& # 039; Continuous lack of respect & # 039;: DeChambeau criticized for slow play

Bryson DeChambeau lasted more than two minutes for a 70-meter shot on the 16th, and a similar time for an eight-foot putt on the eighth hole

The American golfer Bryson DeChambeau has infuriated fellow professionals with his slow game at the Northern Trust event in New Jersey.

The defending champion, 25, needed more than two minutes to hit a 70-meter chip and a comparable time for an eight-foot putt.

Eddie Pepperell from England said: "Slow players do this to their partners, making the game less enjoyable.

" The problem is that the unaffected one-man spirit doesn't care so much for others in this case. . "

Slow play has become a major problem in the sport and players, including four-fold big winner Brooks Koepka, have been open in their criticism of players taking too long over shots.

On Wednesday before the Northern Trust started, Koepka said, "I think it just got out of hand."

Criticism of DeChambeau, known for its heavy style, started after video of its second round on Saturday

Ian Poulter of England, who is tied 12th in Liberty National, added to a thread on social media: "There are a few players who constantly disregard their fellow pros and the rules remain violated without a conscience.

"It must be checked itself, but this will clearly not happen … so disappointing that it has not stopped."

Rich Beem, the winner of the US PGA Championship 2002, said: "This must stop. PGA Tour, if you do nothing about this, you will be ashamed!

" As a member I am furious that you can tolerate this. You talk about & # 39; protecting the field & # 39; and then protect it by penalizing / disqualifying this type of behavior. Enough! "

Pepperell, who does not play the Northern Trust – the first of the PGA Tour play-off events – added:" If it is as elusive as Bryson was [on Saturday] and if she already at the end, penalties must be handed out.

"Fines mean nothing to these guys. You only have to hand out a few sentences and things will improve soon!"

American Dustin Johnson has a head start in 12 blows, with DeChambeau in 20th place, six shots in the lead.

Analysis

BBC Correspondent Iain Carter

Bryson DeChambeau's lengthy pre-shot routines fly in the face of the pace recommendations laid down in the rules of golf.

They state that a player should try to make his move within 40 seconds from the time it is his turn to play.

It is clear that the American is not making an effort to follow this directive. Other professionals and fans are losing their patience with DeChambeau's pedestrian methods.

The pressure on the PGA Tour is justified to take action and impose punishments to punish slow play.