European Tour's 2018 Austrian Open to feature a 40-second shot clock

If you're one of the many people who believes a round of golf takes way too long, then you're probably going to want to watch the 2018 Austrian Open on the European Tour.

At next June's event, the European Tour is going to test out the use of a "shot clock" system in an effort to speed up play.

A referee will follow every group and players will be allowed 40 seconds to play their respective shots. If players fail to hit their shot within that 40-second allotment, they will be given a warning for the first offense and then be assessed an immediate 1-stroke penalty for every offense thereafter.

Officials believe that by installing a 40-second shot clock, rounds will speed up by 45 minutes.

"We've discussed it and agreed it should take place," David Howell, a European Tour tournament committee member, told The Australian. "Among the committee, we think it's worthwhile trialling that week in those specific circumstances. The field is not the strongest so it can be shortened without doing anyone too much harm. That allows the opportunity to get around quickly, so that’s why it is that week."

It will be an interesting experiment.

h/t Geoff Shackelford