Brooks Koepka has hit out at JB Holmes, demanding top stars must think more intelligent to play quicker.
Koepka tapped his wrist toward authorities to signal his displeasure with Holmes’ moderate play during Sunday’s final round at The Open.
The steely Florida native ground to three-over standard in appalling weather conditions, to end the year’s final major tied for fourth at six-under.
Koepka missed the opportunity to become the first man to seal top-two completes in all the four majors in a calendar year, and was disappointed with his performance at Royal Portrush.
“There are a lot of slow guys out here, that’s not the first time I’ve done it, especially when you’ve got a walking official with you,” said World No.1 Koepka, of tapping his wrist.
“He had a rough day, but JB is a slow player. I know it’s difficult in the wind, but I didn’t think he was that bad today, I thought he was all right.
“There were some times where I thought it was slow.
“I’m usually ready to go as soon as the guy’s ball is coming down.
“I’m ready to go most of the time, that’s what I don’t understand, when it’s your turn to hit, the glove’s not on, and then you start thinking about it. That’s where the problem lies.
“It’s not that he takes that long, it’s probably just that he doesn’t do anything until it’s his turn. And that’s the frustrating part.
“But he’s not the only one who does it out here.
“The European Tour does an unbelievable job on pace of play that the PGA Tour doesn’t do.
“Like I said, it wasn’t that bad today, it really wasn’t. I thought he was relatively quick, for what he usually is.”
In the interim, Big-hitting American Tony Finau admits the finalround of The Open at Royal Portrush was one of the uncommon events he was more than content with third spot – his best completion in a noteworthy.
“I was just happy with the way I hung in there,” said the 29-year-old.
“I am really proud of the way I played this week. My best finish in a major on this venue is pretty cool.
“I continue to just prove to myself one day I can win one of these, no doubt.”
