10 changes we'd make to the PGA Tour

For the most part, the PGA Tour is entertaining the way it is. We like the idea of the PGA Championship being played in May. Plus, ending the season in August rather than September is an even better decision.

But we're still not sold on everything about the game. There are some changes we'd like to see, and a few that might even spice up the sport — or at least make it a little more fun.

Here we go:

A true time for change

It used to be that four hours was standard to play a round of golf, but that's almost wishful thinking at most PGA Tour events, and especially at major championships. This, obviously, is not breaking news, and the United States Golf Association (USGA) thought it was doing right by giving "slow-play" groupings a 40-second time frame to take a shot.

It should be even less. Perhaps 30 seconds? The idea of a "shot clock" has been a popular suggestion, but how would the broadcast networks feel about that? Less time for sponsors, right? Maybe strictly enforcing that time limit, and more frequently, would do the trick. Stiffer penalties, perhaps. However, this usually ends up being a situation where any solution completely solves the issue.

Add another Match Play

Might be in the minority here, but one of the better events on Tour is the annual Match Play tournament. Held at the end of March this year, it's really anybody's game. It would be fun to see a little more of this.

The pressure that comes with a one-on-one scenario can be quite entertaining. Then again, the key would be getting all the top players on board with another such event — which likely would have to be played later in the season, perhaps another under the World Golf Championships moniker.

More 1 v 1 entertainment

"The Match" between Tiger and Phil actually worked out well, or at least well enough. Again, this might be the minority talking. Why not at least one, maybe two more offseason events of the kind?

There has been talk about bringing back the Skins Game, but that might not be the right avenue. One of these events needs to include Brooks Koepka — maybe against Dustin Johnson? Tiger, obviously, remains a huge draw, but it would be fun to get Rory McIlroy involved too. Please, just don't make it a pay-per-view event.

Let's get the ladies involved

Back in 2017, the annual Zurich Classic, played in the New Orleans area, became a team event. That was a nice twist — or change of pace — to the schedule.

How about going one better and see a mixed event at some point, maybe in the fall or even of the non-sanctioned variety? Some of the PGA Tour's best teamed with those from the LPGA Tour. It would be a great way to obviously showcase both tours, but especially the LPGA, which features some tremendous talent the casual golf fan may not know much about.

One cut is enough

Earlier this season, the Golf Channel reported that the PGA Tour is set to do away with the secondary cut for its tournaments in 2019-20. Going one step further, the traditional 54-hole cut would be trimmed  from 70 to 65 and ties.

We like both ideas. One can argue that there are already too many golfers in any given tournament field to begin with on a weekly basis. Why not keep it as streamlined as possible throughout the weekend? The golf, theoretically, should be better at the very least.

Lessen the load

Having 14 clubs in a bag seems too few to some golfers who want ample choices on every shot. We say, let's drop that number even more. Say 12? With the popularity of hybrid clubs, they could take the place of an extra wood or iron. Having a couple of wedge options seems more important anyway.

Fewer clubs would mean more pre-round strategy based on, obviously, the course, but also the track's condition, weather and pin placement. Plus, it puts more of a premium on in-round adjustments and makes golfers find ways to make it work with what they have in their bags.

You can bet on it

It might not be too far-fetched of an idea that some day, in some states, we may very well see some type of real-time betting options at PGA Tour events. With legalized sports gambling looking like a reality in more and more states, one would think a betting kiosk — with odds, prop bets, etc — could be available at or upon entry to tournament sites.

Maybe it could be something along the lines of horse racing. Of course, integrity is a major issue and plenty will need to be ironed out for something like this to be put in place. Now, we don't see it happening at Augusta National but maybe at a pop-up, make-shift betting window a mile or so away? Why not?

Looking for a ride?

Let's have some fun, here, and revisit the whole pace of play issue. Why not allow golf carts for everybody? OK, maybe not at the majors, unless John Daly is involved.

But why not, say at the John Deere Classic or during the California swing? Just imagine carts at the Phoenix Open? In addition to the caddie races, we'd have cart races. Just drive cautiously so none of the touring pros ends up in a bunker or water hazard.

Don't forget the fun

Keeping with the fun theme, we need more events like Phoenix — more arena seating where the galleries can have their say, respectfully, and interact with the golfers.

Tradition and etiquette are obviously important and should be cherished, but fun has its place. If there are ways for a few more courses to incorporate stadium-like seating and a ballpark-like atmosphere, why not? One would think more than a few of today's young stars of the PGA Tour would be on board. It might even draw a few more fans to the game — whether watching at home or attending in person.

Stop the "fifth major" talk

This isn't about change but making sure nothing is changed when trying to add to the major championship total. For years, there has been talk about whether the THE PLAYERS Championship should become an official major tournament.

Please no. Enough. Four majors are fine. It's tradition, and the golf world doesn't always like to mess with tradition if not necessary. And right now, it should not, especially considering how well the new PGA Tour schedule is poised to play out. Some things are best left unchanged.