PGA Tour chief dismisses slow play concerns

Wondering why the PGA Tour isn’t taking firmer, faster action on slow play?

Ask Jay Monahan.

In an interview with SiriusXM PGA Tour radio – first reported by GOLF.com – the circuit’s commissioner explained why he’s in no rush to tackle one of the game’s most contentious issues.

“We’re in the entertainment business,” said Monahan. “We’re on television. Look at the number of times that we’re finishing on time, if not early.

“That’s a frustration of mine because we don’t want people turning off CBS or NBC before the competition, before six o’clock.”

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The subject of slow play has resurfaced following glacial final rounds in back-to-back events last month: The Masters and RBC Heritage.

On both occasions, Patrick Cantlay was widely condemned for his part in the ponderous proceedings. Whilst acknowledging that he is slower than the average player, Cantlay defended himself by sharing data from the tour’s Player Advisory Council, which he served on.

“Rounds have taken about the same length of time for the last ten or 20 years that they currently take,” he explained.

“When you play a golf course like Augusta National where all the hole locations are on lots of slope and the greens are really fast, it’s just going to take longer and longer to hole out.

“I think that may have been what attributed to some of the slow play on Sunday, and then also when the wind is gusting and the wind is blowing maybe inconsistently, that’s when guys will take a long time, too. I think that’s just the nature of playing professional golf, where every shot matters so much.”

Monahan largely echoed those claims during his SiriusXM appearance.

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“We get into places on the weekend where, you know, there’s a lot on the line,” he said. “I think those are the moments that frustrate fans, but at the same time, there is a lot on a line. And then when you look at the things that you can do to improve it, I mean, we finished the Zurich Classic 20-something minutes early.”

He added that he expects the situation to resolve itself next year without the need for any particular remedial measures or punishments.

“I would remind everyone that when we get into the 2024 season, these designated events are going to have player field sizes anywhere from mid 60s to 80. If there’s anything that you can do to improve pace of play, that’s it.”

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