Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
For the second time on the PGA Tour in recent weeks, the pace of play overshadowed the quality of golf on offer with a wave of social media scrutiny.
Two players in particular – Kevin Na and Patrick Cantlay – bore the brunt of the criticism as their lengthy pre-shot routines quickly grated on those watching the Genesis Open action.
Ex-England cricketer and keen amateur golfer Kevin Pietersen was one of those annoyed by the pace of play on display at Riviera, which came just three weeks after J.B. Holmes was lambasted for taking over four minutes to play a shot on the 18th hole at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Pietersen tweeted this video of Na preparing to putt, which received quite the reaction on social media.
OPINION – “Let’s stop talking about slow play… let’s FIX IT”
Sky Sports commentator and former European Tour player Tony Johnstone was one of many people to respond to the video, saying that pace of play on the PGA Tour was ‘becoming farcical’.
I was twitchy and slow, but I would have lapped this guy. It’s becoming farcical. sNAil.
— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) February 18, 2018
A selection of other tweets took aim at Na, who has built up a negative reputation over the years as being one of the slowest players on the PGA Tour.
This Kevin Na GIF is so good. pic.twitter.com/dniXSrM8dm
— Michael McEwan (@MMcEwanGolf) February 18, 2018
For those keeping track at home, Kevin Na just hit his tee shot on 18. The group in front of him is already in the clubhouse.
— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) February 18, 2018
A pre shot routine should be a quick decision making process based on experience. Kevin Na demonstrates a routine that either demonstrates mistrust in experience or an avoidance of mistakes. One is bad for the game, the other bad for his game.
— Nick Bradley (@THENICKBRADLEY) February 18, 2018
But Cantlay, who was playing in the final group alongside eventual winner Bubba Watson and Aussie Cameron Smith, also received his fair share of comments.
Pre-shot routine:
— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) February 18, 2018
Look
Walk up
Look
Regrip
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Look
Waggle
Hit pic.twitter.com/nDRn6Wig20
Patrick Cantlay's post-round interview was exactly three questions long.
— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) February 18, 2018
So at least he does something quickly.
Ben’s statue could play 18 holes quicker than Patrick Cantlay and Kevin Na. Slow play is killing the game as a TV spectacle.
— Pete (@peteholly1971) February 19, 2018
@PGATOUR When are you going to penalise the slowcoaches Kevin Na & Patrick Cantlay? Who wants to watch golf like that? Give them a 2 stroke penalty #killingthegame
— Martin Heys (@martinheysgolf) February 19, 2018
ALL ABOUT THE OPEN
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses