Full Breakdown
Justin Thomas and Group Put on Clock for Slow Play at 2026 PGA Championship
5/16/2026, 5:13:42 AM
Slow-Play Warning at Aronimink
On Friday, the second round of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, a rules official placed the trio of two-time champion Justin Thomas, former Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, and 2023 Cadillac champion Cameron Young on the clock for slow play. The warning was issued midway through the round; the group was removed from the timer after the next hole and finished with a one-under 69.
Context: Course Conditions and Pace-of-Play Rules
Aronimink’s Donald Ross layout played as a par-70, 7,394-yard test. Friday’s wind gusts exceeded 20 mph (some reports 25 mph) and pin placements were difficult, prompting approaches. The morning wave took five hours, and the scoring average rose to 73.1, up from 72.3 on Thursday. The PGA of America’s pace-of-play rule issues a caution for a first infraction and a one-stroke penalty for a second, with escalating fines and disqualification.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on wind speed—some cite gusts over 20 mph, others specify 25 mph—and on round duration, with reports of five hours versus five-and-a-half hours for the morning wave.
Players and Reactions
Thomas said his group did not agree with the warning, arguing that high winds and tough pins made a uniform “time-par” unrealistic. He added they were behind but not holding up the group ahead. Bradley echoed the frustration; Young stayed silent. Clubhouse leader Alex Smalley, also warned, later held a 36-hole lead. Brooks Koepka urged officials to “start stroking guys,” and Scottie Scheffler questioned the extreme pin placements.
Official Position
The PGA of America’s on-course official warned Thomas’s group for exceeding the allotted time. The rulebook states a first warning is a caution; a second infraction automatically adds a one-stroke penalty under Rule 6-7, with further violations leading to additional strokes, fines up to $50,000 and disqualification.
Criticism
Critics say the system lacks deterrence. Koepka’s call to “start stroking guys” reflects frustration that the PGA Tour has not handed out a stroke penalty for slow play in three years, despite the rule’s $50,000 fine and incremental strokes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just didn't really agree with it,” — Justin Thomas, PGA Championship participant
- “How can time par on this course be the same when it’s blowing 25 [mph winds] and the pins are tough than if it’s not?” — Justin Thomas, PGA Championship participant
- “[You've got to] start stroking guys,” — Brooks Koepka, former major champion
- “If a player exceeds the time limit on one (1) occasion, he/she will then be cautioned that if he/she exceeds the time limit on one more occasion, (total of 2), he/she will automatically incur a penalty of one stroke, under Rule 6-7.” — PGA of America, governing body
What’s Next
Thomas’s group will start the third round with the warning still on record; a second infraction would trigger the one-stroke penalty outlined by the PGA of America. The tournament continues through Sunday, and officials have indicated they will monitor pace closely, applying the same timing protocol to any group that falls behind the projected schedule.
