Drive, Chip and Putt to feature new Pace of Play Bonus at Augusta National
Augusta National
Among the many topics covered in Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley's pre-Masters press conference last April was the pace of play, or lack thereof, in the Drive, Chip and Putt finals. Ridley was specifically asked about some of the kids using the Aimpoint putting method during the competition, and whether or not it was an issue that needed to be addressed ahead of 2026.
At the time, Ridley stated that you could expect some time limitations to be implemented to the competition going forward. Augusta National likes to solve issues both thoroughly and swiftly, which is exactly what the club has done ahead of this year's national finals. Earlier this week, the club announced a new pace of play bonus that will be in effect this April.
Under the policy, Drive, Chip and Putt competitors can earn up to three additional points if they compete each shot during the competition in 40 seconds or less. The idea is to reinforce that pace of play is an "essential skill" in golf.
"Participants should recognize that their pace of play affects others and they should play promptly," reads the rule on the Drive, Chip and Putt's rules and regulations page on its website. "The Rules of Golf recommend a player should make a stroke in no more than 40 seconds (and usually in less time) after the player is able to play without interference or distraction."
As for a situation where players go over this allotted time, the website also lays out the procedure in how it will be handled. First, the committee will warn the player that their pace of play is negatively affecting the competition, then they'll remind the player that an additional breach will result in zero points for the current shot being played. The same would go for an additional breach on the next shot.