RBC Heritage winner Matt Fitzpatrick has taken a swipe at his playing partner last Sunday, Patrick Cantlay, stating that slow play is a huge issue and has called for the introduction of penalties.
Fitzpatrick defeated defending champion Jordan Spieth in a nail-biting play-off at Harbour Town Golf Links to claim a second PGA Tour title following victory at the US Open last year.
Patrick Cantlay narrowly missed out on a spot in the play-off but his final round was dominated by the topic of his slow play, which was also highlighted by Brooks Koepka – branding it ‘brutally slow’ at The Masters earlier this month.
Fitzpatrick, 28, has hit out at the inability of golf’s authorities to find a solution to the issue and concedes it may well be a ‘waste of time’ even promoting a discussion. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has previously made it clear that the issue is not a priority, leaving Fitzpatrick puzzled.
“The problem is this conversation has gone on for years and years, and no one has ever done anything, so I feel it’s almost a waste of time talking about it.
“I don’t think it’s a big enough issue in other players’ minds to do something. It’s like hitting your head against a brick wall.”
🗣️ "It's truly appalling. No one's going to do anything about it."
Matt Fitzpatrick thinks slow play is getting out of hand on the PGA Tour ⏱pic.twitter.com/ZmlADRaT5U
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 19, 2023
RELATED: Matt Fitzpatrick Pockets £3.6 Million In Earnings From RBC Heritage Triumph
The Sheffield-born major winner opted not to mention Cantlay by name, but emphasised his view that the slow play was a ‘disgrace’ and referees are being too lenient.
“If you’re in a three-ball you should be round the course in four hours, 4½ max. It’s a disgrace to get anywhere near that. You’re talking 5½ hours at some venues and it’s truly appalling. I think they give us way too much leeway to get round.”
When playing a shot, golfers have 40 seconds to make a stroke after the player is able to play without interference or distraction. The rules also state that players should recognise that their pace of play affects others and they should play promptly throughout.
“The argument I have with refs is the times we are given for each hole. They need to be much less and when you’re not within those times, you should be penalised.
“Slow play is a huge issue. I was forcing myself the whole day on Sunday to walk as slow as possible and I was still fast. The refs over here are great but I did not see a single ref all day. There were a few shots where we were waiting and I don’t understand where they were hiding.”
🚨#WATCH: Gallery members got out the timers ⏱️ as Patrick Cantlay took 2 mins and 50 seconds to hit a shot 👀. pic.twitter.com/hENyq8aUhT
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 18, 2023
Up next on the PGA Tour is the Mexico Championship with a purse of $7.7 million and scheduled for April 27-30 at Vidanta Golf Course in Puerto Vallarta. The field will officially be announced on Friday, April 21.
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