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Carin Koch admits slow play is a problem in women's golf

Carin Koch talking to the press ahead of the announcement
Image: Carin Koch believes golfers must maintain a good pace

Europe’s Solheim Cup captain Carin Koch believes women’s golf must follow the European Tour’s lead and take action to prevent slow play.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley announced on Tuesday he would take action to ensure players maintain a good pace throughout their round and Koch admitted it is a problem that also affects the women's game.

"I think slow-play kind of ruins golf," Koch told the Sportswomen show on Sky Sports News HQ.

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2015 Europe Solheim Cup captain Carin Koch gives her thoughts on the controversial incident involving Suzann Pettersen.

"I think we need to play quickly and it's more fun to watch if you play quick golf in any competition."

Koch was at the centre of controversy during the over the summer as Europe were denied a third straight win after slipping to a one shot loss to USA in the closest Solheim Cup in history.

A furore erupted during a fourballs match on the last day of the competition when Europe's Suzann Pettersen refused to concede a putt to Alison Lee, but Koch prefers to remember the tournament for the standard of golf on display.

"I think it's too bad that the incident overshadowed the amazing golf that was being played all week at the Solheim Cup," she said.

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Suzann Pettersen in discussions with European captain Carin Koch
Image: Suzann Pettersen (centre) in discussions with Koch after infamous Solheim Cup incident

"It was the best quality golf we have ever seen at a Solheim Cup and I can only congratulate [USA Captain] Julie Inkster and the US team for making more putts than us on the Sunday.

"I have been in contact with a quite a few players that were on the team and it's great to see them playing since the Solheim Cup."

Koch was speaking at St George's Park where she was attending the Golf Club Managers Association biennial conference to talk about increasing female participation in golf.

"I was on a panel discussing this and trying to get the message through to golf club managers how they can get more women playing golf," she said.

"I'm very passionate about talking about more getting more women and families playing golf."

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