‘Clown Show’: PGA Tour Faces Fans’ Wrath as ‘Unacceptable’ Issue Disrupts Play Once Again

Just when it seemed like the PGA Tour might catch a break, chaos strikes again. We’re nearly three months into the season, and instead of exciting golf, fans have been dealing with the same old issues—declining viewership, slow play, and unexpected withdrawals. And now, things have gone off the rails again at the Valspar Championship.

It all started with a wave of last-minute withdrawals, including Akshay Bhatia, Daniel Berger, Aaron Rai, Erik van Rooyen, and others. While some players were strategizing their schedules to compete in upcoming events and prepare for Masters, the sheer number of WDs left sure fans scratching their heads. Things got even worse when the first round was suspended due to darkness on Thursday at 7:39 p.m. ET. Yes, another delay, another frustrated audience.

Now, instead of smoothly transitioning into Round 2, players who are yet to complete their Thursday play will have to finish Round 1 from 9:00 a.m. before getting back on schedule. Per schedule, the second round will begin as scheduled at 7:35 a.m. Despite ideal weather conditions, the slow play issue continues to haunt the Tour, making these delays feel like an unavoidable mess. 

At the Farmers Insurance Open too, the play was called for darkness during Round 2. Initially, it was halted for wind but was finally suspended for darkness at 8:16 p.m. ET. The first round of the PLAYERS Championship was also suspended because of the same issue. At the time, five players were left to complete their first round, causing a ruckus for Friday.  So, the frustration is real. Withdrawals, delays, and the same old complaints—fans have had enough. And if there’s one issue that keeps pushing them over the edge, it’s slow play.

Fans call out PGA Tour for mismanagement

It’s surprising how recurring the issue of slow play is on the PGA Tour, yet there has been no real solution to it. One user lashed out, “You are in late March and players will have a completely different course tomorrow to finish their 1st round. Unacceptable. Start slow play penalties.” Another even called it a “Clown show.” Honestly, fans have a point. The slow play issue isn’t new, and the Tour knows it. During the Players Championship, Senior VP of Rules & Competition, Stephen Cox, admitted, “Round times are getting slightly worse… our analysis is telling us that this journey we’re on, we’re going in the wrong direction.” Not exactly the kind of update fans wanted to hear.

It’s been bad enough that even CBS broadcaster Dottie Pepper called out slow play during the Farmers Insurance Open in January—something almost unheard of on air. Fans aren’t just mad; they’re calling for change. One asked, “Have you considered addressing the inability to finish the first round on a regular basis without weather issues?” Another straight-up demanded, “I want Jay Monahan fired. Now.” Fans urging to fire Monahan isn’t a new thing. It has been the case since he announced the $3B deal with PIF.

Top Comment by Zooz

Slow play is the bane of EVERY golfer. I totally agree with warning with an automatic shot-clock, then even a...more

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Another chimed in criticizing Monahan & Co.s plan to reduce the field size. “Think you’ve safely established that reducing the field size has had zero impact on pace of play. All you’ve done is let slow players carry on taking ages without punishment whilst also taking away the opportunity for the players that didn’t quite make the field. Well done 👍🏻”

The PGA Tour did introduce new slow-play penalties in 2024, with fines starting at $20,000 for repeat offenders. But many have called it out as ineffective, suggesting shot clocks and ranger fields as better alternatives. The Tour has also introduced field reduction polices that will be implemented from 2026. Will that curb the slow play issue? It remains to be seen. 

At this point, the question isn’t whether slow play is an issue—it’s whether the Tour will ever take it seriously. Until then, delays, frustrations, and backlash will keep piling up, and the ‘Clown Show’ complaints won’t be going away anytime soon.