The golf world is now witnessing a divide not just in leagues but also in the pace of play. Traditional PGA Tour events continue to feature slow, long-duration rounds, a style that has increasingly drawn criticism. This issue became especially apparent with the start of the 2025 schedule, as final rounds stretched to over five hours to complete. The issue has resulted in a massive drop in viewership for the PGA Tour.
Even after having the record-breaking first signature event, it saw a 34% drop in the viewership. Not only this, even the American Express 2025 saw a drop of 56% with just 232K viewers as compared to 534K in 2024. Based on the frustration shared by fans, the cause of it is the long-duration rounds.
In contrast, TGL, the new primetime indoor gold league spearheaded by Tiger Woods has introduced a faster, more modern approach, cutting round times nearly in half. With a strict 40-second shot clock, the TGL delivers a dynamic pace of play that appeals to fans looking for a quicker, more engaging experience.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The issue of slow play in golf has become a hot topic of discussion, with analysts increasingly addressing the problem. During a recent episode of The Smylie Show podcast, Charlie Hulme, the show’s executive producer, shared insights on how the TGL’s fast-paced format has brought new attention to the pace of play on the PGA Tour. “I wonder if we’re paying more attention to the pace of play issue right now on tour because we are watching the separate product, the TGL, that has this 40-second shot clock,” Hulme observed.
He further pointed out the contrast, saying, “Theoretically, what you’re supposed to be doing on the PGA Tour as well.” While Rule 5.6b of the PGA Tour does establish a time limit for shots, enforcement has been lax. Players routinely exceed the limit without intervention, leading to drawn-out rounds, including 5-hour marathons on Sundays.
via Imago RECORD DATE NOT STATED 4th October 2024 Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland Alfred Dunhill Links Golf Championship, Round 2 Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA, Golf Herren TOUR, on the fairway of the sixth hole on Kingsbarns Golf Links, during the second round of the Dunhill Links Championship PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12699796 DavidxYoung
Now, with the issue becoming a major concern, it needs to be addressed as a priority. Even further in the podcast, Hulme shared, “I think it is important to like how can we clean up this thing across the board? I think it is looking at what the kind of key pieces of interest are for the two main types of consumers.”
While, now with the last event which was the Farmers Insurance Open, on-field reporter Dottie Pepper has also joined in with fans and analysts to speak out of frustration for slow play at the event.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Dottie Pepper expressed her frustration after slow play
With extended hours of play, fans have the luxury of turning off their broadcasts, but on-field reporters don’t have that option. After nearly three hours of covering the final group featuring Harris English, Andrew Novak, and Aldrich Potgieter, on-field reporter Dottie Pepper made her frustration known.
On the 10th hole, she was heard speaking with teammate Frank Nobilo, expressing her thoughts on the pace of play. “You know, Frank, I think we’re starting to need a new word to talk about this pace of play issue, and it’s respect,” she said. Continuing, she added, “For your fellow competitors, for the fans, for broadcasts, for all of it. It’s just gotta get better.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The problem was particularly evident on Saturday at the Farmers Insurance Open, where players took an average of 20 minutes per hole on the front nine. While this raised concerns about completing the round, the pace improved in the later stages, allowing play to conclude 15 minutes before the broadcast window ended.
With increasing concerns over pace and looming deadlines, the PGA Tour faces mounting pressure to address the issue. But what steps can be taken to resolve this long-standing problem? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!