World number five Adam Scott has urged the U.S. PGA Tour to penalise players who are too slow and risk turning fans away from the game.
“People play way, way too slow,” the Australian told Reuters at the Johnnie Walker Classic in India.
“They need to hurry up. They should start penalising people. Just penalise them.”
He was commenting on concerns raised by world number one Tiger Woods, who recently said officials needed to clamp down on slow play on the PGA Tour.
Woods said the pace of play was much faster in Europe and Japan and voiced concern that slow play could affect the popularity of golf in the U.S.
Golf rules say play should proceed “without undue delay” but have not stated a time limit.
The 27-year-old Scott, rated by many as the one who can challenge the supremacy of Woods, was pleased to figure much more in the European Tour’s Asian events this season.
Scott shot a course record final round of 61 to win the Qatar Masters in January, although the title favourite and former champion struggled at the Johnnie Walker Classic and tied 30th with a seven-under par 281.
Unfancied New Zealander Mark Brown won by three shots with an 18-under par score.
“It was great (playing in India), but I just didn’t play well yesterday,” Scott said on Sunday, referring to his third round 74.
“I lost my way on the golf course. It is just tough if you are not on the top of your game. It is a disappointing weekend for me.”
Although, playing more often in Asia means a tougher schedule for Scott, he is enjoying a kind of homecoming.
“It is fantastic (in India) with the players and spectators and everyone involved,” he said. “I’m very pleased and I’ve enjoyed myself this week.
“It has grown a lot,” he said, referring to Asian golf and Europe’s growing interest. “This year I’ve played a little bit on it whereas in the years past I haven’t.
“It was good to catch up with old friends more often,” he said. “It means a hell of a lot more travel for me coming out from America and playing in Asia and the Middle East but I’ve enjoyed that.”
The European Tour added new events in India and South Korea this season, taking the number of co-sanctioned events in Asia to nine, one more than last year.
Scott said more government support would be crucial to keep up the pace of the game’s development in the region.
“It is growing so fast, but I think getting support from the government is going to be a big key thing,” he said. “It certainly worked in Australia.
“These events are helping get golf on television a bit more,” he said. “It is such a good marketing tool for anyone to be involved in.
“The quality of people involved and the integrity of the game, that should be attractive for companies and governments to be involved in the game of golf.”
