Injured Golfer Addresses Slow Play Controversy at Augusta National Women's Amateur

Bailey Shoemaker explains how a recent nerve surgery has impacted her pre-shot routine and pace of play.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of muted earth tones with flashes of bright white and blue, conveying the mental and physical struggles of an injured player.A cubist interpretation of the mental and physical challenges facing an injured golfer as she battles to regain control of her swing and pace of play.Augusta Today

Bailey Shoemaker, a USC junior golfer, went viral this week for taking nearly 75 seconds to hit a shot during the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Shoemaker addressed the criticism, explaining that she has been battling a serious nerve injury for over a year that has impacted her motor control and pre-shot routine. Despite the slow play, Shoemaker is grateful to be back competing and regaining control of her body after fearing she may lose the use of her hand.

Why it matters

Slow play continues to be a major issue in golf, with governing bodies and fans often criticizing players who take an excessive amount of time over their shots. Shoemaker's case highlights how underlying injuries and medical conditions can sometimes be the root cause of slow play, rather than just poor time management or lack of consideration for other players.

The details

Shoemaker had surgery last October for cubital tunnel syndrome in her right arm, after playing through 'excruciating pain' and numbness for nearly seven months. The pain was so extreme that it caused her fingers to come off the club at the top of her backswing. While Shoemaker claims she is now fully healthy, the injury has taken a mental toll and delayed her pre-shot routine. Her coach, Justin Silverstein, said pre-injury, Shoemaker was one of the quickest players he's coached.

  • On Wednesday, a video of Shoemaker taking nearly 75 seconds to hit a shot at the Augusta National Women's Amateur went viral.
  • Last October, Shoemaker had surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome in her right arm after playing through pain and numbness for seven months.

The players

Bailey Shoemaker

A 21-year-old USC junior golfer who recently underwent surgery for a nerve injury in her right arm.

Justin Silverstein

Shoemaker's golf coach, who said she was one of the quickest players he's coached prior to her injury.

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What they’re saying

“I've been battling injury for over a year now, and so, I mean, I've got some things bugging me. But, I mean, when you have nerve surgery, you aren't in control. Like, it doesn't matter what my brain says or does—you think I want to do it intentionally? Of course not.”

— Bailey Shoemaker, USC Junior Golfer

“This was like, a pretty substantial injury, given it was my nerve. And I'm happy to have motor function over my hand. I thought I was going to, like, lose my hand, basically. So that's pretty scary to think about. So, I mean, to have control over my body is nice, for once. And just being out here playing is good.”

— Bailey Shoemaker, USC Junior Golfer

What’s next

Shoemaker plans to continue working on her pre-shot routine and regaining full control of her body as she recovers from her nerve injury. She will look to build on this experience at future tournaments.

The takeaway

Shoemaker's case highlights how underlying medical conditions can sometimes be the root cause of slow play in golf, rather than just poor time management. Her story serves as a reminder that there are often complex personal circumstances behind a player's pace of play that the public may not be aware of.