The recent incident involving Matt Fitzpatrick at The Memorial has sparked a debate about the pace of play on the PGA Tour. The English golfer's slow play near the end of his third round, particularly on the par-five 15th hole, drew criticism from commentator Jay Townsend, who suggested a potential rule change. Townsend's suggestion is a valid one: once a player replaces their ball on the green after marking it, they should not be allowed to re-mark and go through their reading routine again. This rule change could significantly impact the pace of play, as players taking an age to line up their putts is a common issue on the PGA Tour. Fitzpatrick's slow play has been a recurring problem, with previous incidents at the RBC Heritage in April. It is clear that the PGA Tour needs to address this issue to improve the overall experience for players and spectators alike. The tour should consider Townsend's suggestion and make a rule change regarding re-marking balls on the green to ensure a more dynamic and exciting game. This is especially important given Fitzpatrick's recent struggles, which have seen him fall back into a tie for 32nd place at The Memorial. The incident highlights the need for a balanced approach to rule changes, ensuring that the integrity of the game is maintained while also promoting a faster and more engaging pace of play.
