Montgomerie Condemns Slow Play at The Open, Demands Rule Overhaul
The European Tour legend, speaking as an ambassador for Loch Lomond Whiskies, expressed frustration over rounds that stretched nearly six hours, with some players taking excessive time between shots. Christ almighty, last night was it 5 hours 40?
Montgomerie asked, questioning how the game had reached such a state. TV hates it, spectators hate it.
Montgomerie pointed to specific issues, including prolonged conversations between caddies and players and the use of “aim points” during putts. He argued that once a ball is on the green, it should not be re-marked for line adjustments. Lee Trevino here in 1971. He finished 14 under and he did it in three balls in less than four hours. How do we get back to that?
Montgomerie said, referencing the late golfer’s efficiency. He also criticized the lack of consequences for slow play, stating, Was anybody penalised yesterday? No. Something’s got to be done.
LIV Golfer Tyrell Hatton Echoes Concerns Over Pacing
Tyrell Hatton, a LIV Golf player and member of the marquee group alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau, shared similar frustrations. Despite the “perfect” playing conditions on Thursday, Hatton described the pace as “slow,” noting that his group spent significant time chatting between shots. You only need to concentrate when you get to your ball, don’t you?
he said. There’s a lot more downtime.
Hatton’s group teed off at 9:58 a.m. and finished their round late in the day, with the reachable par fives on the closing holes adding to the duration. If you imagine if we had bad weather, it would be even longer,
he added. The 34-year-old, who carded a 1-under 69 in the opening round, acknowledged the challenge of the course but emphasized that the slow pace remained a concern. I don’t know if the golf course can, I don’t want to say play any easier, it’s still challenging out there,
he said.
Course Design and Conditions Amplify Pacing Issues
The 156-player field faced a Royal Birkdale course that, while offering optimal dry conditions, presented challenges that some players felt exacerbated the pace of play. Hatton noted that the par fives on the back nine were “reachable,” potentially leading to extended play as players attempted to capitalize on the opportunities. However, the combination of wide fairways and firm greens did not prevent the rounds from dragging, with several players reporting times exceeding five and a half hours.
Montgomerie’s comments highlight a broader tension between the traditional pace of the Open Championship and modern expectations. The tournament’s format, with its large field and emphasis on strategy, has long been associated with slower play. However, the lack of tangible consequences for delays—such as penalties or time limits—has drawn criticism from former players and current competitors alike.
Historical Context and Calls for Reform
Montgomerie’s remarks evoke a bygone era of golf, when players like Lee Trevino completed rounds in under four hours despite the challenges of the course. The European Tour legend’s reference to Trevino’s 1971 performance underscores a perceived decline in efficiency. It’s too long a chat between the caddie and the player,
Montgomerie said, citing the excessive time spent on non-essential interactions.
While the sources do not specify the exact rules Montgomerie advocates for, his criticism aligns with ongoing debates about how to balance tradition with modern demands. The Open Championship, as one of golf’s four major tournaments, faces pressure to adapt to evolving standards of play, particularly as television and spectator engagement become increasingly important. However, without concrete proposals from officials, the issue remains unresolved.
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