The Open 2019: Social media torched J.B. Holmes for slow play at Royal Portrush

J.B. Holmes is six shots off the lead at 10 under after shooting 69 during Saturday’s third round of the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Yet despite Holmes’ strong performance, it was his slow play that garnered him the attention of golf fans on social media.

The 37-year-old Holmes is notorious for playing slow, and he drew criticism for it from both the broadcasters and social media during his last Tour win this past February at the Genesis Open.

After playing together, 54-hole leader Shane Lowry said that he came into Saturday’s third round prepared for Holmes’ pace of play and that it wasn’t a problem.

“We talked about all the scenarios that could happen today,” Lowry said. “I know J.B. is quite a deliberate golfer. We were fine today. We kept up pace of play. And Tommy and Lee are quite quick. I was ready for it. And I think same conversations tomorrow morning, I think I’ll be ready for tomorrow when it comes.”

Holmes, who has never won a major title, will be teeing off on Sunday morning at 8:37 a.m. ET alongside Brooks Koepka. The irony of that is Koepka hasn’t been shy about his criticism of slow play on the PGA Tour. The four-time major champion wastes no time when on the course, so golf fans are in for a clash of playing styles in the second-to-last pairing of the tournament.

Here are some of the best tweets from Golf Twitter who scolded Holmes for being slowpoke on Saturday.

Not on the clock but the last group being watched. @theopen pic.twitter.com/5fgXBenk08

— Geoff Shackelford (@GeoffShac) July 20, 2019

was sent this amusing exchange from the UK coverage yesterday:
“Sturdy looking fellow, isn’t he, this JB."
Ken Brown “Certainly not built for speed."

— Brendan Porath (@BrendanPorath) July 20, 2019

The Open radio broadcast is lambasting Holmes for his trademark slow play. Welcome to hear, to be honest.

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) July 20, 2019

Sneak peek at what Sunday’s Koepka-Holmes pairing is going to look like… pic.twitter.com/4r8Llp72jj

— Tim Reilly (@LifeOfTimReilly) July 20, 2019

should be fine pic.twitter.com/VVIo9Gt0I3

— Josh Berhow (@Josh_Berhow) July 20, 2019

Show the whole JB pre-shot routine. Put a timer on the screen. Air him all the way out. They're already over a hole behind! This isn't fair to Lowry.

— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) July 20, 2019

👇 first tweet ever to feature JB Holmes & “running” in the same sentence. https://t.co/OFSAAfnYeU

— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) July 20, 2019

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