DeChambeau calls slow-play criticism 'an attack'

Bryson DeChambeau spoke at length about the recent criticisms of his slow play following the third round of The Northern Trust.

"I play a different way out there," DeChambeau said, according to Sports Illustrated's Daniel Rapaport. "I take my 40 seconds that's allotted, sometimes over, absolutely. Totally agree. It's maybe five percent of the time. But I'll tell you that it's really kind of unfortunate the way it's perceived because there's a lot of other guys that take a lot of time. They don't talk about this matter and for me personally, it is an attack and it is something that is not me whatsoever. People don't realize the harm that they are doing to the individuals."

Numerous players, fans, and pundits voiced their displeasure about DeChambeau's pace following Friday's round, and it's become a major storyline on Tour with the FedExCup playoffs underway.

"I'm trying to enjoy my time out there and play golf in the best way possible and I'm sprinting between every single shot because sometimes playing partners and caddies don't walk at the necessary speed that they need to," DeChambeau said. "This is a four-person job when we are talking about this. When you catch me out at my normal golf course, I'll be playing in two-and-a-half hours. I hate playing golf. I absolutely hate it. I love competition. It's the most fun thing in the world for me, but when people start talking to me about slow play and how I'm killing the game, I'm doing this and that to the game, that is complete and utter you-know-what. That's not fair."

DeChambeau sits in a tie for 24th at 6-under for the tournament entering Sunday's final round.