The long-standing issue of slow play in golf, which has been a thorn in the side of the sport for as long as many of us can remember, is now being actively addressed by the PGA Tour. Jay Monahan, the commissioner of the PGA Tour, has confirmed that later this year, data will be released unveiling the guilty parties responsible for slowing down the game. This move is seen as an effort to name and shame those players who are believed to be negatively impacting the experience for their fellow players, spectators, and broadcasters alike.
However, completely resolving the issue of slow play is a complex and multifaceted challenge. A variety of factors must be taken into account, including the groupings of players, weather conditions, the nature of the golf course, and the speed of the greens.
Among those who have voiced their opinion on the matter is former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman. Kaufman believes that the forthcoming data should be split into two categories: threesomes and twosomes. He has argued that this will provide a clearer picture of the magnitude of the issue and help identify the real culprits.
As the Players Championship commences this week, it has been a hot topic in press conferences with numerous high-profile individuals. Following Monahan’s announcement about the release of the slow play data, the golfing world has been abuzz with discussions and debate.
While the anticipation builds up to see who is the slowest player, Kaufman’s call for transparency in the groupings is viewed as essential to truly identify the worst offenders. He argues that the lack of urgency in the initial days of a match is usually due to waiting, but the real gaps and slow players become apparent in the twosomes over the weekend.
Even without access to the actual data, experienced caddy Billy Foster, who has spent years on the tour and is currently working with Matt Fitzpatrick, has identified Tom Kim and Brian Harman as the ones responsible for the worst slow play issues. Foster humorously commented on Harman’s 12 wiggles before hitting the ball, which he said can get dizzying to watch. He urged the players to speed up their game.
However, Kim and Harman aren’t the only ones in the spotlight for their slow play. Patrick Cantlay and others have also been criticized in recent seasons. Even Justin Thomas has acknowledged his slow play compared to other players.
As the end of the year approaches, the release of the slow play data is expected to create a significant stir in the golfing community. This development is being viewed as a major stride towards addressing the issue of slow play, and the impact it will have on the sport remains to be seen.