Home / Sports / USGA Tackles Slow Play Ahead of 2026 U.S. Women's Open
USGA Tackles Slow Play Ahead of 2026 U.S. Women's Open
4 Jun
Summary
- Riviera's unique first and tenth holes pose pace-of-play challenges.
- USGA implements strict 40-second rule for shots to manage time.
- Diverse player backgrounds complicate uniform pace of play enforcement.
The 2026 U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club is navigating potential pace-of-play issues, with officials like USGA senior director of championships Shannon Rouillard focusing on managing the flow of play. The course's distinctive opening par-5 and drivable par-4 10th holes present unique considerations for setting up play and ensuring rounds finish within daylight hours.
To address concerns, the USGA has established strict policies, including a 40-second limit per shot and placing groups 'on the clock' if they fall behind. This system, involving progressive penalties, aims to maintain an efficient tournament. Recent LPGA events have seen players penalized for slow play, highlighting the issue's importance.
The USGA's challenge is amplified by the diverse competitive backgrounds of the 156 participants, who come from various tours and amateur events, meaning not all players adhere to the same pace-of-play standards weekly. This requires meticulous planning and monitoring by the USGA to ensure fairness and timely completion of rounds.
Despite these challenges, ideal playing conditions are anticipated, with favorable temperatures forecast for the tournament days. The USGA emphasizes its scientific approach to course setup and pace-of-play management, striving to balance competitive integrity with efficient tournament execution.
