In a bold move that could reshape the landscape of professional golf, a renowned golf coach’s son has proposed a radical solution to the persistent problem of slow play: a two-stroke penalty for players who take too long on the course. This suggestion, made during a recent podcast, has reignited the debate around slow play, particularly in light of Patrick Cantlay’s notably lengthy routine at the Tour Championship, where he took an astonishing seven looks at a single putt.

The frustration among players and fans alike is palpable, especially as statistics reveal that over the past 12 years, 10% of tour members have averaged 40 to 45 seconds or more per shot. At this year’s Open Championship, rounds extended beyond six hours, raising concerns about the impact on the sport’s integrity and viewer experience. The call for a two-stroke penalty stems from historical precedents, with Claude Harmon recalling how Ben Hogan once quipped about accepting a two-stroke penalty rather than rushing his game.

Fines, it seems, have proven ineffective in curbing slow play, as multimillionaire golfers often view them as negligible compared to their earnings. The proposed penalty system, reminiscent of football’s yellow and red card system, suggests that repeated slow play could result in missing tournaments—an outcome that would certainly resonate with players who value their standings and opportunities in prestigious events like the Ryder Cup.

The urgency for reform is underscored by the frustration expressed by fellow competitors, who find their performance adversely affected by slow players. As golf continues to grapple with this issue, the potential implementation of harsher penalties could serve as a critical turning point in ensuring that the pace of play aligns with the sport’s competitive spirit. The upcoming Ryder Cup will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for these discussions, as players and fans alike await to see if these measures will gain traction in the world of professional golf.