The LPGA Tour has garnered attention for its enforcement of penalties for slow play, highlighted by Jin Hee Im's recent stroke penalty during the JM Eagle LA Championship, a move praised by commentators.
Matt Fitzpatrick's victory at the RBC Heritage was overshadowed by criticism of his slow play, including a four-minute deliberation on a par-five layup shot. The incident has renewed calls for the PGA Tour to implement player-specific shot clocks to address pace of play issues.
USC junior Bailey Shoemaker took 1 minute and 12 seconds over a tee shot at the Augusta National Women's Amateur, igniting fierce debate about pace of play in elite amateur golf. Her coach defended the delay as a trauma response following arm surgery, while critics questioned the impact on fellow competitors.
Matt Fitzpatrick filed a mid-round complaint about his playing partner's slow pace during Sunday's final round at the Valspar Championship, prompting officials to issue a warning. The Englishman didn't let the distraction affect his game, shooting 68 to claim victory and end a three-year winless streak.