Colin Montgomerie believes a shot clock would prevent slow play in golf
Colin Montgomerie has called for the introduction of a shot clock in golf to combat the problem of slow play.
Last Updated: 24/07/13 6:30pm
The eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner believes players should be put on the clock from the moment they begin their rounds, insisting the measure would prevent the "biggest bugbear" in golf.
The issue of slow play was raised again at the Open last week when 19-year-old Japanese player Hideki Matsuyama was penalised a shot in the third round after receiving a second warning on the 17th.
Record-breaking 14-year-old Guan Tianling was also docked a shot in the second round of the Masters in April, but there has never been a slow-play punishment handed out to a high-profile player on any major Tour.
"What I would love to see, as a fast player knowing it would never happen to me, would be for one of the top players to have that shot penalty," said Montgomerie ahead of his Senior Open debut at Royal Birkdale.
"Then it would really resonate throughout the rest of the field. If only one of them was finally found out because they are still taking too long.
"They should be playing in no more than four hours for any round of golf on any course.
"Unfortunately they are given far too long. Why do you have to wait to be slow before you are put on the clock?
"There are 52 referees out there at major championships and they should all have a clock should be able to put them on the clock on the first tee to ensure they all get around in time.
"It has been mentioned about a shot clock and that is interesting: there should be an allotted time to play the game, like chess were you have a certain time to play.
"If the first two groups take five or more hours to go round then the day is gone, you can't make it up. But if that first group takes four hours and five minutes then you have a chance.
"The biggest bugbear in golf is slow play."
