WITH course

records set at Carnoustie and St Andrews, it was a week at the Alfred Dunhill Links that left an indelible mark. But there may come a time when the most significant moment of all proves to be what happened at a players’ meeting on Tuesday — and surely a blessed tipping point in the battle against slow play. As Sportsmail revealed, it was agreed that every shot will be timed at the Austrian Open next year by a referee walking with each group, with players allowed 40 seconds for each stroke. After a yellow card warning for a first offence, each subsequent breach will result in a one-shot penalty. Speaking to some of the pros last week, you got the impression they couldn’t have been more delighted if someone had awarded them a 20 per cent pay rise. ‘It’s just brilliant and something that’s urgently needed,’ said Matt Fitzpatrick, a notably quick player. ‘It’s just painful watching some players, the way they waste time. ‘My dad and I were looking at some of the players who had been fined for being slow and there was Jordan Spieth’s name. ‘You’re thinking: “What’s the point in fining a multi-multimillionaire?” ‘This will be much more effective and, hopefully, it won’t be long before we see it at most events.’ One player made the point that the move might see less great recovery shots executed as some players take longer than 40 seconds to assess such blows. But if rounds become 45 minutes quicker, as one official suggested, who cares? In any case, 40 seconds is hardy draconian. Men run almost 400 metres in that time. We’ve seen goals scored at both ends in football in 40 seconds. The bottom line is that golf has to get quicker.