Collin Morikawa becomes a spectator as pace of play proves an issue at the Open
Some of Thursday’s rounds took longer than six hours
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Collin Morikawa joked he became a spectator as the pace of play proved an issue on the first day of the Open at St Andrews.
Some of Thursday’s rounds took longer than six hours as the layout of the Old Course, with its double greens, joint fairways and numerous crossover points, slowed the 156-man field.
Defending champion Morikawa, who was in the 19th of the 52 three-ball groupings alongside Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, admitted it had been frustrating.
“I figured it would be slow, but I didn’t know it would be this slow,” said the American, winner at St George’s last year, after his opening level-par 72.
“We were waiting on groups at tees, waiting on fairways. Xander and I talked about it, we’re watching more golf than we ever have.
“You stay in the fairway and you’re watching two other groups play golf.”
McIlroy did not let the matter bother him too much as he carded a six-under-par 66.
The 2014 champion said: “It’s quite stop-start but I think St Andrews is that way.
“There’s a lot of criss-crossing and waiting on other greens and waiting on greens to clear because they’re drivable par fours.
“So I think, especially the first two days when it’s the full field, it’s to be expected. It is what it is.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments