The Open Slow Play Causes Six-Hour Rounds, Player Frustration at Royal Portrush

The first round of The Open at Royal Portrush faced significant criticism due to the slow pace of play, with rounds extending close to six hours and players expressing frustration. Marc Leishman of LIV Golf notably remarked it felt like a 12-hour day on the course, contrasting with the faster rounds typical in LIV events, while Rory McIlroy and others also experienced lengthy delays caused by large fields and challenging conditions. The tournament's one-tee start and slow group progression, especially around par-five holes, contributed to backups and extended playtimes, leading to warnings such as the one given to US Open champion JJ Spaun for slow play. Some players, including Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, acknowledged the slow pace as unavoidable given the long, difficult course layout and windy weather. Despite the frustrations, figures like Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley contextualized the delays as inherent to major championships, highlighting the complexity of managing large groups on difficult links courses. Overall, the pace of play emerged as a major talking point on day one, with calls for understanding but also recognition of the need to address these ongoing issues.