As the dust settles from the latest PGA Tour event, the Mexico Open, the echoes of dissatisfaction reverberate throughout the online golf community. With nearly every tournament this season serving as a lightning rod for criticism, it seemed for a fleeting moment that the Mexico Open could escape unscathed. That is until English golfer Aaron Rai’s slow play during the final round sparked an online backlash.
The issue of slow play has been a hot topic in golf circles, and Rai’s performance at the Mexico Open only added fuel to this fiery debate. The Englishman, who was in a strong position to win, took a painstakingly long two minutes to execute a single putt, which ultimately missed its target. This display of dawdling play triggered a wave of disgruntled reactions from fans on social media.
One spectator humorously noted that they could have missed the putt in far less time, while another expressed a sentiment shared by many: they’d rather concede the putt than endure the torturous wait. The conversation continued, with fans expressing disbelief at the number of times Rai seemed to reevaluate his line of play and calling for the implementation of a shot clock to prevent such delays.
Rai’s slow play didn’t just irk fans—it also drew the ire of fellow PGA Tour professionals. Smylie Kaufman, for one, voiced his frustration. According to Kaufman, Rai’s putting performance is a glaring issue. Despite being a solid contender on the PGA Tour and securing a commendable fourth place in Mexico, Rai’s putting game falls short when compared to his peers.
Kaufman didn’t mince his words, stating that Rai could have won if not for his subpar putting. He lauded Rai’s long game and precision iron play but pointed out that his putting and wedge play let him down. In Kaufman’s view, Rai’s putting isn’t up to the standards of a top 30 player in the world, let alone an elite putter.
It’s clear that Rai has his work cut out for him. If he aspires to secure a coveted Ryder Cup spot in 2025, he must improve his putting game. His slow play, too, is something he must address. As one fan pointedly stated, such play is a deterrent to tuning into the game—a sentiment that should sound an alarm for both Rai and the PGA Tour.
The Mexico Open may be over, but the conversations it sparked about slow play and the need for improvements in the game are far from finished. As the PGA Tour moves forward, both players and tournament organizers must address these issues to keep fans engaged and the sport thriving.