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PGA Tour to Trial Rangefinders to Expedite Pace of Play
Following Rory McIlroy’s recent Masters Tournament appearance, the PGA Tour is experimenting with rangefinders in an effort to accelerate the pace of play. This initiative comes after discussions around slow play in professional golf and aims to streamline rounds during tournaments.
McIlroy’s Masters Performance and Pace of Play Debate
Despite an unsteady beginning at the Masters, which drew criticism as an “inexcusable” error by some analysts, McIlroy successfully claimed his first Green Jacket after a hard-fought playoff against Justin Rose. The 35-year-old’s victory also positioned him among an exclusive group, marking him as only the sixth golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam, a feat last accomplished by Tiger Woods in 2000.
Golf Channel commentator Paul McGinley speculated that McIlroy’s initial difficulties may have stemmed from his playing partner, Akshay Bhatia, who allegedly took excessive time over his shots, potentially disrupting McIlroy’s rhythm. McGinley remarked, “I believe he lost focus.”
McGinley elaborated, “It was time-consuming for him to execute that pitch shot. His playing partner, Akshay Bhatia, landed his second shot in the water. He hesitated significantly before playing his shot – taking approximately 10 practice swings.” McGinley further noted, “He [McIlroy] is typically a swift player – he prefers to maintain momentum. He was distracted. I’m not faulting Bhatia or the spectators moving away from the 16th. However, for a player who favors a rapid pace of play, it resulted in a lapse in focus. Such lapses are uncharacteristic of elite champions, and I’m convinced that the 17th hole incident was a consequence of it.”
New Rule: Distance-Only Rangefinders Permitted
The PGA Tour has declared that participants will be permitted to utilize rangefinders set to “distance-only” mode during competitions. This decision, initially signaled at the Players Championship, will be implemented at upcoming events including the RBC Heritage and Corales Puntacana Championship. The trial period will conclude with the Truist Championship and Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic, according to reports from Golf Digest.
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Penalties for Misuse
It’s important to note that any player found using features beyond the “distance-only” setting on their rangefinders will be penalized. A first violation will incur a two-stroke penalty, while a subsequent infraction will lead to immediate disqualification from the tournament.
McIlroy’s Perspective on Pace of Play Solutions
Prior to the Pebble Beach tournament, when questioned about potential strategies to improve the pace of play, McIlroy admitted uncertainty, stating he had “no idea.” He commented on the escalating complexity of course designs, referencing Torrey Pines as an example, and highlighted the challenges introduced by wind velocity and green speed.
McIlroy acknowledged that slow play has been a persistent concern in golf but did not offer a definitive solution. He suggested that smaller participant fields might offer some relief but recognized this could diminish playing opportunities and potentially cause discontent among some players.
He also pointed out, “Another factor is that at this juncture of the year, tee times must be scheduled more closely together to ensure everyone completes play within daylight hours. If tee times could be spaced out slightly more, it might facilitate a smoother flow of play.”
McIlroy continued, “Presently, many players attempt to reach par 5s in two shots, leading to delays. Additionally, par 3s are becoming longer.”
“Numerous elements contribute to it. I’m unsure,” he reiterated.
“It appears that maybe improvements of 15 or 20 minutes are achievable, but that still leaves a five-hour and fifteen-minute round from a five-and-a-half-hour round. Is that truly enough enhancement to enact substantial change? I’m uncertain.”