American golfer Bryson DeChambeau has felt the wrath of his fellow professionals after slow play at this weekend's Northern Trust event in New Jersey.
The 25-year-old won the event last year and at the time of writing sits on six under par for the tournament (tied for 24th position) after rounds of 68, 68 and 71.
The event at Liberty National Golf Club has seen DeChambeau roundly criticised for taking two minutes to hit a 70-yard chip, and a similar length of time to hit an eight-yard putt, which he went on to miss.
Bryson DeChambeau: I need 2:20 to miss this badly...
Every other golfer in the world: LET’S EFFING GO ALREADY!!!#LiveUnderPar
pic.twitter.com/ekDVzyaVi2— SBR Sports Picks (@SBRSportsPicks) August 11, 2019
England's Eddie Pepperell is one of the players who has responded by criticising the five-time winner on the PGA Tour DeChambeau.
"Slow players do this to their partners, making the game less enjoyable.
"Problem is, the unaffected single-minded twit in this instance doesn't care much for others."
DeChambeau himself felt compelled to speak out about the criticism he has received after completing his third round yesterday in New Jersey.
"When people start talking to me about slow play and how I'm killing the game, I'm doing this and that to the game, that is complete and utter you-know-what.
"We are all trying to do our best to play well and make our livelihoods and win tournaments. When you start personally attacking people on Twitter, it's like, come on, dude. Speak to me to my face about that."
Ian Poulter responded to a Twitter thread with his own thoughts on the issue of slow play in professional golf.
Andrew I’m sorry you’ve stopped watching the @PGATOUR. There are a few players that continually disrespect their fellow pro’s and continue to break the rules without a conscience. It should be self policed but clearly this won’t happen.. so disappointing it hasn’t been stopped. https://t.co/yxfF2fFZ2D
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) August 10, 2019
"There are a few players that continually disrespect their fellow pros and continue to break the rules without a conscience.
"It should be self-policed but clearly this won't happen... so disappointing it hasn't been stopped."
The rules at Liberty National state that a group will be warned once about slow play. After a warning, players will be individually monitored.
An official will inform the group if they’re being timed - players have 40 seconds to play each shot, or 50 seconds if they’re first to play. The Tour also seems to reserve the right to time a player whenever it deems necessary.
But are the punishments for slow play enough? A first offence receives no fine, a second $5,000, and a third time bending the time rules sees a $10,000 fine implemented.
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