Fallout from the USGA and R&A’s joint distance report that cited “unusual and concerning increases” in driving distance on six professional tours around the world has been met with both applause and skepticism.
While various media members are taking the opportunity to push bifurcation ideas, major executives in the game from the PGA Tour and PGA of America have called B.S. on the report. Now, the players have weighed in, and two major champions in particular are not buying into any of the latest report’s concerns.
I still hit my 8 iron the same distance I did when I was 24. I have gained 3-7mph ballspeed with the modern driver since then. My ball speed in 2003 with 43.5” steel was 173-4. I actually tested this the other day. Still able to hit this number. I don’t think it’s the ball.
— Jimmy Walker (@JimmyWalkerPGA) March 7, 2018
Golfweek.com’s Brentley Romine got the players’ thoughts.
Jimmy Walker and Lucas Glover are among the PGA Tour pros coming out against the USGA in light of the 2017 Distance Report, which was released Monday and pointed out that distance gains deviated well above previous fluctuations while saying that “any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable.”
Walker, who won the 2016 PGA Championship, and Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open winner, took the same stance as others – including the PGA Tour, PGA of America and Titleist – by stating that the report fails to take into account other variables while also criticizing recent decisions by the USGA, including the anchoring ban.
“Too many variables in an outdoor sport to grasp what is actually happening,” Walker said. “What I do know is the USGA does not have their fingers on the pulse of the game. Taking away a putter that helps many many people enjoy the game is wrong. Rolling back the golf ball 20 percent is another bad idea. Ask the normal golfer how much they would enjoy the game if they flew it 20 percent shorter. I’m asking. Would you enjoy that? Changing golf for the masses because a small few who play it a different level is wrong. The greats and USGA have it wrong.”
Said Glover: “This movement to roll the golf ball back seems very reactive by the USGA, just like the anchoring deal. About 15 years late. The trends were there. Why now? And of course the PGA Tour gets roped in to try and smooth it over with the players. Oh and by the way, there’s one group that made it all legal. The USGA approved every ball and club they are now scrutinizing. Could have stopped it years ago. Stop blaming the manufacturers for doing their jobs.”
Oh and by the way, there’s one group that made it all legal. The @USGA approved every ball and club they are now scrutinizing. Could have stopped it years ago. Stop blaming the manufacturers for doing their jobs.
— Lucas Glover (@Lucas_Glover_) March 6, 2018
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