You’d think competing for your country would inspire faster play, but Patrick Cantlay proved that old habits die hard at the 2025 Ryder Cup. The American golfer found himself under the microscope once again. This time, however, the criticism came from an unexpected source during live television coverage.

Nick Faldo, the legendary golfer turned commentator, couldn’t hide his frustration with Cantlay’s deliberate pace during a fourball match. The moment was captured perfectly on camera and quickly went viral on social media. “There is plenty of space but I don’t understand how…” Faldo said, his voice trailing off in clear exasperation. The comment came as Cantlay prepared for what appeared to be a routine putt, taking his characteristic time to line up the shot.

The GolfWRX post showcasing Faldo’s reaction has already garnered over 6,400 views and continues to grow. Golf fans immediately recognized the familiar scene – Cantlay taking extended time over his shots while others wait. The video even captures Rory McIlroy patiently waiting on the sidelines, casually eating an energy bar as Cantlay deliberated. The irony wasn’t lost on viewers either. Faldo himself was known for meticulous preparation during his playing days, yet even he seemed to reach his breaking point with Cantlay’s pace.

What makes this incident particularly notable is the setting. The Ryder Cup represents golf’s most intense team competition. Every shot matters for team momentum. Yet Cantlay’s methodical approach appeared to test even the patience of seasoned golf professionals. The video shows Cantlay eventually missing the putt, adding insult to injury for the visibly frustrated commentary team.

Patrick Cantlay’s History of Slow Play Controversies

This Ryder Cup moment represents just the latest chapter in Cantlay’s ongoing slow-play saga. The pattern extends far beyond international competition. Just weeks earlier, broadcast officials warned Cantlay and Tommy Fleetwood during the TOUR Championship after their group fell two holes behind on the front nine, triggering widespread criticism for his deliberate pace. The warning triggered the first step of the PGA Tour’s pace-of-play policy.

Remarkably, officials merely warned the pair rather than imposing strict time limits on them. This lenient treatment sparked immediate outrage among fans across social media platforms. One user pointedly compared the situation to Chris Gotterup being put on the clock while leading the Scottish Open. Gotterup faced timing pressure despite being only one hole behind with three holes remaining. Meanwhile, Cantlay received just a warning despite falling two full holes behind much earlier in his round.

The criticism has followed Cantlay throughout his career like a persistent shadow. Brooks Koepka delivered perhaps the most damning assessment following the 2023 Masters. “The group in front of us was brutally slow,” Koepka stated bluntly after his final round. He added that Jon Rahm visited the bathroom seven times during their round, yet they still found themselves waiting constantly behind Cantlay’s group.

Matt Fitzpatrick proved even more direct in his assessment of Cantlay’s methodical approach. The Englishman branded the American’s deliberate pace as “appalling” and a “disgrace.” These aren’t casual observations from fellow competitors. Instead, they represent genuine frustration from players who’ve experienced Cantlay’s routine firsthand during crucial tournament moments.

Cantlay has consistently defended his approach throughout these mounting controversies. “I’m definitely slower than average,” he admitted candidly in one interview. However, he maintains that his deliberate pace serves a strategic purpose. “I don’t worry if I’m unfairly criticized,” Cantlay declared, suggesting he prioritizes performance over public perception. Nevertheless, the Faldo incident demonstrates that even golf’s most patient observers have their breaking points.