European Tour To Unveil Shot Clock At '18 Austrian Open

Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 07:42 PM
Geoff in European Tour, Slow Play

Alasdair Reid reports for The Times that a shot clock will be part of next June's Austrian Open, replete with group referees, 40 second limits and one-shot penalties.

Reid says European Tour tournament committee member David Howell supports the idea but is concerned that we won't see great recovery shots if this became a regular practice. However, Howell says the committee signed off because the event in question can have its field size reduced.

“We’ve discussed it and agreed it should take place,” Howell said. “Among the committee, we think it’s worthwhile trialling that week in those specific circumstances. The field is not the strongest so it can be shortened without doing anyone too much harm. That allows the opportunity to get around quickly, so that’s why it is that week.”

Article originally appeared on A blog devoted to the state of golf. (http://geoffdshackelford.squarespace.com/).