If there’s something golf fans hate more than bad weather, it is slow play and the golfer currently battling at the Old Course St. Andrews knows it all too well. The 2024 AIG Women’s Open took off on August 22 and the last round is currently on. A recent post by No Laying Up caused a frenzy among the netizens on X.

The post talked about the players leading the game. Two-time champion Jiyai Shin is currently leading the pack, but defending champion and world number two Lilia Vu is hot on her heels, just one shot back. World number one Nelly Korda is also within striking distance, trailing by two shots. However, the slow play of these top golfers is testing the patience of fans and is making them frustrated.

This was the same case at round 2 as well when strong winds made it hard for golfers to play, likely causing the round to drag on for almost six hours. And Golf Week’s writer Beth Ann Nichols described it as yikes. “There was a big backup on the 11th tee, and it’s likely that the delay will continue,” she shared her concerns on X.

So you might have a hint as to why fans are utterly angry with the golfer and well, the organization!

Fans comment on the slow play at the 2024 AIG Women’s Open

Golf enthusiasts can be quite harsh when it comes to slow play, and rightly so. Slow pace of play drains the thrill and enjoyment, turning an exciting round into a tedious experience. This one expressed their thought and called the game a ‘torture’ because of the slow play, “OMG 2 ball groups today. Last group just over 2 hours and just finished 6th hole. OMG #slowplay #torture @AIGWomensOpen”. 

Major championships are known for their challenging conditions, tough setups, and high stakes, which can lead to chaotic moments. A perfect example was Andrea Lee’s experience, who had a 6-hour and 15-minute gap between her first tee shot and post-round media interview. Even the star-studded group of Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Charley Hull faced delays, resulting in a lengthy 6-hour and 8-minute round. “2 hours to play 5 holes for the leaders. This golf is barely watchable it’s so slow”, said another fan, taking a jab at the top golfers.

“Time to completion not going to get any better either. Atrociously slow play out there”, said another fan. Well, the slow play is not only a problem in women’s golf, 2024 U.S. Open also suffered from the same cause.  Comparing women’s golf to that of men’s this fan said, “The women just as bad if not worse than the men when it comes to slow play in the professional game. It’s almost becoming unwatchable now”.Golf enthusiasts are fed up with the insuffereble pace of play and are demanding action, which is stroke penlanties.

“Uneffinacceptale. Start handing out stroke penalties. To do it right now would send a colossal and much needed message to the slow play issue across the sport,” said one fan.  As per R&A rules,  a slow play penalty is a stroke penalty imposed on a player who takes too much time to play their shot or complete a hole. So, who do you think will emerge victories on the greens this time? Let us know in the comment section below!