The standard of golf

[CarpeDiem]

I refer to a post that I made in another thread. Why not just give every golfer the same make and model of club, right through from driver to putter and ball. Then you'll see whos the best golfer, as to has the standard of golf changed, I think the answer is a definate yes. Mainly due to the equipment but also to the fitness levels the players have now take Tiger for example before and after most rounds he in the gym not sipping on a pint.

 

[Herbie]

I tend to feel there is less difference in standard of individual greatness or even scoring (would like to see just how many records have been broken and by how much), I just believe like others that there is a greater depth in the class of excelence, it may even justify some arguments that it is harder for the top guys to break records as there are so many capable players out there. Is it due to advance in kit and training etc or is it just down to popularity making it more available in a wealthier world?

 

[KeefG]

With todays equipment for the Pros, virtually every shot is just 'hit it straight at 100%'...there is little shot making required these days...

I disagree with that entirely, how you can say there is little shot making required after witnessing one of the highest quality WGC's ever is beyond me.

For a pro with the ability to, and who did, make said shots, look no further than young Rory!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think the problem with the game today is that the strength in depth means that there at least 20 possible winners in most European tour fields on any given week and maybe 10 or so (even with Tiger) on the USPGA. Back in the 80's if the likes of Faldo, Woosnam, Lyle, Seve etc were in the field, a breakthrough winner outside the main group was a big news story. The quality of modern coaching, the forgiveness of modern equipment and to some extent the changes to most tour event courses (marginal rough that is hardly penal, receptive greens etc) means that scores are lower and sub-par rounds easier to come by.

I remember some events (B&H at St Mellion) where it was almost like an Open event with penal rough, tight pins etc. Most of the field of the top Europeans of the day struggled to cope.

 

[Cernunnos]

With Seve it was his temperement that got him both into & out of trouble. Very much a feel & flair player. Very exciting to watch.

Over the years, yes shot making has become less imortant on some courses. The irony Is the attempt to make courses Tiger & Bomber proof, has done the exact oposite & has played into the hands of the bomber & detracted from encouraging any sort of inituative as regards shot making.

I honestly do think a return to shorter tighter courses with more twists & turns, with hazards of all types are the way to go. Lets narrow down & shorten fairway landing areas.

 

[SammmeBee]

With todays equipment for the Pros, virtually every shot is just 'hit it straight at 100%'...there is little shot making required these days...

I disagree with that entirely, how you can say there is little shot making required after witnessing one of the highest quality WGC's ever is beyond me.

For a pro with the ability to, and who did, make said shots, look no further than young Rory!

You've missed the point....it doesn't matter today if there is wind or not - the ball moves so little today you just stand up and hit it, there's no holding up against the breeze or hitting a low one into the wind for the big boys anymore.....

Yes they hit some very good shots last week and they do every week but it is all done by method and not by feel....

 

[haplesshacker]

I'm fairly certain that todays pros, if given the kit from yesteryear, would adapt and still be pros. Likewise the pros of yesteryear with todays kit.

Regardless of kit used, these guys are pro for a reason. It's not because they're average or even slightly better than average, it's becase they are different. They are dedicated to their cause beyond all belief.

To be a pro in any sport nowadays take tremendous dedication and sacrifice, and the top guys are just 'special' regardless of era. (Maybe not football though!).

These guys (and not forgetting their parents who probably funded their progression initially), have tremendous belief in their ability, and have the ability to back it up. I bet 30 plus years ago the pros weren't training in the gym at all. Just compare James Hunt to Lewis Hamilton. You can't; it's just a different era.

Schmacher changed F1 as far as driver dedication is concerned. Tiger did the same for golf. It's the same in most sports.

Is it really nessecary to compare eras like this; no. Things change.

Greats are greats, regardless of era.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I agree with Sammmebee (no really I do!!!) in that there is no skill in having to hit high or low shots and move it both ways. You can rip it, find it and rip it again with almost impunity. The rough with the exception of the Open, US open and USPGA is negligible in terms of a deterrent and virtually non-exisitant at Augusta. It plays into the hands of those that have been highly coached and not those with a more natural feel for the game

 

[haplesshacker]

I agree with Sammmebee (no really I do

Blimming heck. I'd never thought I'd see the day!!

 

[bobmac]

I'm afraid I dont agree.
To play on the worlds stage, you have to qualify to get there. Whether it's through the Q School, Europro tour, Challenge tour or just being a brilliant amateur, you have to be able to play all the shots.
Dont forget Rory M. was +6 when he turned pro.
How many of you off 5 know someone good enough to give you 10 shots and beat you?
I dont pretend to be in the same class as a top tour player, but believe me, these guys can play all the shots either wise they wouldn't be there and they dont rely on just good bats and balls!!!

 

[Dodger]

Nobody is saying they can't play just that the degree of ball movement and severity of shot making is not as prevalent as it was even ten years back.I know for a fact as do others that the old style ball really moved/was affected by the wind etc compared to the ball now,just listen to Jack Nicklaus on how he believes the ball is the one biggest thing that needs changed back.....

 

[OldWindy]

I don't think so, IMHO. To compare golfers from different generations is almost impossible as you don't have an accurate measure (eg, courses are longer, bunkers easier, rough (or not), equipment, fitness, strength, etc.) rendering it pointless. Each golfer of any era/generation did the best they could with what they had at the time.

What is more relevant is that you might successfully argue current players are fitter, stronger (mentally and physically), have more technology at their disposal and are better paid. Has the standard improved? Can't tell but if you ask 100 twenty-somethings and 100 octogenarians you're bound to get quite differing answers.

 

[bobmac]

I agree that the ball does help a bit but I get fed up hearing people saying that the top players have it easy compared to the old days.
It's a tough school whenever you play it.
Sorry, the brandy has kicked in

 

[USER1999]

It certainly isn't easy, that is for sure. Turning pro off plus 5 is no guarantee you will make any money at it. Plenty fail. As I said before, they all have the coaching, the physique, the talent, etc, but few have got what it really takes. The ability to win. That is the bit you can't buy. Tough way to make a living, but I would love to give it a go.

 

[bobmac]

Murph, be careful what you wish for, it may come true

 

[SammmeBee]

I'm afraid I dont agree.
To play on the worlds stage, you have to qualify to get there. Whether it's through the Q School, Europro tour, Challenge tour or just being a brilliant amateur, you have to be able to play all the shots.
Dont forget Rory M. was +6 when he turned pro.
How many of you off 5 know someone good enough to give you 10 shots and beat you?
I dont pretend to be in the same class as a top tour player, but believe me, these guys can play all the shots either wise they wouldn't be there and they dont rely on just good bats and balls!!!

I'm not saying they can't...I'm saying they don't have to - todays stuff hits balls through the wind - they don't have to worry about it anymore....the greens are better which does make putting easier...

I play off 5 and have always been the 'chopper' in my group - I got hammered one day getting 11 shots from someone so I know how good these boys are.....all I'm saying is 'grip it and rip' has taken over from 'culture'....

 

[bobmac]

Who gave you 11 shots Sammee?

 

[SammmeBee]

Who gave you 11 shots Sammee?

Er....er....er...er....what's his name...er...er...er...was quite good, very good putter, not very good commentator....has maybe edited GM in the past.....

 

[USER1999]

Ah ha, have worked that one out.

Off day perhaps?

 

[SammmeBee]

Ah ha, have worked that one out.

Off day perhaps?

The f*cker didn't miss from inside of 25 feet when he got it on the green.....only won on 17 though....