Thought for the Day
One camel does not make fun of another camel’s hump
Ghanaian Proverb
They said what?
For decades there has been concern about the distances the golf ball can travel and finally the R&A and USGA have proposed that, from no earlier than 2026, the very best in the world would play a specific golf ball that would go about 15 yards less far. The world of pro golf has reacted with its usual considered views. Below are some of the things they have said (and a few of my responses).
Retief Goosen
It could really hurt the game if they suddenly bring the ball back 40 yards [actually it’s 15 yards, Retief, as I’m pretty sure you know]. Who’s going to want to buy a golf ball that goes shorter? [No one – but Tour pros don’t buy their golf balls and I suspect that worldwide sales of balls by the rest of us won’t be affected in the least]. So, the manufacturers are going to suffer [No, they’re not, because sales won’t be affected]. The guys are hitting the ball further because they’re becoming more athletes [sic] so really if they want to bring the ball back, tell the guys to stop exercising really. [Fabulous logic, Retief – well done].
Billy Andrade
We’re abiding by rules set by the by the R&A and USGA, which are a bunch of amateur golfers and such [they may be amateur golfers but they’re professional administrators and governors of the game – and they haven’t done too bad a job for over 500 years]. So maybe this is the time when we go off on our own so we play by our rules [Inspired idea. I wonder why you’re the only one who’s suggested it?]
Davis Love
We don’t want two sets of rules [You’re right, many people don’t]. I would get confused [not something I think you should admit too readily]. Like, I play the weak ball and then I go home, do I get to play the real ball? [That’s entirely up to you – but are you really saying you wouldn’t know the difference, or be able to make a judgement about which ball to play when you’re not in competition?] So it doesn’t really work [That depends on how much brain power you bring to the issue].
Steve Stricker
I’m not a big fan of that, rolling back the ball. I really think we should be playing the same equipment, the ball, as everybody else plays [Reasonable point, until you reflect that very few amateur golfers have the same swingspeed and ability as the pros, so we cannot play the same equipment as them – that’s why there are literally thousands of balls on the market, tailored to specific needs and ability]. If they really want to make things a little more difficult [which they don’t, they just want to rein back distance, not the same thing] you could adjust the driver a little bit but that ball probably goes hand-in-hand with the driver; they’re making the driver to fit the ball and vice versa [You started okay there, Steve but then rather argued against yourself]. The Tour is the entertainment business and they want to see birdies. If some guy goes out there and hits it shorter than your local amateur at your club, what’s so different about that? [Really? You’re suggesting that the best in the world will be out-driven by golf club members because of a 15-yard differential?]
TaylorMade Golf
We believe a large part of golf’s appeal is this underlying sense of: “I can do that, too.” And using the same equipment as the pros gives us a more accurate feel for how talented these players are. Most of us will never know what it’s like to play in Madison Square Garden, throw a touchdown in the Super Bowl, or score the game-winning goal in a World Cup final, but we can go to St. Andrews, walk across the Swilcan Bridge and for a moment feel what it’s like to be a professional. Walk in their shoes, play the same courses, and use the same equipment. It’s all part of why we love this sport. [As above, virtually no recreational golfer plays the same equipment as Tour pros. Oh, and when we play St Andrews or any other great course, we don’t play from the same tees as the pros, either, for very good reasons. And on a personal note, when I have played St Andrews I didn’t ‘for a moment’ feel what it’s like to be a professional].
Bryson DeChambeau
Look, if they do it in a way where it only affects the top end, I see the rationale [Excellent point, Bryson, because that’s exactly what’s proposed]. But I think it’s the most atrocious thing that you could possibly do to the game of golf. [Oh dear, and you started so well. The ‘most atrocious thing’? Worse than banning juniors or over-60s; or cutting the number of holes to six; or insisting we can only carry three clubs?] It’s not about rolling golf balls back. It’s about making golf courses more difficult. [No, it’s about rolling golf balls back; narrowing fairways at driving distance, or growing thicker rough would make courses more difficult]. I’m all about equality. I’m not about equity on this front. [Err… run that by me again].
Justin Thomas
My reaction was disappointed and also not surprised, to be honest. I think the USGA over the years has, in my eyes, it’s harsh, but made some pretty selfish decisions. They definitely, in my mind, have done a lot of things that aren’t for the betterment of the game, although they claim it. [Got a bit of history with the USGA, have you Justin?]
Phil Mickelson
I was actually surprised to hear this. So I have not read up on it. I haven’t looked into it. I haven’t really looked at the data, so I don’t really have an opinion on it right now. I just don’t have enough knowledge to really, on the subject to formulate an opinion yet. [Good grief; Phil takes the rational approach].
Stewart Cink
I’m not really in favour of doing that. I just don’t see the need. Having been in the game for a long time, I don’t think that players really are hitting their driver’s farther than they’ve hit it over the years. [What world have you been living in, Stewart; just look at the stats]. I don’t like putting the manufacturers in a position where they have to make two different balls and one of them is pretty much going to be a zero-revenue ball. [Finally, the nub of it, which I interpret to mean: ‘Manufacturers pay us a lot of money to play their equipment, so I don’t want to do anything that will make them unhappy.’]
Quote of the Week
Golf tips are like aspirin. One may do you good, but if you swallow the whole bottle, you’ll be lucky to survive
Harvey Pennick