Holmes fights back against slow-play criticism: 'I’ve sped up quite a bit'

LOS ANGELES – Speaking to reporters with the Genesis Open trophy by his side, J.B. Holmes fought back against his reputation as one of the PGA Tour’s slowest players.

Holmes outlasted both an elite field and some demanding conditions during a difficult final day at Riviera Country Club, playing 33 holes on the tournament’s final day. His 1-under 70 in the final round left him at 14 under, one shot ahead of Justin Thomas.

But Holmes’ pace was under the microscope as much as his stellar play, with CBS on-course reporter Peter Kostis at one point questioning Holmes’ deliberate pre-shot routine before a putt on the fourth green. Holmes played the final round with Thomas and Adam Scott, the latter…