Scott Van Pelt believes golf can benefit greatly from a shot clock, similar to how Major League Baseball addressed the need for a faster game. Despite pushback from traditionalists, MLB implemented a pitch clock in 2023, and the response to the speedier games has been overwhelmingly positive. Additionally, the inaugural season of TGL showcased a fast-paced format thanks to a 40-second shot clock, raising the question of whether the PGA Tour should adopt a similar approach to combat its slow pace of play.
During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Van Pelt discussed the Masters and addressed Brian Harman’s reputation as one of the slower players on the PGA Tour. While he defended Harman’s pace as an area of improvement, Van Pelt acknowledged that a shot clock could significantly benefit the game. “The bottom line is, yeah, golf would benefit greatly if there were sort of a clock that we knew when it started and when it hits zero, you get a warning and then you get a penalty,” Van Pelt stated. “Because the game does take a long time to get moving.”
Van Pelt, who contributed to ESPN’s coverage of TGL, highlighted their effective use of the shot clock indoors. He suggested that the PGA Tour could similarly implement a 40-second shot clock outdoors, making it visible without being overly distracting. If golfers were made aware of a potential one-shot penalty for exceeding the time limit, they would likely adapt their pace accordingly. Just as MLB had a pitch clock well before enforcing it in 2023, the USGA Rules of Golf recommend that players take no more than 40 seconds to complete a stroke, yet penalties for slow play are rare, with the last instance occurring in 2021. If the PGA Tour aims to attract new viewers by invigorating the sport without compromising its essence, introducing a shot clock could be the most effective solution.
