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‘You’re Breaking the Rules’: Hours Before the 2023 PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka Gives His Verdict on the PGA Tour’s Long-Time Issue

Published 05/18/2023, 7:08 AM EDT

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via Imago

Slow play is an issue that has been haunting the game of golf for ages; somewhat ruining the essence of the sport. The subject has been a point of intense debate for long, but no actual conclusion or solution has ever been provided for the same. Recently, Patrick Cantlay, was under fire when he took too long to make shots at the Masters just last month. Even golf influencer, Spiranac added that this had to change.

But, the commissioner of the PGA Tour, Jay Manohan, doesn’t think it’s a problem. For him, courses are enormous, and when money is involved, things take time to develop. However, this substantially slows down the pace and strategies of others playing the game.

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On the course, Brooks Koepka is renowned for his quick play. He has often been outspoken about the problems with slow play. Thus, he did not hold back from attacking this divisive subject this time, either.

Brooks Koepka lashes out at the issue of slow play

Recently, golfers qualified to play at the PGA Championshiop starting tomorrow, had a pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday. Given that Koepka is no longer on the PGA Tour, he was asked if he could speak about his stance on slow play. He responded, “I mean, yeah, it’s never quick. I was talking about it when I was on the PGA Tour too, so I’m not afraid to talk about it.”

USA Today via Reuters

He was further asked about how big the problem is and how he would fix it since he doesn’t need to worry about getting fined anymore. Koepka didn’t mince words. He gave a clear reply. “I never was fined for anything, so I’m all right. Yeah, there’s a lot of guys out here that take their time. I think it is a problem. Technically, in the rule book, it says you have 40 seconds to hit your shot. I think that’s what it is. If you are taking over, technically you’re breaking the rules, right? So, I don’t know.” He certainly sounded off when discussing this.

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Koepka and Jon Rahm were the ones who had to contend with Patrick Cantlay and Viktor Hovland’s lethargic play during the Master’s Tournament; in fact, Koepka joked that Rahm had to use the restroom seven times during the round as a result of the other team’s excessive tardiness!

Koepka’s reason to leave the PGA Tour

The four-time major champion’s decision to join LIV Golf, undoubtedly startled the golf community last year. However, it now appears that he is not second-guessing his choice and had his own reasons for making such a significant choice.

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USA Today via Reuters

The 33-year-old golfer claimed that his health was the main factor in his decision to switch to LIV golf. Compared to the PGA Tour schedule, LIV Golf’s schedule is significantly more convenient for him. He will have more time to concentrate on his health as a result. In addition, he received a $100 million signing bonus. It is the insurance against his ailments.

“Honestly, yeah, probably, if I’m being completely honest,” Koepka said to ESPN. “I think it would have been. But I’m happy with the decision I made.”

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It is safe to assume we can expect the best from Koepka after his incredible performance at the Masters. What are your thoughts on his stance on slow play? Are you excited to see him play at the PGA Championship? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story: After a Successful LIV Golf Adelaide, $400M Worth CEO Greg Norman Set to Return to Australia With Another Big Announcement

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Written by:

Rajnandini Rathore

322Articles

One take at a time

Rajnandini is a promising addition to the team as a Golf writer. She was recently recruited in the latest round of ‘ES Draft’ as one of the young writers who is an avid golf enthusiast. With Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson being her entry into the fandom of the sport, Rajnandini believes LIV Golf is the future of the sport.
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Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

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