Cantlay Faces Slow Play Criticism in Tour Championship Second-Place Finish

The 2025 PGA Tour season concluded with Tommy Fleetwood winning his first title and the FedEx Cup, while Patrick Cantlay finished tied for second but faced widespread criticism for his slow pace of play during the Tour Championship final round. Cantlay's deliberate pre-shot routine, including lengthy periods standing over shots and excessive foot shuffling, drew frustration from fans, commentators, and fellow players, with social media amplifying the backlash. Phil Mickelson responded with humor, highlighting Cantlay's foot shuffles as a display of athleticism, though the issue of slow play remains contentious among spectators. Cantlay's slow pace led to the final pairing being put on the clock late in the round, but this did little to speed up play. Despite the criticism, Cantlay expressed satisfaction with his effort and hopes to be selected for Team USA in the upcoming Ryder Cup. The ongoing debate highlights the challenge the PGA Tour faces in balancing player routines with fan engagement and pace-of-play standards.