How Low is Too Low ?

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By Darius V

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  • 4 Replies
  1. Darius V

    Darius V
    Barrie, ON

    I am curious what my fellow TT members think about this.

    I currently play to a 5 handicap and try hard to lower my scores every time I go out. I know that additional length would help a little, but the biggest thing for me seems to be hitting more fairways and more greens in regulation rather than distance.

    The tour players seem to be shooting lower and lower total scores and obviously equipment is key in this. I am kind of tired of seeing scores of 62 and 64 on a regular basis. It makes me think the courses have been set up too easy for them.

    I prefer to see the tour players fight hard to shoot below par and feel that it would be better if the scores of 69 to 71 (par 72) would be more exciting. My thought would be to have the tour lengthen and thicken the rough in every tournament similar to the U.S. Open set-up, and set up the greens so that it becomes more of a challenge for them would benefit the game. Perhaps softening up the fairways so that the ball does not roll out as much would be a good idea as it would take away some of those 80 yard rolls they get, and also give them a better chance of staying in the fairways as long as they select the right club off the tee.

    Am I alone in this, or do you prefer to see a birdie fest ?

  2. Enan S

    Enan S
    aurora, IL

    I completely agree with you, but only in higher tournaments like the masters

  3. Kevin B

    Kevin B
    New york, NY

    I do agree with you on a certain level, it should be tougher than normal for Pro's playing any course...... but these guys are so good and practice and play every day. It;s their job... I'm a 6 handicap and never "practice"  I play weekends and when I can during the week... BTW I started the year at an 8, went up to 9 and am now down to a 6 handicap. with that said I am now working 5 days a week, so will probably move back to 7 or 8

  4. Kevin R

    Kevin R
    ND Ile Perrot, QC

    Hi Darius,

    I, too, struggle with this question somewhat.  I agree that historically, a 62 is a magical score, and happened once in a wile, but it seems somewhat commonplace these days.  The epitome of what you're saying is the multiple 59s that we saw just a few years ago.

    Sure, equipment is better, but I don't think that's the only factor.  The modern pro is a highly conditioned machine.  The amount of training, both physical and mental has increased significantly.  Tour pros are better equipped (physically, mentally and equipment-wise) to deal with tough setups than they were in the past.  You can probably chalk it up to the Tiger effect.  He changed the game in that respect.

    If every tournament set up as a US-Open style layouts (6" rough, 7800 yard layout), what would the US Open do in order to retain its reputation as the toughest test in tournament golf?   10" rough?  10,000 yard?  So, if the average tournament was being won at par, then  the US Open would probably be won a +5 or +10.  How much fun would it be to watch four rounds, and only see 12 birdies from the entire field?  Most people would just tune out.

    I believe that part of what drew a lot of spectators to golf in the early 2000s was watching guys like Tiger and Phil stiff approach shots to 2 feet.  Back then, they were two of a select few who were producing those shots week in week out, and they won regularly because they could.  It isn't the same story today.  

    Watching pros struggle to make par hole after hole after hole, I think, would probably drive away the casual viewer.  And golf in 2015 needs casual viewers, because a certain percentage of those viewers will decide to try playing the game.

    Interesting question!

    Regards,

    --
    Kevin 

  5. Mark h

    Mark h
    Ajax, ON

    I am 7 cap and it blows me away how low they go on course that would destroy me. I think the courses are set up hard and they are that good. Low scores help with the tv ratings and helps build the game. Maybe make the fairways tighter but don't make the courses longer. Maybe smaller greens so the shorter hitters still have a chance and it does not discourage the average golfer.

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