Fri Apr 11 21:20:00 UTC 2025: **Masters Chairman Focuses on Pace of Play as PGA Tour Announces New Initiatives**
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Pace of play will be under increased scrutiny at this year’s Masters Tournament, according to chairman Fred Ridley. His comments come as the PGA Tour prepares to launch new initiatives next week aimed at speeding up the game.
Ridley voiced his support for ongoing discussions about pace of play, emphasizing its importance as a skill and a courtesy to fellow players and fans. He acknowledged the challenges faced by professional golfers but stressed the need for respect for others’ time.
Starting next week at the RBC Heritage, the PGA Tour will allow rangefinders during competition as a trial and will take a stricter stance against slow play, including penalties for repeat offenders and publishing average stroke times. While the Tour hasn’t issued a slow-play penalty in a stroke-play event since 1995, Ridley expressed cautious optimism about the new measures.
Ridley also highlighted concerns regarding slow play observed at the recent Drive, Chip & Putt competition, indicating that time limits will likely be implemented for the junior event next year. He noted the incongruity of players taking extensive time for putts of similar length.
The Masters itself will see a focus on pace, with early tee times designed to encourage faster play. While not guaranteeing perfect results, Ridley expressed encouragement over the PGA Tour’s more aggressive approach to addressing the issue.
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