Augusta Women’s Amateur controversy erupts over shocking 72-second shot

Slow play once again flared into the spotlight at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on Wednesday, thanks to a moment that seemed to test the patience of golf fans everywhere. 

USC junior Bailey Shoemaker spent an eye-watering 1 minute and 12 seconds over her tee shot on the par-3 eighth at Champions Retreat, prompting an online debate about pace of play at elite amateur events.

The delay began immediately as Shoemaker addressed the ball. 

Cameras caught her executing seven distinct waggles and several half-swings, repeatedly reaching for the downswing only to step back and reset. 

When the ball finally left her clubface, it landed some 25 feet from the hole.

The prolonged pre-shot routine also threatened to disrupt the rhythm of her playing partners, Gyubeen Kim and Amelie Zalsman, although they managed to maintain their pace with rounds of 3-under and 5-under respectively. Shoemaker carded a 1-over 73.

She did not receive a penalty since the group was not “on the clock” at the time, meaning the official 40-second limit for a stroke did not yet apply.

Watch what happened here: 

Shoemaker has faced considerable challenges over the past year, including surgery in October 2025 for cubital tunnel syndrome in her right arm. 

Before the operation, she played through months of pain and numbness that occasionally made her lose grip on the club mid-swing. Though she has returned to full physical health and posted five top-12 finishes this spring for the Trojans, she admits mental hurdles remain.

“Just trying to reassure myself that there isn’t pain anymore,” Shoemaker said after the round. 

“I’ve been struggling for the last four months to be fully committed to hitting the ball.”

Her coach, Justin Silverstein, defended the junior, describing the delay as a “trauma response” rather than a lack of respect for the pace of play. 

“It’s not easy what she’s going through as far as being able to swing comfortably and confidently,” Silverstein said.

“She’s taking it back, and her brain is still firing like it’s going to hurt, and that’s how she played all last spring.”

Social media, however, was less forgiving. 

Golf Channel reporter Brentley Romine shared the clip, and the comments section quickly filled with criticism. 

Fans expressed frustration over the impact on Shoemaker’s partners and the tournament’s flow.

One commenter wrote: “She’s either ready to play by the rules or she’s not. Sixth start of the year—plenty of chances to test it. Not fair to the playing partners.” 

Another recalled high school golf drills: “My coach would yell at us for taking more than one practice swing. Make your decision. Get a feel. Hit it.”

The ANWA is taking place at Augusta a week before the main event, The Masters. 

Debate over Shoemaker's pace of play highlights a wider issue in golf.

Pace-of-play rules (Rule 5.6b) encourage golfers to complete strokes within 40 seconds, with penalties escalating from a warning to eventual disqualification. 

Yet, players are only officially timed if their group is out of position, giving Shoemaker a legal buffer for her 72-second pause.

Despite the controversy, Shoemaker has reason to remain focused on her game. 

She famously shot a ANWA record 66 at Augusta National two years ago to finish runner-up, and her priority now is overcoming both physical and mental barriers to return to peak performance.

Keep up to speed with ANWA scores here