I don't know if this has been discussed here, but what are you guys' opinions on this driver-wedge, who-cares-about-fairways brand of golf that we're seeing being utilized by the long hitters on tour? And to the instructors on the board, would you recommend this style of play to amateurs or recreational golfers who have enough length to take advantage of this philosophy? Why or why not?
Long Ball
- Thread starter Bigwill
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Damon Lucas
Super Moderator
I'm also interested in various answers to this thread, particularly Tom and Mike's?
Tom, I'm sure you'll express that TGM is significant in terms of the length that you hit your driver. What are some of the other factors that you have used over the years? Discarded? Upgraded to a better concept?
Oh, and how's the putting coming along?
Cheers mate!
Tom, I'm sure you'll express that TGM is significant in terms of the length that you hit your driver. What are some of the other factors that you have used over the years? Discarded? Upgraded to a better concept?
Oh, and how's the putting coming along?
Cheers mate!
birdie_man
New
I think it's gettin dumb....
I'm not short but guys are trying 47 inch drivers now....
And Augusta is like 8000 yards long...
Some guys will have no chance.....and not because they're less skilled (although you could say length IS a skill......only to an extent though)...a lot of courses seem to be setup for one style of play....the bombers....needs more balance IMO.....a course should allow you to get it done a few different ways.
The long hitters will always have the advantage (well, if they can keep it SOMEWHERE near the fairway).....but they're being given too big of one IMO.....more holes should discourage ripping it....I'm not saying all....but some. More anyway.
I'm not short but guys are trying 47 inch drivers now....
And Augusta is like 8000 yards long...
Some guys will have no chance.....and not because they're less skilled (although you could say length IS a skill......only to an extent though)...a lot of courses seem to be setup for one style of play....the bombers....needs more balance IMO.....a course should allow you to get it done a few different ways.
The long hitters will always have the advantage (well, if they can keep it SOMEWHERE near the fairway).....but they're being given too big of one IMO.....more holes should discourage ripping it....I'm not saying all....but some. More anyway.
Tom Bartlett
Administrator
Hey Damon,
Let's see, other factors...well, equipment certainly. Most recent though was puring my driver shaft. I can't believe the difference! I think it creates more distance because it is easier to hit the ball in the center of the club, because the club is oscillating on plane.
When in long drive contests, I strengthen my grip and move off the ball a bunch on the backswing (gives me a Happy Gilmore running start). Not recommended for everyday play though.
Discarded...trying to draw the ball. I had for a long time tried to draw the ball to get more distance, but the straight ball goes further for me.
Upgrades...first learned to play trying to hit up on the ball. Learned to hit down with driver and got really long.
Putting...haven't worked on it lately. I've been really busy with extracurriculars, but I'm dying to go to the putting green. I will keep you updated. Anything else I need to know?
Erik_K
New
I think it was EdZ who said that a standard ball might be in order. In the same way that NASCAR is kind of an individual 'sport,' they have restrictions on the dimensions of the car and so forth.
I think lengthening courses is only going to breed bigger and stronger golfers. The technology will improve but I believe they have almost neared the max COR and I can't see driver heads getting much bigger than they already are.
Maybe a new era of golf course design should be ushered in? I don't know...maybe more more hazards, more elevated greens, tighter dog leg lefts/rights. In other words set the courses up where shot making is just as important as blasting it off the tee.
I think lengthening courses is only going to breed bigger and stronger golfers. The technology will improve but I believe they have almost neared the max COR and I can't see driver heads getting much bigger than they already are.
Maybe a new era of golf course design should be ushered in? I don't know...maybe more more hazards, more elevated greens, tighter dog leg lefts/rights. In other words set the courses up where shot making is just as important as blasting it off the tee.
I think that the changes should be made on the greens. The fact of the matter is that in many situations where designers try to limit the impact of longer drivers (lengthening the courses and raising the rough, for example) penalize shorter hitters more than the longer hitters. In my opinion, they should look at making changes on and around the greens. Not green speed, but something like hole location. If players are going to hit wedges, make them have to hit precise wedge shots.
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