PGA Tour Considers Rangefinders to Combat Mounting Slow Play Issues
The PGA Tour is considering implementing rangefinders in tournaments as a potential solution to address persistent slow play issues that have frustrated fans, players, and media alike.
This initiative comes as part of broader efforts to improve the fan experience, following recent survey results. PGA Tour executive Andy Weitz confirmed that "everything's on the table" in their quest to create the best version of PGA Tour golf.
Two golfers on sunny course
Key developments include:
- Rangefinders have been successfully tested on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Champions
- Field size adjustments have already been implemented
- ShotLink data will be used to monitor player pace
- The PGA Championship has previously allowed rangefinder use
Tiger Woods swinging golf club
Gary Young, PGA Tour's senior VP of rules & competition, noted that many players acknowledge their routines are longer than necessary. Rangefinders could particularly help with off-line shots by providing quick reference points.
Currently, tournament rounds regularly exceed five hours, affecting viewership. While the shot clock in TGL has been well-received, implementing similar timing across an entire golf course presents logistical challenges.
Bushnell Pro laser rangefinder
Black Blue Tees golf rangefinder
Black Garmin Z82 golf rangefinder
Yellow-black golf laser rangefinder
The Tour plans to trial rangefinders at select events, with timing and locations to be determined. This change could represent a significant step toward modernizing the game while addressing the persistent issue of slow play.