LPGA Enforces Strict Pace-of-Play Penalties at Shanghai as Tour Crackdown Continues

Carlota Ciganda and Yealimi Noh received slow-play penalties during Saturday’s third round at the LPGA event in Shanghai, highlighting the tour’s strict enforcement of its updated pace-of-play policy. Ciganda absorbed a two-stroke penalty on the 13th hole but recovered with consecutive birdies to finish at 4-under overall, while the enforcement underscores the LPGA’s ongoing effort to eliminate the six-hour rounds that have frustrated the professional game.

How Does the LPGA Calculate Slow-Play Penalties?

The LPGA introduced a significantly stricter pace-of-play policy in 2025 that officially went into effect in March. Under the updated guidelines, players are generally allotted 40 seconds to play a shot once it is their turn, with additional time allowed in certain circumstances.

The penalty structure is tiered based on how much time a player exceeds their limit:

• 1 to 5 seconds over: A fine.
• 6 to 15 seconds over: A one-stroke penalty.
• 16 seconds or more over: A two-stroke penalty.

Officials typically start by warning a group that falls out of position. However, they can skip the warning if a group is significantly behind, time groups without a warning during the final three holes, or time an individual player at any point if their pace is causing the group to fall behind.

Why Did Carlota Ciganda and Yealimi Noh Lose Strokes in Shanghai?

During Saturday’s round at Sheshan Golf Club, Ciganda was assessed a two-stroke penalty after finishing the par-4 13th hole, Golfmagic reported. The penalty transformed her par into a double bogey, dropping her on the leaderboard.

Ciganda responded immediately with back-to-back birdies, ultimately signing for a 1-under 71 to sit in a tie for fourth place heading into the final round. Yealimi Noh was also penalized for slow play on the same day.

This is not the first time Ciganda has faced issues with pace of play. She was disqualified from the 2023 Evian Championship after failing to include a two-stroke slow-play penalty on her returned scorecard.

What Do Players Like Charley Hull Think About the LPGA Crackdown?

The strict enforcement has largely been welcomed by players tired of slow rounds. English star Charley Hull indicated she would support even harsher measures to keep the game moving.

"I’m quite ruthless," Hull explained after a round that exceeded six hours. "If you get three bad timings, every time it’s a two-shot penalty. If you have three of them you lose your tour card instantly."

The deterrent effect is visible in the penalty data. Through the early part of the 2026 season, penalties have been rare. However, when they do occur, the impact is severe. At the ShopRite LPGA Classic in June, Arpichaya Yubol received a one-stroke slow-play penalty that ultimately cost her the tournament, as she finished exactly one shot behind the winner.

How Is the USGA Preparing for Pace of Play at the U.S. Women’s Open?

The focus on pace extends beyond the LPGA’s weekly tour stops to major championship setups. For the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club, USGA senior director of championships Shannon Rouillard had to account for specific layout quirks.

Riviera’s par-5 first hole and drivable par-4 10th hole present unique pace-of-play challenges because players can reach the greens quickly, leading to congestion and waiting times on the tee.

To ensure all 156 players finish before the 8 p.m. sunset, the USGA set first tee times for 6:45 a.m. local time, demonstrating how course setup and tee-time logistics are critical components of maintaining a brisk pace in professional golf.

What Can Amateur Golfers Learn from the LPGA’s Pace-of-Play Rules?

While amateurs do not face tour-card penalties, the LPGA’s 40-second benchmark provides an excellent framework for recreational golfers looking to speed up their weekend rounds.

• Practice the 40-Second Rule: When it is your turn to hit, limit your pre-shot routine. Take one practice swing, step in, and execute the shot.
• Embrace Ready Golf: If your playing partner is searching for a lost ball or is not ready, hit your shot out of turn to keep the group moving.
• Track Your Time: Use a stopwatch on your phone during a practice round to see how long your decisions actually take. Most amateurs take far longer than 40 seconds simply because they are indecisive about club selection.

The LPGA’s updated policy has successfully kept rounds moving, with only a handful of penalty strokes issued across the 2026 season. By holding players accountable regardless of their position on the leaderboard, the tour has established a clear standard that respect for the game includes respect for everyone’s time.