Player: Ball technology hurting golf

Gary Player believes technology has allowed players to hit the ball too far and it’s hurting the game.
The South African legend used the par fives at Augusta as an example. During his final round, winner Bubba Watson smashed a drive so far down the 510 yard par five 13th that he only required a wedge to reach the green.
“Millions of people saw a man making a mockery out of Augusta National’s so-called par-5s on Sunday,” said Player, a three-time winner at the Masters.
“When are the USGA, the R&A and the PGA going to have more vision and cut the ball back by 50 yards?
“When you see people hitting a driver and a wedge on No13, what are we doing?”
To further illustrate Player’s point, long driver Jamie Sadlowski of Canada can hit the ball over 400 yards, meaning he could stand on the first tee at St Andrews and drive over the green.
“Where is the game going? The ball is going farther and we have lightweight shafts, metal heads, fairways cut like a flattop hairdo!” continued the 78-year-old.
“I’m a great admirer of golf’s leaders, but they must realise that in 20-30 years time, as better athletes start to play golf because it’s the only sport where you can make more money at 60 years old that when you were in your prime. Bubba Watson will be a short hitter by comparison.”
The nine time Major winner continued to explain how some golf clubs are lengthening their courses at great expense in order to accommodate longer hitters. As a result, member ships costs go up and golfers leave.
“Can’t we see how it’s hurting the game? The clubs are trying to follow the pros, but the pros are the most unimportant people in golf! The most important people in golf are the amateurs and the club members! Leave the technology for the amateur weekend golfer. Let’s get back to reality,” concluded Player.
Latest
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.
-
News
European Tour preparing for business as planned in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is due to start next week.
-
News
Two-time major champion Angel Cabrera arrested in Brazil
The former US Open and Masters winner was on the run from the law.
-
News
On this Day in 2013: Paul McGinley given Ryder Cup captaincy
McGinley would go on to be involved in a sixth Ryder Cup victory.
-
News
Collin Morikawa keen to draw inspiration from family ties to Hawaii at Sony Open
Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas has withdrawn from the event after testing positive for coronavirus.
-
News
R&A: ‘No plans’ for Open to head to Donald Trump-owned Turnberry in near future
Trump National in Bedminster was on Sunday stripped of next year’s US PGA Championship.
-
News
US PGA Championship moved from Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey
Trump National in Bedminster had been set to host the event.