Arguably, one of the most exciting days in the history of women’s golf was the first day of the 2023 Solheim Cup. On one hand, the Americans dominated the European hosts in the first half of the game in a totally unexpected manner. On the other end, the Europeans tried to turn the game in their favor in the afternoon shift through impressive putting. However, amidst this exhilarating gameplay, there was one massive factor that left everyone displeased.
While it did not directly impact the course of action on the greens till now, undoubtedly, the viewers online seem to think otherwise. Certainly, the players on both sides have showcased team spirit like no other, especially the Americans who are leading 5-3. But, this “frustrating” issue which has tagged along the entire match play has triggered discontent among golf enthusiasts.
Amidst excellent gameplay and competition, the golf world suffers at the hands of slow play at the Solheim Cup
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In a recent tweet, journalist Beth Ann Nichols brought attention to a repetitive scene of concern for years at the Solheim Cup. Yes, it is the slow pace of the tournament that has once more gained the annoyance of the spectators. While the competition has been going brilliantly, per the golf fanatics, with exciting shot delivery, the same cannot be said for the swiftness of the game.
The reporter tweeted asking how slow exactly it has been out there on the ground and added a noteworthy point about how the broadcast window had ended almost nine minutes prior to her tweet. While the coverage was still going on, the slow pace, undoubtedly, opened the window of debate among the audience offline and online.
Later on, an update revealed how the play had extended almost 50 minutes after the Broadcast window had closed. This was reported by Nichols and according to this, the time of delay was even more than the 2019 Solheim Cup. Four years ago, the match suffered a 30-minute holdup on Friday.
How slow is it out there?
The broadcast window ended nine minutes ago.
Thankfully, coverage is still going!
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) September 22, 2023
The speculations surrounded how some players on both teams take up more time than others while hitting a shot, hence, causing an overall delay. However, the authority remains in the hands of the officials who need to keep a keen eye out for such scenarios. While the aim would be for the play to go faster on Saturday, the tough conditions on the greens have been a gentle reminder of a possible delay.
Witnessing the ongoing behind-the-schedule game, fans online could not hold back from displaying their disappointment with the same.
Frustrated viewers compare watching the sunset to the pace of play at the Solheim Cup
Despite being tagged as the gentleman’s game time and again, golf sometimes leaves room for agitation to rise. The slow pace of the sport more often than not prompts this emotion; especially among spectators. Something similar was experienced by the golf fans once again on the very first day of the event.
As the golfers on both sides put forth their best display, fans who were in awe of the gameplay, still voiced their frustration. It was purely focused on the slow-footed game dynamics at the Finca Cortesin. One user couldn’t help but compare the pace of the game to that of watching the sunset. Referencing the leisure activity, the spectator said, “Literally watching the sun set behind the ladies is more exciting than this pace of play.”
Literally watching the sun set behind the ladies is more exciting than this pace of play.
— Steve Pona (@stevepona9) September 22, 2023
Another individual did not even try to hold himself back as he commented on the pace of play in context to how match-friendly the weather was.
Completely embarrassing pace of play to risk not being able to finish 8 matches with no weather issues.
— Mike Fisher (@FisherM24) September 22, 2023
The annoyance was quite evident when one of the users seemed to sarcastically comment on the long breaks between the sessions.
They seemed to take a long lunch break between sessions.
— GP Burdell (@GeoPBurdell) September 22, 2023
The scene of sarcasm did not end there. A couple of other golf fanatics also chimed in with their disappointment as they made their own comparisons.
You shouldn't have to race the sun on a day like this.
— Chris Holmbäck (@ChrisHolmbck) September 22, 2023
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Over 5.5 hours so far. Good job Ciganda's match might not need to go all the way or they would never finish.
— Phil Casey (@pcaseysafc) September 22, 2023
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The greens in Spain have witnessed individuals executing putts, hole-in-one, chips, and even enhancing the bunker drive. However, the question mark surrounding the pace remains. Now, as Team USA looks out to script dominance on foreign soil and Europeans try to challenge their powerful gameplay, fans and experts would most likely expect an on-time match thriller.
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