In recent weeks, golfer Lexi Thompson has faced scrutiny regarding the pace of play during the U.S. Women’s Open. Following her rounds alongside Charley Hull and Nelly Korda, she shared her thoughts on Instagram, noting, “I’ll be the first one to say I’m not as fast as my playing partners the two days, but I’m also the last person that wants to be out there for six hours.”
The pace-of-play discussion has resurfaced during the Women’s PGA Championship, where players experienced significant delays at Field Ranch East. Compounding the issue, competitors contended with not just the intense Texas heat and unpredictable winds, but also a course setup that some deemed nearly unmanageable.
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LPGA veteran Stacy Lewis, who unfortunately missed the cut after rounds of 78 and 76, criticized specific hole placements, stating, “Today it was just hole locations again, on sides of hills.” She expressed concerns over the effect of the setup on player performance and the engagement of viewers, stating that setups like this “don’t help us” when the spotlight is on women’s golf.
Voices of Concern
Brooke Henderson echoed similar frustrations regarding the challenging conditions on the eighth hole, noting the difficulties of holding the green amid strong winds. Nelly Korda, who is currently tied for sixth place, commented on the slow pace of play, stating, “There is just like no momentum in it.” She lamented the lengthy waits between holes, which disrupt the rhythm of the game.
Korda’s experience from last year’s Annika Tournament, where delays pushed play into the twilight, informed her perspective. “You just kind of have to go with it,” she said, emphasizing the need for patience and adaptability during such disruptions.
U.S. Women’s Open champion Maja Stark also weighed in on the difficulties presented by the par-3 eighth hole. Her approach was hindered not only by strategic considerations but also by the challenging wind conditions, prompting her to adjust her mindset for the situation.
The persistence of these issues comes as a surprise, especially following recent policy changes within the LPGA aimed at improving the pace of play and course management. However, with new CEO Craig Harmon set to take charge in July, there is hope that changes in course setup and adherence to pace-of-play guidelines may align with the tour’s aspirations moving forward.
As of Saturday, Minjee Lee is leading the championship at six under par after a third-round 69. Jeeno Thitikul, who initially led, has fallen to second place at two under. Thompson, along with Miyu Yamashita and Hye-Jin Choi, is currently tied for third at one over, while Nelly Korda is part of a four-way tie for sixth at two over alongside Leona Maguire, Yealimi Noh, and Chisato Iwai.
