LPGA announces pace-of-play changes to start in March - ESPN

The LPGA announced its new pace-of-play policy Thursday that includes lower timing thresholds for fines and penalties, including a new one-stroke penalty for golfers who take too long to hit their shots.

The circuit said the new policy, which is designed to speed up play on the women's pro tour, will go into effect at the Ford Championship on March 27. It will also be enforced on the Epson Tour starting at the IOA Championship on April 25.

The new policy calls for a fine for any golfer who is 1 to 5 seconds over their allotted time on a hole, a one-stroke penalty for those 6 to 15 seconds over and a two-stroke penalty for those 16 seconds over or more.

Previously, the LPGA fined golfers who were 1 to 10 seconds over the allotted time and assessed a two-stroke penalty to those who were more than 11 seconds over.

«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,» LPGA player president Vicki Goetze-Ackerman said in a statement. «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."

LPGA golfers were informed of the new policy last week during a meeting at the Founders Cup in Bradenton, Florida.

The LPGA said golfers hitting first on par 4s and 5s will no longer receive an additional 10 seconds, except on reachable par 4s.