Justin Thomas found himself in an unusual disagreement with a rules official during Friday's second round of the 2026 PGA Championship, and he didn't hesitate to explain why he felt the timing was off.
Pace of play was a major issue at Aronimink Golf Club, with the first group of the morning slogging through a 5-hour, 40-minute round. With 78 players crammed onto the course, gusty winds and a tough major championship setup turned the day into a waiting game for nearly everyone. For Thomas, Cameron Young, and Keegan Bradley, the frustration peaked when Thomas and Bradley were put on the clock.
The two players were seen visibly arguing with an official, who responded by simply raising his hands after issuing the warning. After his round, Thomas explained why the call didn't make sense to him.
"When you have a logjam like that, you're waiting on every shot," Thomas said. "It's not about us playing slow—it's about the course being backed up. Being on the clock when you're already waiting doesn't help anyone."
The situation highlights the challenges players face in major championships, where every shot matters and rhythm is key. For Thomas, a two-time major winner, the pace-of-play penalty felt like an unnecessary distraction in an already demanding round.
