Yes Jordan, You are a Slow Player

As I sit here watching (yes, it's Fox so I have the sound down) Jordan Spieth walk up the 18th fairway to (finally) finish his 1st round at Oakmont, one has to wonder which takes longer,,,Spieth's preparation for a shot or pouring a bottle of Heinz 57 ketchup?  Spieth reminds me of a baseball player growing up.  Those who follow baseball will remember a player for the Cleveland Indians, Mike Hargrove.  He took so long to get into the batters box for each pitch that he was nicknamed the 'Human Rain Delay.'  Watching Jordan sometimes reminds me of Hargrove.

Yes...Spieth is a great player and has in some ways, unlimited ability and potential.  But let's go while you are young!  It seems he never has a shot that can't be discussed from twenty different perspectives with his caddie, including the most straight forward players.  Tick-Tock, tick-tock!  Of course, when the shot doesn't turn out like how the the calculus they both did to predict the shot, we get the commentary, astonishment and bemusement while they stand there and stare at where the ball ended up.

Of course, the most hilarious aspect of all of this is when the Rules Officials have the audacity to say, 'Excuse me, Jordan, your group is a hole and a half behind...you are on the clock'.  Spieth acts as if they just insulted his mother.  He seems to react as if 'I'm performing quantitative analysis and that takes time...so get off my back!'  He actually seem to argue with a European Tour official earlier this year in Dubai when he was put on the clock and likewise at the Masters in April.

Now it didn't help Jordan at Oakmont that he is paired with the 'Mad Scientist' Bryson Dechambeau and Zach Johnson, who is no speed-demon either.  But there is a trend, and Spieth is the common thread when it comes to slow play.  

Yes Jordan, , you are playing for huge amounts of money, major championships and your livelihood...but do us all a favor, admit your shot preparation is slow, don't act incredulous when you get put on the clock and most of all...speed up!  

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