In Honor of the Kentucky Derby: The PGA TOUR’s Fastest Golfers

May 2, 2015

Secretariat. War Admiral. Affirmed.

This weekend 31 thoroughbreds will compete at the Kentucky Derby, each with one particular goal in mind – to join these three legends. In celebration of the 141^st Kentucky Derby, a sporting event which is based on speed, here are five PGA TOUR members who are renowned not only for their golfing prowess, but for their swift pace of play.

Angel Cabrera – In 2007, Cabrera made history as the first Argentine to win the U.S. Open. Two years later, he added his name to the history books yet again, donning the green jacket as Argentina’s first Masters champion. Aside from his prodigious length off the tee and deft touch around the greens, patrons of both championships noticed another unique aspect of his game: his quickness. Wasting little time between shots, Cabrera is considered by some to be the fastest golfer on the PGA Tour.

John Daly – “The Wild Thing” may be due for another nickname soon, as Speed Demon would also be appropriate. Ever since he shocked the golf world with his improbable 1991 PGA Championship victory, Daly has played his rounds as quickly as possible, taking little to no time to analyze drives, approach shots, and putts. The best example of his rapid play may very well be the final round of the 1992 Players Championship, which he completed in an astonishing two hours and three minutes.

Rickie Fowler – The former number one ranked amateur golfer in the world, Fowler is one of the PGA Tour’s most popular members, recognized particularly for his cool demeanor, Puma outfits, and supermodel girlfriend. In addition to his laid back approach to the game, Fowler is also known for golfing as quickly as possible. In fact, during the second round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Fowler only spent an average of 16 seconds on each of his shots.

Rory Sabbatini – Many golf fans still remember when Sabbatini putted out of turn during the final round of the 2005 Booz Allen Classic and walked towards the 18^th tee box as his playing partner Ben Crane prepared to hit his approach shot on the 17^th hole. Although he apologized for his lack of patience, after being heavily criticized by the media, the six-time Tour winner has certainly not slowed down, as his pace of play remains faster than a majority of his fellow competitors.

Brandt Snedeker – A seven-time PGA Tour winner, Snedeker has a long list of career achievements, from earning the Rookie of the Year award in 2007 to capturing the FedEx Cup in 2012. Aside from his on-course success, Snedeker is also known for his quickness. Three years ago, he even criticized slower players, describing the PGA Tour’s pace of play as “pathetic” during an interview on the Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive.” Apparently, Snedeker will not be adjusting his playing pace anytime soon.

 

Honorable Mentions

Max Homa – The 2013 NCAA Division I Championship winner remarkably played the final round of the 2014 Puerto Rico Open in one hour and 58 minutes – by himself, of course.

Chris Kirk – A winner of three PGA Tour events, including the 2014 Deutsche Bank Championship, Kirk was also timed during the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational, spending an average of 23 seconds on each of his shots.

Dustin Johnson – Arguably one of the PGA Tour’s most naturally gifted golfers, he also ranks amongst its fastest. His speed has not affected his results though, as he has already captured nine PGA Tour victories.

Jeff Overton – During the final round of the 2010 PGA Championship, Overton played at a considerably fast pace, finishing 18 holes in two hours and nine minutes, an all-time PGA Championship record. A few weeks later, he competed in his first Ryder Cup.

Jhonattan Vegas – The 2011 Bob Hope Classic champion only spent an average of 21 seconds on his shots when timed during the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational.