Ridiculously slow play on the golf course has been a hot topic in recent years, with fans and players alike voicing their frustrations on the issue. The Sky Sports Golf podcast delves deep into this and other Masters talking points, providing expert analysis and opinions on the matter. In this article, we explore some of the recommendations made by the podcast hosts, as they discuss ways to eliminate slow play and keep the game exciting for players and spectators alike.
Professional golfers have been criticized for their slow play during the final round of The Masters, with Patrick Cantlay drawing the most criticism. Brooks Koepka, who finished tied-second behind Jon Rahm, said that the final pair took nearly five hours to complete their round, forcing both Rahm and Koepka to wait on almost every hole. Cantlay, who played with Viktor Hovland, was adjudged responsible for the slow finish to the first major of the year. Jamie Spence, a commentator on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, said that “some of them either think they’re not slow or they’re in total ignorance, but if the rules officials let them get away with it, then they’re going to carry on.” Slow play penalties are rarely issued on the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour and DP World Tour, leading to claims that larger name players get away with it more often.
Commentators have highlighted that there is an optimum time to play golf, and that going beyond this can make the game harder. It’s important that professional golfers make a decision, execute their plan and go, without constantly questioning time and becoming boring to play with. Quick players can’t put the other player off, but slow players can kill the other player by their tardiness around the greens. The Sky Sports Golf podcast also discussed Jon Rahm’s major win and what he can do next, and discussed why Koepka failed to win his fifth major title. They also talked about Koepka’s rules controversy, Mickelson’s impressive display, Rory McIlroy’s disappointing week, Tiger Wood’s future, the DP World Tour’s arbitration hearing against LIV, and the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour.
In conclusion, slow play remains one of the biggest issues in golf, and addressing it requires individual players, officials, and governing bodies all working together. The discussion on this topic will undoubtedly continue, and Sky Sports Golf podcast has been an excellent platform to explore possible solutions. As we anticipate the upcoming Masters tournament, we’ll be watching to see if the heightened focus on pace of play has any effect on the competition. For more thought-provoking conversations and expert analysis on all things golf, be sure to tune in to Sky Sports Golf podcast. Your game will thank you for it.
