Wood speaks out on slow play

Former world No.1 calls for tougher punishments for time wasting

Call for action: Tiger Woods wants shot penalties to be imposed for incidences of slow play

Tiger Woods has joined the growing calls for serious crackdowns on slow play following Kevin Na’s incessant practice swings and waggles at the Players Championship.

The crowd were held to shout, “go” as the American battled with obvious swing demons while standing over the ball.

It highlighted growing concerns over the pace of play on tour and Woods admitted he would prefer to see slow play punished with penalty strokes rather than the current practice of dishing out undisclosed fines.

The former world No.1 said: “Very simple. If you get a warning, you get a penalty. I think that would speed it up.

“Strokes is money. One shot can be the difference between first and second. How much is the difference between first and second? $800,000?

“I would take the five grand over the 800k. That one shot, that’s the difference, that’s what people don’t realise, that one shot is so valuable,” added the 14-time major winner.

Woods also expressed sympathy for Na who acknowledged his problems in being able to pull the trigger.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that but I’ve seen it before. I played with Sergio (Garcia) in 2002 and I think one of the holes, he re-gripped it 20-plus times.

“I haven’t seen Kevin do it in person but sometimes it is tough pulling the trigger. Some guys have an easier time committing and going and other guys don’t,” he said.

Bunkered’s Twitter followers, however, seemed far less forgiving of the troubled American.

“It’ll be a tragedy for golf if that wee tool wins,” said The real Zooney while John Calderwood admitted, “It’s getting a bit annoying.”

Na asked for understanding from the media and fans after a bogey-free round of 68 on Saturday was overshadowed by his time-consuming idiosyncrasies.

“Trust me, I get ripped, a lot,” he said. “I know television, twitters and fans are tired of me backing off.

“I understand people being frustrated with me backing off, but all I can tell you guys is honestly, I’m trying, and it’s hard for me, too.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered