Golf Channel pundit Johnson Wagner believes many PGA Tour players are missing a golden opportunity for themselves and their sponsors.
A dreadful pace of play overshadowed Sepp Straka’s victory at The American Express. The final trio took three and a half hours to finish just 11 holes. What’s more, Straka’s group were stranded on one hole for over 30 minutes whilst waiting for the green to clear.
The American Express was also dealt a blow before the tournament event started, with Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele all absent.
With interest in the PGA Tour seemingly dwindling and The Amex coming under fire, Justin Thomas sent a letter to the Tour’s members. The two-time major winner asked his fellow professionals to be more open to speaking to broadcast companies both during and post-round.
What Johnson Wagner has said about players talking to the media
Over the past year, more and more players have held in-round talks with the press whilst walking from one shot to the next. Billy Horschel spoke to Todd Lewis at The Amex, and Thomas conducted a walk-and-talk at the season opener in Kapalua.
The chats are undoubtedly interesting and provide live insight into what the world’s best players are thinking while on the course.
Wagner, however, is surprised by the number of players who turn down the chance to speak to broadcasters mid-round.
“Yes, if it was someone like me sending that letter to players, it wouldn’t have nearly as much weight. I have told players I think you are crazy to not do walks and talks on the course,” Wagner said.
“I have said to players that any chance you have to be on television is good for every sponsor you have, it’s good for you, it’s good to show your personality a bit. I have encouraged players to do so. But having JT, who is a leader, to do it, it carries a ton more weight.”
Change required on the PGA Tour amid growing criticism
Of course, golf fans will welcome more on-course interviews, but simply increasing media access won’t address the glaring issues that have emerged since the start of 2025.
The PGA Tour opener at the Plantation Course was, quite frankly, rather dull to watch. Hideki Matsuyama shooting 35 under at a venue which is clearly not challenging isn’t entertaining. Selecting harder courses which test the best players is a must if changes are made.
As previously mentioned, addressing slow play is now non-negotiable. Whether it’s handing out more fines or adding shots, the current scenario cannot continue. Remarkably, only three players have been penalised for slow play since 1995.
Thomas’ letter means well, but it has sadly failed to address the problems that need to be dealt with.
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