that the solution to slow play lies in enforcing actual penalties, such as strokes or FedEx Cup points, rather than monetary fines. According to him, most players are more concerned about their performance and qualifying for the playoffs rather than the fines they might incur.
He further stated, “If you’re slow, you know you’re slow. If you don’t know, then there’s an issue. There’s no problem with making it public. It’s only going to make things better, because you’re going to have a target on you, put a little more pressure and hopefully you pick it up, or you get penalized.”
However, Morikawa was also quick to point out that a slight improvement in the pace of play, say by 10 minutes a week, would barely be noticeable by fans. He emphasized that the issue of slow play wouldn’t be resolved overnight and fans need to realize this.
The challenge for the PGA Tour lies in balancing the pace of play with the necessity of allowing players to take their time when needed. There are moments, usually on a Sunday with players vying for contention, when slow, methodical play is not just acceptable but indeed captivating.
The task of establishing a rule that quickens play without stifling these crucial moments is a difficult one. It would be absurd for players like Rory McIlroy or Bryson DeChambeau to be conscious of pace during intense moments like the US Open Sunday. Fans, for their part, wouldn’t mind these crucial matches extending a bit longer.
Despite these challenges, it is encouraging to see players supporting the proposed changes. It is a clear indication that a transformation is on the horizon, promising a more engaging and enjoyable experience for golf fans.
