One of the most frustrating aspects of golf tournaments, for both players and spectators, is slow play.
Despite years of backlash and debate, the issue remains unresolved, and it resurfaced again at this year’s Open Championship, testing patience across Royal Portrush.
Among those voicing frustration was LIV Golf pro Marc Leishman, whose post-round comments quickly went viral.
“Felt like we were on the golf course for about 12 hours,” Leishman told reporters after the six-hour-long round.
“We’ve been on the course for three hours through eight holes. That was tough to deal with, especially coming from somewhere (LIV Golf) where we play in under four and a half (hours) every week.”
Leishman’s group teed off in the second half of the day, where delays were compounded by rain and wind.
The first group began at 1:35 a.m. ET, with three-ball pairings going off every 11 minutes until the final group at 11:16 a.m. ET.
One of the most notable delays came in Rory McIlroy’s group, which teed off at 10:10 a.m. ET and didn’t finish until 4:04 p.m., clocking a five-hour, 54-minute round.
It was a slow one out there today. pic.twitter.com/XgbvzaFHbx
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) July 17, 2025
The final group, featuring George Bloor and OJ Farrell, wrapped up in near darkness.
Leishman wasn’t alone in expressing frustration
“I thought six hours in a practice round the other day was a long time. I didn’t think six hours in a tournament,” said Robert MacIntyre, per his post-round transcripts.
“We couldn’t have gone any faster. … I was speaking to the guys, and they’re saying pretty much everybody’s five hours 55. I guess golf courses are too long.”
Aaron Rai also weighed in, telling the reporters, “It was a little on the slow side. But naturally, with the challenging course, pace of play is going to be a little bit slower than normal.”
But it wasn’t as if the R&A ignored the issue. The slow pace led to disciplinary action against newly crowned U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun.
He was given a “bad time” warning on the 17th hole for exceeding the 50-second limit on his approach.
Playing alongside Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, the group took 5 1/2 hours to complete their round on Thursday.
Under Open rules, Spaun won’t be penalized unless he receives another warning in Round 2, which would result in a one-stroke penalty.
Fortunately, as Round 2 got underway Friday morning, conditions were smoother, offering some relief after Thursday’s long day.
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