US Open contender not bothered by glacial pace: "What's another 40 minutes?"

US Open hopeful J.J. Spaun doesn't seem too bothered by the glacial pace of play.

That the topic has been brought into sharp focus after 36 holes of the third men's major of the year at Oakmont Country Club is not a complete surprise. 

The course is not only long (7,400 yards) but is mentally and physically demanding. 

Bryson DeChambeau told media before attempting to defend his title the course also tests your sanity.

DeChambeau was one of several notables to miss the cut. 

That being said, should these elite golfers be taking this long?

It took Friday morning's marquee group of Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa 71 minutes to complete their first three holes. 

When they were done, they had been on the course five hours and 44 minutes. 

Of course, they weren't alone and in fairness were made to wait on several occasions. 

At one point, there were five groups trying to play the par-5 12th. 

It's understood the USGA believed three balls could comfortably get round in four hours and 45 minutes. 

"Honestly, we play pretty slow on Tour anyway," Spaun told reporters after his second round. "So, what's another 40 minutes?."

Spaun said the key for competitors over the next two days is to just accept it and embrace it. 

"And stay fuelled as far as nutrition and eating and drinking enough water to stay hydrated," he said. 

What have other players said about pace of play?

Scheffler admitted it 'felt long' but appeared more frustrated with how he played. 

"You guys are the ones watching," the World No.1 said. 

"I'm just trying to play. I've got too many concerns other than the pace it takes to get around this place."

Scheffler added: "Look at the ground we've got to cover out there to walk 18 holes. 

"That's a big piece of property. It just takes time. It just takes time to hit that many golf shots."

Viktor Hovland said the slow play has actually helped him this week. 

Especially if he has had a bad couple of holes. 

"I tend to rush," he said. "I tend to really get quick. "Out here when the rounds are so long, you can't really do that. 

"As you said, you have to reset, and yeah, you might have had a bad hole on the last hole and then you're sitting on the tee box for 10, 20 minutes. 

"At least it gives you a good opportunity to get that out of your system and reset and think about the next shot."

Follow live text updates of Saturday's third round on the GolfMagic website.