Justin Thomas Voices Concerns Over Slow Play Warning
Justin Thomas expressed frustration over the decision to caution his group for slow play during a challenging second round at the PGA Championship. Gusty winds, difficult greens, and complex shot-making resulted in an extended Friday morning at Aronimink Golf Club, where most players took over 5.5 hours to complete their second round.
During the round, a rules official admonished Thomas’ group, which included two-time major champion Keegan Bradley. Bradley engaged in a discussion with an official riding in a golf cart as they navigated the situation. Their group, along with The Players champion Cameron Young, was “on the clock,” a status indicating they were under official observation for falling behind. However, they were removed from this status shortly after Thomas delivered a solid 69 in the second round.
Thomas was critical of the warning, questioning the notion of a “par time” when playing conditions varied so dramatically. “What defines the par time? Is it the same when the weather is tough and the pin placements are difficult?” he pondered, highlighting the complexities inherent in setting a standard pace for golfers. “There are so many variables involved that it can lead to inconsistencies.”
Challenges of Maintaining Pace Amidst Unpredictable Conditions
As the round progressed, Thomas noted, “We were behind, but that shouldn’t be our issue. Every time we arrived on the green, the group behind was just teeing off. It felt like we were constantly on top of each other.” He added that the nuances of golf make it difficult to accurately measure pace. Judgments on whether a player can putt or must mark their ball can shift dramatically from hole to hole.
Thomas and Young both ended the day at 2 under, successfully qualifying for the weekend. Meanwhile, clubhouse leader Alex Smalley reflected on his experience, noting that pacing warnings kept him aware of the time but did not affect his mindset too heavily. “I tried to manage my pace without feeling rushed, even though I was facing challenging holes towards the end,” he shared.
PGA Championship Leaders Critique Course Conditions
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler also struggled with his game, starting his round with a 1-over 71. He encountered difficulties both off the tee and on the greens, missing six consecutive fairways, which cost him a share of the lead. “A good shot isn’t always rewarded out here; you can be punished for minor errors,” Scheffler remarked, emphasizing that pin placements on the course were particularly challenging.
He expressed concerns over how the PGA of America sets standards for winning scores through pin positions. “They can determine if the winning score is above par based on placements. It raises the question of what constitutes a ‘good test’ of golfer skill,” he noted. Scheffler’s insights underline the delicate balance between course difficulty and the pace of play.
Players Reflect on Aggressive Pin Positions and Pace
Chris Gotterup, the Genesis Scottish Open champion, finished the second round with an impressive 65, highlighting various challenges players faced. “While it’s not unfair, certain aspects of pace management can create issues, especially on specific holes,” he explained. “When you’re attempting to hit a precise spot but miss, it can significantly slow down play.”
Robert MacIntyre echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration with pin placements deemed excessively tough. “This is the most challenging course setup I’ve encountered during my time on the tour,” he remarked, adding that achieving birdies required immense precision and patience given the course conditions.
