‘Pick Up Pace’: Golf Fans Show Anna Davis No Mercy as Slow-Play Penalty Leads to Painful Missed Cut

For the second time in as many years, Anna Davis crashed out of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur due to a penalty. The Augusta officials notified the 18-year-old that she had been assessed a one-shot penalty because of the slow pace. That proved to be costly, as the former ANWA Champion missed the cut by one shot. 

Davis, who was paired up with Lottie Woad and Maria Jose Marin on Thursday, was given the first warning at hole no. 5. She received her second bad time at the penultimate hole, following which the rules officials assessed a one-stroke penalty. Davis, the 2022 champion and a top contender this year,  carded 6-over 78 in the second round, finishing 4-over total, one shot below the cutline. 

The official statement read, “Anna Davis was assessed a one-stroke penalty for violation of the Tournament’s Pace of Play Policy. Her group, which included Lottie Woad and Maria Jose Marin, was notified that they were out of position multiple times during their second round. While being timed, Davis received her first bad time after playing her second stroke on hole No. 5 and received her second bad time following her second stroke on hole No. 17. She was subsequently assessed a one-stroke penalty, which was applied on hole No. 17.” 

Only last year, Davis received a two-shot penalty for lifting and cleaning her ball in the rough. Preferred lies were in effect, but only where the rough was cut to fairway height. While fans empathize with the Auburn freshman, they point out that slow play shouldn’t be tolerated at any cost.

Female golfers and teenagers like Anna Davis are punished more 

Only last year, Carlota Ciganda was assessed a two-shot penalty for slow play. The French International refused to accept the rule, deliberately signing a wrong scorecard, and was disqualified subsequently. A few years back, Klara Spilkova, was assessed a one-shot penalty at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and missed the cutline by a single shot.

One user noted that “Penalties assessed for time seems to happen more frequently on the women’s side then with the men.” Another one wanted the PGA Tour to be this stern as well. They wrote, “If only the tour had the balls to do this.” Notably, Patrick Cantlay has been on the receiving end of alleged slow play. 

Some fans pointed out that Augusta only penalizes teenagers, while the pros rarely receive the penalty. In 2013, Augusta docked one shot from Tianlang Guan, the Asia Pacific Amateur champion that year, for slow play. One user had an adjective for the rule and went on to share their discontent regarding the matter: “Stupid rule. This never, ever happens on the PGAT, but you penalize a kid in college? Do better Masters”

Slow play is contributing to fans turning away from the game, one user noted. “She needs to pick up pace if she wants to keep playing professional golf. No excuse for being slow.” While another thought the penalty was harsh but should happen more in the pro game.

Anna Davis left the ground in tears, wrapped by her father’s arms on her shoulder. Her head coach at the college later told Golf Channel that the 2022 ANWA champion was “heartbroken.” Davis didn’t speak to the media after the second round.

Read More: 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur Trophy: History, Significance and Legacy Explored