Slow play has always been a problem in the golf world and we all know how the fans feel about it. Carlota Ciganda’s disqualification from the 2023 Evian Championship for refusing a two-stroke slow-play penalty reignited the debate. Ciganda, no stranger to slow-play controversies, claimed the LPGA rules official’s decision was “very poor” and that she was being unfairly targeted.
However, world No. 1 Nelly Korda countered that strict enforcement of the rules was essential, emphasizing that slow play affected not only players but also the viewing experience for fans, who were forced to watch tournaments drag on for 5.5 to 6 hours. Korda’s stance underscored the need for consistent application of the rules to maintain a fluid pace and ensure an enjoyable game for all. But seems like the back clouds are not completely off Ciganda’s head.
In the latest post by Monday Q Info, a pressing issue in professional golf has come to the forefront, the need for stricter penalties for slow play. Carlota Ciganda, reportedly one of the slowest players in the LPGA, was warned multiple times and subsequently fined $4,000 for slow play. “Why pro golf needs to give penalties for slow play: According to a source Carlota Ciganda, one of the slowest players on the LPGA was warned multiple times today, and then fined after the round for slow play”, read the post.
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Despite this, Ciganda’s current ranking of 63rd in points suggests she’s willing to risk the fine to potentially secure a spot in the top 60 and gain entry to next week’s lucrative, no-cut $11 million event. “She is currently 63rd in points. The top 60 make next week’s event, but because she knows she won’t get penalized she doesn’t change her routine”.
Why pro golf needs to give penalties for slow play:
According to a source Carlota Ciganda, one of the slowest players on the LPGA was warned multiple times today, and then fined after the round for slow play.
She is currently 63rd in points. Top 60 make next weeks event, but…
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) November 15, 2024
The current penalty system seems inadequate, as the fine is a mere drop in the bucket compared to the potential payout. If stricter penalties were enforced, players like Ciganda would likely adjust their pace to avoid losing strokes or facing more severe consequences. “If they penalized her, I promised she would speed up”, continued the post. The issue highlights the need for golf’s governing bodies to reassess their approach to slow play, ensuring that penalties effectively deter slow pace and promote a more efficient, enjoyable game for all participants.
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Netizens bash Carlota Ciganda on the latest pace of play controversy
Golf fans are always a step ahead in speaking their mind and that too pretty loudly. So, when the controversy of the pace of play was resurfacing again, they were not letting go of this opportunity to bash the golfers. “@carlotagolf is a disgrace to the game”, said one fan while the other said, “She is painfully slow”. The same case of slow play was seen at this year’s Solheim Cup, where Carlota Ciganda’s notorious pace of play came under scrutiny once again. A frustrated golf fan criticized Solheim Cup officials for failing to address Ciganda’s slow play, pointing out that the tournament’s pace of play policy wasn’t enforced despite the Rules of Golf stipulating play without undue delay (Rules 6-7) and a Pace of Play Policy setting maximum allowable times per hole and round.
As always there were some contrasting opinions as well in the comment section. “Make the fine $400k. For LPGA players, that is an entire season of earnings. That’ll speed her up. Make it $4Mil for PGA tour players. Make it hurt”, while the other said, “Money fines are useless.” See now, the thing here is that each player of LPGA has to pay $5000 for the second occurrence of slow play in the same game, as the first one is free per, page 69 of the PoP policy. “At that level fines aren’t a deterrent in the least. Like officials in other sports, we can’t be afraid to use the tools at our disposal. If we don’t then the pace of play issue trickles down to the lower levels of competitive golf”, said another fan.
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This fan was so fed up with the problem that they couldn’t hold it in any longer and said, “The penalty should be a 6-month tournament suspension for slow play. I’m tired of professional golfers making a mockery out of it.” Well, there may be some fans out there who would wholeheartedly agree with the comment, maybe some golfers too. But what do you think? Should the players face any harsh punishment for the crime of slow play? Let us know in the comment section below!
