PGA Tour Considers Implementing Fines and Permitting Rangefinders to Tackle Slow Play Issues

The PGA Tour is currently evaluating the possibility of permitting rangefinders and publicly addressing violations as part of an extensive study on pace of play and other improvements to the sport, which stemmed from feedback collected from 50,000 golf enthusiasts.

During a recent briefing with journalists on the “Fan Forward” initiative, introduced by commissioner Jay Monahan last year, tour officials intentionally kept details vague. More specific information is anticipated at The Players Championship in March.

The preview session at Pebble Beach reinforced Monahan’s message from late last year that “everything is on the table” as the PGA Tour prepares for a series of modifications.

“As we look ahead to the next three, five, or ten years, we will likely regard 2025 as a pivotal moment in the tour’s evolution,” stated Andy Weitz, the tour’s chief marketing and communications officer.

Integral to this evolution is the capital investment from Strategic Sports Group, which has committed $2.4 billion to PGA Tour Enterprise, with the potential to double that amount.

Fenway Sports Group, a key component of SSG, has Theo Epstein serving as a senior advisor. Epstein, who previously managed the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, collaborated with Major League Baseball on recent reforms that include the introduction of a pitch clock and larger bases to promote more base-stealing.

The idea of implementing a shot clock has been suggested to enhance the pace of play on the tour, gaining traction recently, particularly after final rounds with threesomes have taken approximately five and a half hours to complete.

Weitz mentioned that the tour established a study group last month, comprising players Sam Burns, Jhonattan Vegas, and Adam Schenk, who are expected to relay their findings to the Players Advisory Council — a 16-member panel that has increased its involvement significantly.

Currently, rangefinders, or distance measuring devices, are permitted exclusively at the PGA Championship. The tour is exploring opportunities to schedule a trial run to assess whether these devices can help expedite the game by providing players with faster yardage readings.

Gary Young, the senior vice president of rules and competition, indicated that potential test locations could include signature events with smaller fields or possibly a tournament like the Zurich Classic, which features team play.

Discussing potential disclosures of violations would mark a departure from PGA Tour tradition, as the tour has historically refrained from publicising fines, disciplinary actions, or infractions related to pace of play.

The tour has long maintained that such practices would be more of a distraction. However, feedback from fans indicates a desire for increased transparency.

“I believe we are at a crucial juncture where all these aspects should be thoroughly examined,” commented PGA Tour president Tyler Dennis.

According to Weitz, feedback from players has been largely favourable. He mentioned having breakfast with Max Homa, who expressed a desire for accountability among players and a commitment to fostering the best possible fan experience.

Another initiative aimed at accelerating play is the establishment of a video review centre at the new PGA Tour Studios in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

These proposed changes stem from the “Fan Forward” program, which is built on insights gathered from a fan council initiated in 2017. An external agency assisted the tour in surveying 50,000 fans across three phases.