Matt Fitzpatrick blasts “appalling” pace of play on tour

US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick has hit out at what he has described as the “appalling” pace of play on tour.  

Fitzpatrick won his first regular PGA Tour title at the RBC Heritage last weekend but was made to endure a near five-hour final round. 

One of his playing partners, Patrick Cantlay, was singled out for his ponderous pace, just a week after having similar accusations made about him during the final round of The Masters.  

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Speaking to Sky Sports News, Fitzpatrick – who went on to defeat Jordan Spieth in a sudden death playoff at Harbour Town – blasted the amount of time rounds are taking at the top level and called on the powers-that-be to make changes. 

“For me the times [allowed to hit shots] need to be changed,” said the Englishman, widely regarded as one of the quickest players on tour.  

“I think they need to be much less. That way, when you’re not within those times, you’re going to be penalised and properly punished for being slow.  

“I think they give us way too much leeway to get round. If you’re in a threeball, in my opinion, you should be round in four hours, four-and-a-half at the absolute maximum. It’s a disgrace to get anywhere near that. You’re talking about five-fifteen, five-and-a-half at some venues and it’s truly appalling.” 

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Fitzpatrick, however, doesn’t anticipate changing. 

“The problem is, this conversation’s gone on for years and years and years and no-one’s ever done anything about it so I feel like it’s almost a waste of time talking about it every time.  

“I’ve got my opinions, and they’re probably strong opinions, but the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, no-one’s going to do anything about it. It’s just the way it’s going to be.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor