LPGA adopts new pace of play policy with faster time deadlines
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The new policy will not begin until after the tour’s upcoming Asian swing.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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MIAMI – The LPGA announced a new pace of play policy on Feb 13 with lower time thresholds for stroke penalties that will begin in March.
The new policy will not commence until after the tour’s upcoming Asian swing, which includes events next week in Thailand, the following week in Singapore and March 6-9 in China.
The first tournament with faster times for penalties will be the Ford Championship from March 27-30 in Chandler, Arizona.
“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,” LPGA player-president Vicki Goetze-Ackerman said.
“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.”
The new penalty structure for plus times mandates a fine for the first five seconds, a one-stroke penalty for violations between six and 15 seconds and a two-stroke penalty for violations of 16 seconds or more.
The first to hit on par-four and par-five holes will no longer receive an additional 10 seconds, except on reachable par-fours, while the first to hit on par-three holes, approach shots and putts will still receive the extra 10 seconds.
“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,” Goetze-Ackerman said.
“Our overall intention is to improve the pace of play on tour and these updates mark a significant step towards creating a more efficient and enjoyable competitive environment.”
Groups that are out of position will continue to receive one warning per round unless they are so far out of position that an official deems it not appropriate. Groups on their last three holes can be timed without a warning.
If sufficient improvement is not made within the next hole after the warning, the group may then be timed.
Individual players can continue to be timed in addition to a group.
Fines will double each consecutive year a player is in violation of time overage and excessive shot timing rules.
In other golf news, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) is nearing US$5 billion (S$6.7 billion) in total investment in LIV Golf, according to financial documents reviewed by the Money in Sport newsletter on Feb 13.
Financial filings from LIV Golf’s British arm showed that revenues increased in 2023, the league’s first full season, but losses are “piling up at a staggering rate”, which has led the PIF to inject more and more capital.
Operating losses in 2023 were at US$394 million, US$150 million more than the year before.
“We know from the statutory reporting by the Jersey holding companies that the total capital approved by PIF is now at US$3.9 billion, $1.0 billion of which relates to LIV Golf UK and the balance to LIV Golf Inc in the US,” Money wrote.
“Clearly the US financials must be considerably worse than the rest of the world performance reported by LIV Golf in UK. PIF’s investment in LIV Golf could approach US$5 billion by the end of this year, with further big bills on the horizon if they want to retain the top golfers as their contracts expire.”
Meanwhile, in PGA Tour action this week, Denny McCarthy made an eagle on his final hole to card a four-under 68 and set the first-round pace at the Genesis Invitational in San Diego on Feb 13.
Patrick Rodgers and Ireland’s Seamus Power are one shot behind and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is two back at the unusually rain-soaked Torrey Pines Golf Course.
The signature event is being played there rather than Riviera Country Club because of the wildfires in January that caused extensive damage to the Los Angeles area. AFP, REUTERS
