…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Patrick Cantlay’s slow pace on the golf course has been called into question by fans, parody accounts, and even fellow player Brooks Koepka.
In response to criticism from Koepka, Cantlay defended himself, stating that the course conditions and weather were responsible for slow play, and that all players were affected by the pace of play.
However, a video comparing Cantlay’s putt to Happy Gilmore’s iconic shot in the eponymous film illustrates the stark difference in pace between the two shots.
Cantlay took 57 seconds to make a four-foot putt, while Gilmore’s shot, which involved the ball travelling down numerous pipes and poles, took the same amount of time.
Cantlay’s slow play has led to calls for the PGA to introduce a shot clock.
Substandard pace of play: the issue
Cantlay’s slow pace of play on the golf course has led to criticism from fans and fellow players, with many pointing to the need for a shot clock.
The issue of slow play is a contentious one in professional golf, with many fans frustrated by the lengthy gaps between shots.
Cantlay’s response to criticism
Cantlay has defended his slow pace of play, stating that difficult course conditions and inconsistent weather conditions were responsible for the delays.
He argued that every shot in professional golf was important and that players would inevitably take longer to hole out in tough conditions.
The Happy Gilmore comparison
A video comparing Cantlay’s putt to Happy Gilmore’s final shot in the film Happy Gilmore illustrates the stark difference in pace between the two shots.
Both took 57 seconds, with Gilmore’s shot involving the ball travelling down numerous pipes and poles.
The comparison has led to further calls for a shot clock in professional golf.
The need for a shot clock
Calls for a shot clock in professional golf have been growing in recent years, with fans frustrated by the lengthy gaps between shots.
While some players, including Cantlay, have argued that difficult course conditions and weather are responsible for slow play, many fans believe that a shot clock would help to speed up play and make the game more enjoyable to watch.