Patrick Cantlay is the biggest culprit when it comes to slow play in the golf world—we’re not saying that, but the golf world is. Criticism surrounding his pace has been ongoing, with fans and players alike expressing frustration over his methodical approach to lining up shots. At the 2023 Masters, Cantlay faced boos for his slow play, which was blamed for delays, with Brooks Koepka bluntly stating that the group in front of him, led by Cantlay, was “brutally slow.”

Not only Koepka, but also Matt Fitzpatrick, has spoken against Cantlay and his slow play. Fitzpatrick vented his frustration at the RBC Heritage in April 2023, stating, “It’s like hitting your head against a brick wall.”  Despite Billy Horschel’s defense that Cantlay has a humorous side and isn’t as boring off the course, the criticism persists, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration over the delays caused by his slow pace.

Speaking on the matter in the latest episode of Skratch on YouTube, young pro Neal Shipley shared his thoughts on the pace of play debate that’s been buzzing around the PGA Tour while playing with Dan Rapaport. He recalled how his caddie would print out motivational quotes and put them in a little book for him to read while waiting between shots. Neal acknowledged that slow play can be frustrating, but he doesn’t think it’s that bad. In his opinion, it’s more about waiting for a couple of players to take their turns, and it’s just the nature of the game. “But like, to be honest, it’s not that bad. It’s just more like you’re going to wait on a couple of tee shots, and it just kind of is what it is. Yeah. Um, my point of view on it is, I’d rather, as a player, I’d rather be okay with playing a little slower if I’m having the time to make all my decisions. I don’t want to feel rushed out there”, he said.

Neal also defended Patrick Cantlay, who’s often criticized for playing slowly. He pointed out that Cantlay is actually ready to go when it’s his turn and doesn’t take excessive time over his shots. According to Neal, the issue lies with players who aren’t prepared to play when it’s their turn, getting distracted, or zoning out. “And you know, like, honestly, I’ve played with Patrick Cantlay in the Masters. He gets so much for playing slow, and he really isn’t that slow. He’s ready to go when it’s his turn, and he stands over the ball for maybe 15-20 seconds, and like, that’s because you know people see that on TV like him.” 

And well, it is true, Shipley was indeed at the 2024 Masters, and it was memorable for him for more than one reason. The 23-year-old mullet-haired golfer made a lasting impression as the low amateur, finishing tied for 53rd after a remarkable final round paired with Tiger Woods.  “It’s like ‘Oh, here’s Patrick Cantlay on the 14th hole, and he’s over a shot.’ Yeah, and like waggling or do whatever, it’s like people like ‘Oh my gosh, this guy’s unreal.’ But I mean, there’s a lot, I mean, there’s a bunch of guys, there’s just, you know, the problem is there’s a lot of guys that aren’t ready”, he further said.

Not only Shipley, but another PGA Tour pro also came to Cantlay’s defense recently.

Xander Schauffele defends Patrick Cantlay

Xander Schauffele, who was part of the team that lost to Cantlay’s Atlanta Drive in the TGL finale, was asked about Cantlay’s slow play on the Rich Eisen Show. Schauffele dodged the question efficiently, stating that pace wasn’t a problem for anyone in the league, saying, “I don’t think anyone has struggled with the clock, to be honest.”

Schauffele, who was previously teammates with Cantlay at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2023, which the duo won, offered further insight into Cantlay’s game, noting that he “hits pretty fast when he is over the ball” but might take his time with putting. This perspective sheds new light on the ongoing debate surrounding Cantlay’s pace, suggesting that the issue might not be as significant as some critics claim.

Schauffele’s comments imply that Cantlay’s reputation for slow play could be undeserved, and that other factors might be contributing to the perception of slow play. By highlighting Cantlay’s quick ball-striking, Schauffele provides a more nuanced view of Cantlay’s game. But what do you think of it? Do you think Schauffele’s words help Cantlay’s case? Let us know in the comment section below!