European Tour To Unveil Shot Clock At '18 Austrian Open

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.”

Update on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 08:51 PM by Geoff

*Matt Adams and I debated on Golf Central:

Comments

[Convert]

Awesome!!! Players should be allowed to back off a shot and get a restart of the clock 3 times a round, End result will be players engaged between turns, calculating distances etc when others are on the clock, faster play for the field and dare I say better scoring once players get used to the process and get into a rhythm.

[FC]

Quick play is the only way. Rock on!

[Ted B.]

The armchair referees at home will have a field day. Stopwatch in one hand, cellphone with Tour HQ on speed-dial in the other.