The issue of slow play in professional golf has once again come to the fore, initially highlighted during The Masters, where the final twosome took nearly five hours to complete their rounds. The concern was further magnified during last week’s RBC Heritage, prompting prominent figures like Matt Fitzpatrick to express their frustration with the situation.

Brooks Koepka, who played in the final group at Augusta, was highly critical of the group ahead, calling them “brutally slow.” Patrick Cantlay, a member of the criticized group, defended himself by stating that he was waiting on the group ahead numerous times throughout the round.

This issue reemerged at the RBC Heritage, where Cantlay was once again criticized for his slow pace of play. Matt Fitzpatrick, playing in the final group with Cantlay and Jordan Spieth, was outspoken about his dissatisfaction with the pace, telling Sky Sports News that it is “a disgrace” and “appalling.”

Fitzpatrick’s comments carry significant weight, as he is a rising star in the golf world. The Englishman argued that the allowed times for completing rounds should be shortened, and players who fail to meet these requirements should be penalized. He believes that a three-ball round should take no more than four to four-and-a-half hours.

The slow pace of play not only affects players but also creates a poor television product for viewers, which can negatively impact the popularity and growth of the sport. Fitzpatrick expressed his frustration with the lack of action taken by both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, despite years of ongoing conversations about slow play.

The issue of slow play in professional golf is nothing new, but the question that remains is whether the sport’s governing bodies will enforce the rules and implement changes to address the problem. As players like Matt Fitzpatrick voice their concerns, it’s crucial for the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to take action and ensure the future health of the sport. Only through proper enforcement and adjustments can golf maintain its appeal to players, fans, and broadcasters alike. The golf community eagerly awaits a response to the growing concern of slow play, and hopes that concrete steps will finally be taken to remedy the situation.