Editorial: Slow Play Rule

My other worry is that the rule will be applied more strictly to journeymen and rookies than to top players. Of the players who have been penalized so far, only one of them, Prammanasudh, is what I would consider among the top players, and even she has yet to win on tour. It will be interesting to see the reaction of the fans if a Se Ri Pak, Grace Park or Annika Sorenstam gets nailed, especially if it costs them a tournament. Fans in other sports get very mad when a game is won or lost based largely on referee decisions (the bad foul call with no time left on the clock, the called third strike that looked outside). By being more strict about this rule, the LPGA may be opening a Pandora's Box in which tournament coverage in the future will dedicate a lot of time to keeping track of which players are in danger of getting on the clock, which are on the clock, and which have been penalized. Imagine a Major where that becomes a big part of the coverage, rather than focusing on great shots and the drama of the chase. I only hope that the LPGA is willing to adapt if they see the rule tipping things too far in the other direction.

Of course, it is still too early to determine whether that will happen. So far the good outweighs the bad. But the unfortunate end to the last event suggests that watchful caution on the part of the tour might not be a bad idea at this juncture.

No time to wave, Grace! Got to take
your next shot!