The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced the creation of a new Pace of Play Policy. The new policy, which includes lowered timing thresholds for stroke penalties, will be implemented on both the LPGA and Epson Tours, starting March 27 at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass and April 25 at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, respectively.
The changes include:
- New penalty structure for plus times
- +1-5 seconds over time: Fine
- +6-15 second: One-stroke penalty
- +16 seconds or more: Two-stroke penalty
- 10-second allowance changes
- The first to hit on par 4s and 5s will no longer receive an additional 10 seconds, except on reachable par 4s
- The first to hit on par 3s, approach shots and putts will still receive the extra 10 seconds
“As a global sports and entertainment property, the LPGA conducted a thorough review of the current pace of play policy to evaluate and address an issue that has been a source of frustration for players and fans alike. This new policy, which was player-led and developed through an established Pace of Play Committee, was created in what we believe is in the best interest of our brand, fans and the overall LPGA watching experience,” said LPGA Player President, Vicki Goetze-Ackerman. “Based on a data-backed approach and direct player input, this policy now acts as a stronger deterrent, ensuring players take warnings seriously before penalties become necessary. Our overall intention is to improve the pace of play on Tour, and these updates mark a significant step toward creating a more efficient and enjoyable competitive environment, benefiting both our Members and our fans.”
The updated policy will continue to enforce:
- Warning System: A group that is out of position, in the case of the lead group over its time par, will be issued one warning per round by a Rules Official unless an Official deems the group to be so far out of position that a warning is not appropriate. Groups may be timed without receiving their warning if they are on the last three holes of their round.
- Once warned, the group will be given the opportunity on the following hole to improve its position in relation to the preceding group, or in the case of the lead group, in relation to time par.
- If sufficient improvement is not made, the group may then be timed.
- Excessive Shot Timing: A player is subject to being timed at any time during a round and for any stroke.
- Target Timing: The Rules Committee reserves the right to time a player who is not helping to improve the groups’ position on the course due to their actions and/or pace of play.
- Banking Time: The cumulative nature of the Pace of Play Policy is still in effect, allowing the players to determine how they want to use their allotted time.
Violations to result in double fine structure the following year: Fines incurred due to the accumulation of “plus times” (+1 – +5 seconds) and Excessive Shot Timing will double each consecutive year a player is in violation of the policy.
Source: LPGA.com