ode
I don't think he plays any slower than a lot of notoriously slow players. It's not like he's in danger of becoming the poster child for the tour for slow play. And he's still lightyears away from ever being in a position to supplant Sergio and a few other epic whiners on tour (perhaps Bubba at times) in the pouting department.
I wish him well. My criticism isn't so much a negative criticism as it is just an unbiased observation. One could easily argue that what he did last week isn't all that different from the common practice of a tour player spending 2-3 minutes reading and dissecting every last detail in a green-reading book once their ball is on the green.
But given his analytical nature, both he and his diehard fans had to recognize that using a compass during a professional tournament was naturally only going to exacerbate the perception.
He's enjoying a very good start to his career, already winning twice since turning pro back in 2016. He's had some solid finishes in those tournaments he hasn't won this season, which is evidenced with his #6 ranking in the FedEx Cup points currently. He's making a lot of money.
There's enough there for someone to assume that he's already good and only gonna get better, especially if he becomes better on the greens. But there's also enough there for some to question whether or not his talent is being held back because of the analytical way he approaches the game. Not trying to be overly critical or negative, but just basing my own thoughts on what I've observed, not what has been said or written in the media by those looking to create negativity.
Bubba was/is unorthodox in his approach to the game, just as much as Bryson is. They just come from two entirely different playing spectrums. And it's also worth noting that Bubba often faced criticism because of his homemade swing and his attitude on occasion. Once he won two major championships - his critics pretty much swallowed their tongues.