PGA Tour boss hints at introduction of new TGL rule

The PGA Tour’s senior vice president of media and gaming has claimed that the circuit may take rule inspiration from TGL.

Norb Gambuzza believes certain elements of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s tech-infused indoor league could make their way onto the PGA Tour.

That includes one rule, which looks set to be a hit among golf fans.

Speaking to WIRED, Gambuzza said: “Everybody needs to innovate.

“We may find some new competitive elements. That shot clock is a cool thing.”

Slow play has been a well-contested issue on tour, noticed particularly in 2023. Brooks Koepka offered stern criticism of the concern at The Masters before Patrick Cantlay came under fire.

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In May, PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan defended the problem, as he argued there is a common misconception surrounding pace-of-play in golf.

“It’s something that we spend a lot of time on,” Monahan said.

“We’re going to talk about it at our Player Advisory Council meeting. We get into places on the weekend where, you know, there’s a lot on the line.

“And I think those are the moments that frustrate fans, but at the same time, there is a lot on the line.

“And then when you look at the things that you can do to improve it, I mean, we finished the Zurich Classic 20-something minutes early.”

Like basketball and baseball, TGL has introduced a shot clock ahead of its inception in January 2024.

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Each player will have 40 seconds to hit their shot, or their team will receive a shot clock violation and a one-stroke penalty.

TGL has said the 40-second timeframe is ‘based on a former USGA Local Rule and a current USGA Recommendation on pace of play’.

It is one of three new competitive elements being introduced to the three v three team event. Timeouts and a referee will also be implemented.

Teams will be given four ‘use it or lose it’ timeouts per match, although only two can be used per session.

Meanwhile, a referee will be keeping an eye on the action to enforce the PGA Tour’s traditional rules of golf, as well as local rules for TGL’s unique format.

A booth official will also be monitoring the play.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.