Jason "Takes All" Day

Jason Day is clearly a wonderful player. His amazing start to the 2016 season is evidence of that. He is at the time of writing the World No. 1. However, he is also a very slow player, which is not good for the progress of the game. 

Make no mistake. I love watching Day hit brilliant shots. I have to confess, though, I absolutely loath his elongated pre-shot routine. He takes an age, or as my friends describe him when he appears on their TV screens, 'Jason "He Takes All" Day'.

Slow play is a subject that has been talked about for literally centuries, but surely the best player in the world needs to take the lead and quicken up himself – doesn't he realise the effect he has on the younger generation?  Watching Day survey a putt or chip shot is, at times, painful ... and I am not alone in thinking this.

A few years ago, Padraig Harrington, another deliberate player, was penalised for slow play when playing in the final group alongside Tiger Woods. The penalty was given late in his round and turned a closely fought encounter into an easy victory for Woods. But here's the thing: Harrington deserved the penalty. The referee [John Paramor] who imposed the penalty on the Irishman, was widely criticised for doing so, but, in my mind, he was absolutely justified.

Golf really does take too long. We need to speed it up – and soon. Here in Hong Kong, golf literally takes all day. The time taken to travel, play and return home is lengthy. There are very few here who are afforded the luxury of a quick nine holes.

But it is the pros who the majority look toward. They need to set an example – not only with their amazing skills, but also their speed of play. If they're slow – and this is still a controversial action – they need to be penalised. It's the only way to make a difference.

Jeffrey Taylor

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