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

USC junior Bailey Shoemaker says her deliberate pre-shot routine is the result of a nerve injury that nearly cost her the use of her hand.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:53pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the complexity of the sport and the mental focus required.A cubist interpretation of a golfer's deliberate pre-shot routine, reflecting the mental and physical challenges that can impact the pace of play.Augusta Today

Bailey Shoemaker, a USC junior golfer, has faced criticism for her incredibly slow pace of play during the recent Augusta National Women's Amateur tournament. Shoemaker, who missed the cut by three strokes, addressed the controversy, explaining that she has been battling a nerve injury in her right arm for over a year that has significantly impacted her pre-shot routine and caused her to take nearly 75 seconds to hit a single shot.

Why it matters

Slow play is a persistent issue in golf, and Shoemaker's case highlights the complex factors that can contribute to a player's pace of play, including underlying physical and mental challenges. Her story also raises questions about how the golf community should approach and respond to slow play, particularly when it stems from a serious injury.

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 injury was so severe 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 mental toll of the injury has delayed her pre-shot routine, which was previously one of the quickest on her team.

  • Shoemaker had surgery for her nerve injury in October 2025.
  • The Augusta National Women's Amateur tournament took place in April 2026.

The players

Bailey Shoemaker

A 21-year-old junior golfer at the University of Southern California who faced criticism for her incredibly slow pace of play at the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur tournament.

Justin Silverstein

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

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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 recovery and pre-shot routine in preparation for future tournaments.

The takeaway

Shoemaker's story highlights the complex challenges that injured athletes can face, both physically and mentally, and the need for greater understanding and support from the golf community when it comes to slow play. Her perseverance in the face of a potentially career-threatening injury is a testament to her dedication and resilience.