‘What a Joke’: PGA Tour Faces Golf Community’s Wrath as Persistent Issues Disrupt the Fan Experience

Is slow play costing golf fans? It has long been discussed in the world of professional golf. Lengthy rounds—often lasting more than five hours—not only try the endurance of onlookers but also make the sport boring. The renowned golfer Brooks Koepka stated, “I think it’s just gotten out of hand,” post his pro-am at The Northern Trust 2019, and many people share his opinion, thinking that prolonged play throws off the game’s flow.

Other prominent golfers are also pointing out the demand for faster play. Recently, Charley Hoffman emphasized the value of working with broadcast partners to increase the sport’s appeal and pushed his peers to take ownership of accelerating the pace. In the same spirit, Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson have emphasized how urgent it is to limit slow play, pointing out that it negatively impacts the effectiveness of competition and the viewing experience. However, the WM Phoenix Open has made waves lately, and not for the best reasons. Spectators and fans have immediately jumped in to criticize the PGA tour. But why? Let’s examine this matter.

PGA Tour criticized by fans amid Phoenix Open suspension

Due to darkness on February 7, 2025, the WM Phoenix Open’s first round was halted at 6:13 p.m., forcing competitors to play over the following morning. However, fans did not seem to buy the tour’s explanation that it was just another scheduling error. Slow play, rather than merely waning daylight, was blamed by many. 

Slow play has been publicly chastised by players like Rory McIlroy, who has called it “an epidemic,” and urged the PGA Tour to take stronger action. Delays aren’t the only issue; maintaining fan engagement is a challenge too. Seeing players take an eternity to line up a putt adds to golf’s already low viewership when compared to faster-paced sports. As criticism mounts, the PGA Tour has unveiled plans to expedite the process, which include lowering field sizes and doing away with some qualifiers beginning in 2026. However, for many followers, it’s too little, too late.

The Phoenix Open’s first-round suspension served as yet another reminder of the frustration that many fans experience. Complaints flooded social media, with several people pointing out that this continues to occur year after year. The PGA Tour runs the risk of losing players and spectators who prefer a more dynamic and exciting format over protracted delays if it doesn’t make changes quickly. So, let’s now examine how supporters are responding to this most recent setback in more detail!

Fans voice dissatisfaction about slow play

Fans, who are blowing a fuse on the PGA Tour’s persistent problems, have responded negatively to the Phoenix Open’s first round being suspended due to darkness. “Incredible how this is still happening in 2025,” said one fan, emphasizing how persistent the issue is. Another responded with, “It wasn’t suspended due to darkness. It is due to slow play—no matter the size of field. Shot clock now,” criticizing the fundamental reasons for the delays. This opinion reflects a widespread perception that the players’ pace, not outside variables like sunshine, is the primary cause of the problem.

The annoyance is further shown in remarks like “lol what a joke,” and “The golf tournament should automatically end if you can’t finish the first round without weather delays. No wonder nobody wants to watch this sport anymore. #PGATour #WasteManagement.” These claims from fans highlight a growing sense of disenchantment among viewers who believe that the standard of the viewing experience is being compromised. There are also many calls for more stringent policing; one fan even said, “The PGA needs to start penalizing slow play.” This is in accordance with recommendations made by the golf community for the use of tools such as shot clocks to guarantee a more timely and interesting game advancement.

The PGA Tour is now quite concerned about the ongoing problems of slow play and scheduling delays. Especially after Phoenix Open’s opening round, the publicized outrage has underscored the need for extensive reforms. The Tour is under increasing pressure to right the wrongs and meet new-age viewership goals. Do you think the PGA Tour will be able to retain its viewership and improve its pace of play? Drop your thoughts in the comment below!