DeChambeau vows to play with speed after criticism

Bryson DeChambeau has vowed to improve his pace of play after coming in for stinging criticism from fellow professionals over the weekend.

Eddie Pepperell and Ian Poulter were among the players to hit out at DeChambeau after video emerged of him taking two minutes and 20 seconds – the limit is 40 seconds – to hit an eight-foot putt during the second round of The Northern Trust at Liberty National.

Pepperell labelled DeChambeau a “single-minded twit”– although he has since apologised – while Poulter implied that the world number eight was one of the players who “continually disrespect their fellow pros and continue to break the rules without a conscience”.

DeChambeau initially issued a passionate defence of his actions and urged players to speak to him directly rather than “attack” him on social media, but softened his stance in an Instagram post on Monday.

“Slow play affects the quality of the game for both players and our fans and I’ve always had the utmost respect for my playing partners, including JT (Justin Thomas) and Tommy (Fleetwood),” wrote DeChambeau, who played with Thomas and Fleetwood in the first two rounds last week.

“I’m constantly trying to improve and I will do my very best to improve my pace. Golf is my passion and livelihood. It’s my responsibility to help improve the game to be more enjoyable for all.

“Pace of play has been an issue for golf at all levels for a long time and I’m committed to being a part of the solution, not the problem.

“Iwanttobeagoodrepresentative of the game and the @PGATour and I’m looking forward to working with the Tour and fellow players to find a solution to slow play.”

The furore over DeChambeau’s actions has at least prompted the PGA Tour to announce plans to review its current pace-of-play policy.

Rory McIlroy said on Wednesday slow players receive too many warnings before being penalised and, although P GA To u r commissioner Jay Monahan has previously said he does not consider slow play to be a problem, the latest incident may finally lead to action.