The recent WM Phoenix Open demonstrates that golf is capable of expanding its fan base, and there is hope the PGA Tour will soon regain its former prominence. Enthusiasts anticipate stars like Scottie Scheffler rising to iconic status comparable to Tiger Woods, while players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm return from LIV Golf, boosting excitement. However, despite increases in ratings and energized tournament atmospheres, a significant issue threatens golf’s broader appeal: the PGA Tour pace of play remains a persistent problem.
Delays on the Course Impact Viewer Experience
Golf currently suffers from slow play reminiscent of Major League Baseball before the introduction of a pitch clock. Many professionals take excessive time during shots, employing prolonged putting routines and multiple practice swings, leading to viewer frustration. This slow tempo interrupts the rhythm of the game and can alienate fans who expect faster-paced, engaging competition. Some golfers either do not recognize or do not prioritize how irritating their slow pace can be for spectators.
Extended Play Affects Tournament Flow and Spectatorship
For example, during Round One of the Waste Management Open, despite near-perfect weather conditions reaching 64 degrees before 9 a.m. MST, the field of 123 golfers was unable to complete their rounds on schedule. The full 10 hours and 43 minutes of daylight on Thursday proved insufficient, leaving nine players still finishing on Friday morning. This delay also altered the usual momentum at the famed 16th hole, where spectators noticed large gaps between groups instead of a continuous stream of players. Such interruptions reduce the excitement traditionally associated with this key location, often described as a coliseum tunnel where competitors enter like gladiators.
PGA Tour Leadership Faces Pressure to Address Slow Play
After a turbulent period marked by competition from LIV Golf, viewership began to improve in 2025, with CBS reporting its most-watched golf season in seven years. This resurgence highlights the sport’s loyal fanbase and the pull of renowned courses and star athletes. Nevertheless, with growing interest from casual viewers, addressing the slow pace is crucial. Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour Commissioner attending events this weekend, is under pressure to act on this issue that significantly affects the sport’s entertainment value.
The Future of Golf Depends on Resolving Pace of Play
If golf can resolve its pace of play difficulties, it may attract and retain a broader audience, returning the game to a more dynamic and engaging spectacle. Swift action could revive the sport’s standing in American culture, enabling emerging stars like Scottie Scheffler to reach iconic status and encouraging fans to remain connected throughout tournaments. Until then, viewers may continue to experience frustration, making it a defining issue for the PGA Tour’s ongoing growth and success.
“We’re waiting.” ?Brian Rolapp, PGA Tour Commissioner
