The LPGA is finally cracking down on slow-play offenders in 2026: Seven stars incurred penalties, with far-reaching consequences for the outcome of major tournaments. With a new, uncompromising policy, in effect since 2025, the Tour is serious and shows that no leniency will be shown even in crucial moments. The days of leisurely dawdling are over; the green becomes the stage for nerve-wracking duels – even against the clock.
The New Era: 40 Seconds or Bye-Bye
The rulebook, introduced by the LPGA in 2025, is crystal clear: A maximum of 40 seconds per stroke, plus 10 seconds for the player who is first to her ball. Exceeding these limits has a direct impact: Those 1 to 5 seconds over pay a fine. Those 6 to 15 seconds over immediately incur a one-stroke penalty. And those who take 16 seconds or more are hit with two penalty strokes. This harsh measure has already caught some top players off guard this year.
Nerves and Drama on the Green
It became particularly dramatic at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, where Carlota Ciganda, known for her composure over the ball, received a two-stroke penalty, even though she was fully in contention for the title. She ultimately finished in fifth place, five strokes behind Yin Ruoning. Yealimi Noh also received two penalty strokes there. Jin Hee Im was affected at the JM Eagle LA Championship: She incurred a one-stroke penalty and subsequently lost in a playoff – a bitter taste. And Aprichaya Yubol? She lost the ShopRite LPGA Classic by just one stroke after being penalized. So much for the theory that penalties are just statistics. With a total of eight one-stroke and four two-stroke penalties since the rule's introduction in 2026, the LPGA has proven that it's not just starting but also following through.
Kudos to the LPGA for continuing to dish out slow-play penalties – even when players are in contention. Carlota Ciganda has been dinged in all sorts of ways. This time, she was hit with a two-stroke penalty while in the mix in Shanghai. Yealimi Noh got one too.
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