How to stop slow play: Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson back Charley Hull’s ‘ruthless’ way to tackle ‘big issue’ on LPGA Tour

Slow play has long been a topic of contention in professional golf, and it’s something that players, fans, and organizers are all eager to address. On the LPGA Tour, it can be especially frustrating for both competitors and spectators when rounds drag on, slowing the pace of the game. Recently, Charley Hull has become a vocal advocate for tackling this problem head-on, and she has received strong backing from fellow stars Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson, who are supporting her “ruthless” approach to combat slow play.

The Growing Problem of Slow Play on the LPGA Tour

Golf is known for its slower pace compared to other sports, but on the LPGA Tour, slow play has become a significant issue. It not only affects the flow of the game but also impacts the experience of fans and the schedules of broadcasters. In a sport where time is of the essence, especially during major tournaments and crowded events, slow play can disrupt the rhythm of both players and audiences. The impact of slow play on the Tour has reached a boiling point, with many players calling for action to address the problem.

Charley Hull, one of the LPGA’s most talented and outspoken players, has stepped forward to advocate for solutions. Known for her no-nonsense approach to the game, Hull has been vocal about how slow play is becoming a “big issue” on the Tour, and she believes that more needs to be done to address it effectively.

Charley Hull’s ‘Ruthless’ Approach to Tackling Slow Play

Hull’s approach to tackling slow play has been described as “ruthless” by some of her peers, and it’s clear that she isn’t afraid to speak up when it comes to making golf more efficient. Her stance is simple: golfers need to be held accountable for their pace of play, and if they’re not, penalties should be enforced more aggressively.

In recent interviews, Hull has made it clear that players should be given strict time limits for each shot and that penalties for slow play should be more consistently applied. She believes that the enforcement of these rules could serve as a wake-up call for players who don’t respect the pace of the game. Charley’s view is that, by making slow play costly, it will encourage everyone to speed up and keep the flow of the tournament intact.

Support from Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson

Hull’s call for tougher action has garnered strong support from two of the biggest stars on the LPGA Tour: Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson. Both Korda and Thompson have been vocal about their frustration with slow play and have voiced their agreement with Hull’s “ruthless” approach to solving the issue.

Nelly Korda, currently one of the top-ranked players in the world, emphasized that slow play disrupts not only the momentum of the players but also the enjoyment for fans and sponsors who are watching from the sidelines. Korda advocates for stricter enforcement of the rules to ensure a quicker pace, agreeing with Hull that there needs to be a shift in how slow play is managed across the Tour.

Lexi Thompson, another well-known figure in women’s golf, also threw her support behind Hull’s approach. Thompson believes that while the game of golf requires patience, there is a difference between playing thoughtfully and simply taking too long. She advocates for faster play to maintain the integrity of the sport and avoid frustrating the audience. Thompson echoed Hull’s sentiment that the LPGA needs to take a more proactive stance in penalizing slow play.

Why This Matters for the Future of Women’s Golf

The growing support for Charley Hull’s stance on slow play reflects a shift in mindset on the LPGA Tour. Players are increasingly realizing that in order to elevate the sport and continue growing its popularity, they need to be mindful of the time it takes to complete rounds. In an era where sports entertainment is more fast-paced than ever, it’s vital for golf to keep up, and a quicker pace of play is essential to keeping fans engaged.

Hull, Korda, and Thompson’s unified voice sends a strong message to the LPGA and the golfing community at large: slow play is no longer just an annoyance—it’s a barrier to the sport’s growth. By enforcing more consistent penalties for slow play and holding players accountable, the LPGA can not only improve the flow of tournaments but also enhance the fan experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What’s Next?

As the conversation around slow play intensifies, the LPGA may have no choice but to implement stricter regulations to enforce faster play. The influence of top players like Charley Hull, Nelly Korda, and Lexi Thompson could pave the way for necessary changes. Whether it’s through faster pace-of-play rules, the use of technology to monitor time, or harsher penalties for those who delay the game, the future of the LPGA Tour may very well see a new standard for how the game is played.

In the end, addressing slow play is about preserving the integrity of the game, improving the experience for players and fans, and ensuring that the LPGA Tour continues to thrive. With the support of leading players, change seems inevitable, and the hope is that this shift will ultimately lead to a more exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced future for women’s golf.