Legendary swing coach Butch Harmon has never been shy about speaking his mind, and this time he’s directed his frustration at the PGA Tour following the ongoing slow-play controversy surrounding Patrick Cantlay.
Cantlay, one of the most methodical players on tour, has once again been at the center of debate after his deliberate pace during the season-ending events drew heavy criticism from fans, fellow players, and analysts alike. Harmon, who has worked with the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson, believes the Tour is failing to act on an issue that’s hurting the sport.
“What the PGA Tour is doing is ridiculous,” Harmon said bluntly. “We’ve been talking about slow play for years, and nothing changes. Fans hate it, players hate it, and yet here we are watching five-hour rounds week after week. It’s unacceptable.”
Harmon’s comments echo what many inside the game have been saying for months. Cantlay’s pace has been scrutinized heavily on broadcasts, with camera shots often cutting away as he takes upwards of a minute to pull the trigger on routine shots. Critics argue that while Cantlay is technically within the Tour’s official timing regulations, the rules themselves are too lenient to make any real difference.
The PGA Tour has long promised to crack down on slow play, but outside of rare fines and warnings, meaningful penalties have been scarce. For Harmon, the lack of enforcement not only frustrates players but risks driving fans away.
“Golf is already a long game. If the Tour wants to keep viewers and attract new fans, they need to make it faster and more entertaining. Allowing this kind of slow play sends the wrong message,” Harmon added.
Cantlay, for his part, has defended his approach in the past, insisting he takes the time he needs to properly execute. But with the criticism mounting and voices like Harmon’s joining the chorus, pressure on the Tour to act more decisively against slow play is growing stronger than ever.
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