One of the most common issues faced in golf revolves around pace. Golf inherently progresses slowly, typically spanning four days for four rounds unless there are external delays. However, the challenge of slow play appears to be prevalent among enthusiasts, as not everyone enjoys spending 5-6 hours in front of the TV.
Even top-ranked golfers like Nelly Korda prefer to play at a faster pace. However, during the Chevron Championship, Korda disclosed that the most frustrating aspect of golf, experienced by many golfers, remains the slow play. Despite being aware that the final round would be the slowest, she implemented precautions to assist her during the game.
While diverting her attention from slow play, the 25-year-old disclosed, “So I tried to not get ready for my like tee shots or my approach shots or my putting until it was quite my time to go. So I made sure that I was taking my time as well.” With this revelation, many inquiries emerged regarding the #1 golfer’s actions. Despite her dislike for slow play, why did she purposefully adopt a slower pace during the Chevron Championship?
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And here's Jay Monahan essentially saying slow play is a feature, not a bug.https://t.co/UqmfSkRgPI pic.twitter.com/aCNXIu1PFr
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) April 24, 2024
Moreover, in addressing the issue, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan also shared his comments, indicating his aim to prevent viewers from tuning out before the six-hour mark. As @KylePorterCBS‘s disclosure gained traction on X, previously recognized as Twitter, the golfing community took notice and responded to the situation.
What’s the golfing community’s take on Jay Monahan’s slow-play remarks?
The comments suggest that not every enthusiast is keen on slow play, especially when the game commonly lasts 5-6 hours, specifically when professionals intentionally prolong it, as seen by Korda’s deliberate slow play.
One fan made a candid observation, noting that slow play prompts viewers to switch off the TV because of boredom, especially with 15-minute delays between shots. They further emphasized that fans attend to see top-ranked players in action, not to wait endlessly.
Jay doesn’t get it- people turn off when it’s going slow.
They wanna see the big dogs playing, not waiting 15 mins between shots
— JP Swain (@TwoPintsJP) April 24, 2024
This fan offered a sarcastic take on the fourth commissioner’s revelation regarding slow play, implying that Commissioner Monahan is the one compelling professional to spend more time on the greens to ensure corporate sponsors receive additional airtime.
“We force the players to play as slow as possible so your corporate sponsors get more airtime” pic.twitter.com/Do062VEbia
— It's Not My Best (@itsnotmybest) April 24, 2024
This fan also expressed a comparable sentiment, but without sarcasm, highlighting how people are growing weary of slow play and subsequently switching off their TVs. They questioned whether the network’s concern lies with viewers turning off early or solely focusing on maintaining their ratings.
Someone should tell Jay they are turning it off anyway. Are the networks more concerned with people switching off five minutes early or the massive ratings hit they have taken this season.
— Moto (@lizardking122) April 24, 2024
This fan suggested that the PGA Tour Commissioner could benefit from the expertise of American Major League Baseball’s executive, Theo Epstein, in making sensible decisions regarding slow play. They subtly hinted at a metaphor involving trees and forests, possibly implying that Monahan focused on individual players rather than the broader crowd.
We need Theo Epstein to smack some sense into him. Jay can’t see the forest for the trees
— Schu (@tschu_22) April 24, 2024
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This fan echoed a similar sentiment regarding the fourth commissioner’s statement, implying that the tour deliberately orchestrates slow games to adhere to schedule. However, they acknowledged this as just one perspective on the matter.
"If we plan the slow play correctly we'll finish on time" is certainly one way of looking at it
— Steve Caimano (@CTRSteve) April 24, 2024
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As the golf community continues to respond with various comments to Jay Monahan’s recent revelation and Nelly Korda’s deliberate slow play, what are your reflections on the issue? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.