Champion Jon Raham endured a gruelling final day of the Masters — and not just because of the rain-interrupted schedule that meant Round 3 had to be completed before the last round got underway.
Rahm and overnight leader Brooks Koepka played final round lasting almost five hours faced notable waits on just about every tee, with many laying the blame at American Patrick Cantlay who was playing in the group ahead.
Asked about the pace of play after carding a final-round 75 to finish tied second, Koepka said: “That group in front of us was brutally slow.
“Jon went to the bathroom like seven times during the round and we were still waiting.”
Cantlay has become notorious for his slow rate of play and many pundits and fans took to social media to complain again.
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Remarkably, even Cantlay’s playing partner appeared to take exception with his speed. Social media users noted several occasions when Viktor Hovland seemed to “send a message” to Cantlay but not waiting to take his shot.
The slow play contributed to a disappointing day for Koepka, who took a four-shot lead into the final day.
Still, the four-time major winner was pleased to be contending on the biggest stage again as he was one of three LIV Golf stars – along with Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed — to finish in the top 5.
Asked about what the showing proved about the rebel tour contingent, Koepka bristled.
“I mean, we’re still the same people,” he said.
“If I’m healthy I know I can compete and I don’t think any of the players that played this event thought otherwise either.
“When Phil plays good you know he’s going to compete. P Reed same thing . I think that’s just manufactured by the media that we can’t compete and we’re washed up.”
Of the mood between players from both tours, the 32-year-old added: “I guess it is kinda fractured just from the fan’s perspective but as far as us, I think everybody saw it this week. We’re all .. it’s nice to see everybody, there’s no hard feelings pretty much and I think that’s the way everybody should see it.”
