JJ Spaun, the recent US Open champion, received a warning for slow play during the first round of The Open at Royal Portrush. Following his victory at Oakmont last month, this was a concerning moment for the American golfer, who is now one warning away from incurring a penalty.
Spaun was grouped with Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm, and their entire trio was put on the clock as they neared the end of their first round. While a warning doesn’t automatically result in a penalty, it serves as an indication for players to increase their pace. Spaun was informed he went over the 50-second limit on the 17th hole, contributing to the ongoing slow play issue.
The weather played a crucial role in the delays, with gusty winds and rain affecting various players’ performance. With 156 competitors in the Open, the lack of simultaneous starts from both the first and tenth tees — common in U.S. majors — also added to the prolonged round times. By the time players reached the 18th hole, they had been on the course for over five hours, prompting some, like Marc Leishman, to voice frustrations about the pacing.
Leishman noted the contrast with their usual rounds that finish under four and a half hours. Some players, like Rory McIlroy, had particularly long rounds, finishing close to nine in the evening after starting just after three. Others, like Robert MacIntyre, agreed that the conditions of the course contributed to the slowness, suggesting that courses may simply be too long for faster play.
Criticism of the pace of play was echoed by commentators and fans alike, with calls for improvement echoed from last month’s US Open at Oakmont, where similar issues were reported. The players and organizers now hope for a more efficient pace during the subsequent rounds of the tournament, highlighting the need for adjustments during this prestigious event.
The hope remains that as the tournament progresses, players will adapt and that the slower pace observed on day one will give way to a more timely and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.