Billy Foster, one of the most respected caddies in the game, has long been at the heart of some of golf’s most iconic moments. Having caddied for legends such as Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods, and helping Matt Fitzpatrick claim his US Open triumph, Foster’s experience on the bag speaks for itself. But more recently, the straight-talking Yorkshireman has dipped his toe into the world of punditry, appearing on SKY Sports for the WM Phoenix Open. And as expected, Billy hasn’t minced his words – especially when it comes to one player’s slow pace of play.
The player in question is Tom Kim, the 22-year-old Korean star who has already made a significant mark on the PGA Tour. Kim was criticised the previous week at the AT&T Pro-Am for his deliberate approach to the game, but it was at TPC Scottsdale, during Billy Foster’s commentary, that the caddie-turned-pundit made his feelings known.
Get On With It
Billy Foster, who is known for his no-nonsense attitude, didn’t hold back as Kim’s glacial pace continued. “I’ve fallen asleep on my head covers leaning on the bag waiting for him to hit a shot now and again,” Foster quipped. “He’s as slow as it comes, get on with it will you.” Foster’s frustration was palpable, as Kim’s slow play seemed to be in full swing, much to the dismay of those around him.
The moment didn’t end there. After Kim spent an age analysing his options from the rough, only to duff the shot, Foster seized the opportunity for a jibe. “Ooooh Tom, see if you played it quickly you would have been alright.”
Foster’s remarks come at a time when the issue of slow play is under the spotlight, and the Tours are taking action. The PGA and DP World Tours have long been aware of the impact slow play has on the game – not only in terms of fan experience but also in how it affects the players’ rhythm. To address this growing concern, the Tours have started implementing fines for players who consistently breach pace-of-play regulations.
Fines Issued
At the 2024 RBC Heritage, Patrick Cantlay was slapped with a fine for slow play. Despite being one of the most consistent players on the Tour, Cantlay was called out after a series of delays during his round. His habit of taking extra time for shots, particularly on the greens, led to complaints from both competitors and fans, and the fine was a clear message from the Tour that slow play would not be tolerated.
For Billy Foster, it’s clear that slow play is a pet peeve. With the Tours taking stronger action and levying fines, it seems the days of endless waiting on the course could be numbered. Whether these measures will have the desired effect remains to be seen, but as Foster aptly put it: “Get on with it.”
