The pace of play at the PGA Championship has suffered due to windy conditions during round 2, causing major delays for the professional golfers. Among the many players put on the clock, Alex Smalley shared his opinion on the matter.

Smalley started strong, scoring a 4-under 136 and taking the 36-hole lead alongside Maverick McNealy. In the second round, however, the American had to deal with a slight hiccup, leading to delays. But Smalley didn't let being put on the clock bother him.

"I don't know if it really affected me a whole lot. Like I told her, this isn't my first time being on the clock."

Smalley’s group, which included Zach Haynes and Chandler Blanchet, was put on the clock on Hole 1.

“Yeah, we had, I mean the last, 17 and 18 are two very difficult holes. And Chandler got a bad break on 18 that hit the tree and kind of went sideways. So I knew we were a little behind."

The trio overcame the delays, with Smalley securing a score of 1-under 69 in the second round.

“We had already been warned, I think, before that. So I was aware we were probably going to get timed. It's not my first time being timed, so I wasn't too caught up in the moment with it. But it is what it is.” Smalley added. ” said Smalley.

The first group had taken 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete their rounds on Friday. The strong winds at Aronimink and the "tricky" pin locations, as Scottie Scheffler stated, were two prominent factors for such a poor pace of play.

Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, and Keegan Bradley were also issued the same warning on the 4th hole.

Justin Thomas On The Pace Of Play Warning

Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, and Keegan Bradley were on the 4th hole when PGA Tour rules official Ken Tackett issued them the pace of play warning.

The trio did not take the warning in stride, with Thomas questioning the decision.

"We just didn't really agree with it. It's hard because it's kind of the whole time par thing. What is time par? How can time par on this course be the same when it's blowing 25 and the pins are tough than if it's not? And does time par change every day? There's just so many factors that go into it.” said Thomas.

Thomas also admitted that they were not “holding up the group” that was after them. Everyone was in a delay due to the conditions at the golf course. 

The two-time PGA Championship winner did not let the warning dismantle his focus as he went on to birdie the 4th and 6th holes and par the 5th in the second round. 

At the Aronimink, the 33-year-old will look to add another Wanamaker Trophy to his collection.

What are your thoughts on the pace of play warnings issued at the Aronimink? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Surjo Ray