Pace of play at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Golf enthusiasts and professionals alike were pleasantly surprised by the swift pace of play witnessed at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Golf Channel reporter Todd Lewis shed light on the matter, emphasizing that the tournament’s rhythm exceeded expectations set by the PGA Tour and its broadcasting partners. In an era where slow play has become a pressing concern within the golfing community, the efficiency displayed at Pebble Beach was a breath of fresh air.
Lewis highlighted that play during all four rounds, from Thursday through Sunday, concluded ahead of schedule, with the tournament finishing a remarkable 15 to 20 minutes early. Notably, the first two rounds set a new standard for speed, with a PGA Tour rules official noting that it was the fastest pace ever witnessed at the event. This newfound urgency on the course has sparked discussions in the locker room, with players aiming to avoid the stigma of being labeled as slow performers.
Players at Pebble Beach seemed motivated to pick up the pace, not only due to internal pressures but also external influences from the PGA Tour and fans. The fear of public scrutiny and the desire to maintain a positive image among peers and spectators have contributed to a collective effort to enhance the tempo of play. The newfound sense of urgency has injected a sense of competitiveness not only in the scores but also in the speed at which the game unfolds.
What the PGA Tour is doing to combat slow play
In response to the pervasive issue of slow play, the PGA Tour has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at accelerating the pace of the game. One notable proposal includes the potential allowance of measuring devices, similar to those permitted at the PGA Championship. By incorporating range finders, the tour hopes to streamline the process for caddies, reducing the time spent on yardage calculations and thus expediting play.
Furthermore, the Tour plans to establish a video review center, designed to swiftly address subjective rulings during a game. Traditionally, play halts when a player encounters a contentious situation, waiting for an official to intervene. The introduction of a centralized review system aims to resolve such matters promptly, minimizing interruptions and delays on the course.
Moreover, discussions have surfaced regarding measures to publicly identify and penalize the slowest players. By implementing fines and penalties for tardy conduct, the PGA Tour seeks to underscore its commitment to combating slow play effectively. Despite only three players facing public penalties for slow play since 1995, the Tour’s potential shift towards a more transparent enforcement strategy signals a proactive approach to address the issue comprehensively.