Curb players’ power, says Gary

SA LEGEND: WE’RE SEEING GUYS HITTING 400 YARDS A LOT

Golf’s governing bodies disagree with his views.

Augusta

Gary Player has called on golf’s ruling bodies to implement regulations that would reduce by 50 yards the distance players can drive the ball.

Speaking on Thursday after hitting the ceremonial opening tee shot at the US Masters, Player spoke of one of his pet peeves, that many classic old courses have become all but obsolete.

At the home of golf, St Andrews, for example, leading pros can now reach the green with a good drive on several of the par-four holes.

“With professional golf, we’re going to have to cut the ball back 50 yards at least,” said Player, 82, who is one of only five players to have won the Grand Slam of all four modern Majors.

“We’re seeing guys hitting 400 yards a lot. Dustin Johnson hit a drive 489 yards ten days ago (at Austin Country Club in the WGCMatch Play event).”

Player’s comments came a day after new Masters chairman Fred Ridley hinted that they would not allow players to render the hallowed course obsolete.

At Augusta National, however, the club has bought land so that it at least has the option of lengthening several holes, including the famous par-five 13th.

St Andrews and some other old courses have no such option.

Talk of restricting equipment has become a hot topic recently, with the game’s ruling bodies, the United States Golf Association and the Royal & Ancient, indicating they were concerned at how far players are hitting the ball.

However, the PGA Tour and the PGA of America have both said they do not think there is a problem.

“We will always do what’s necessary to maintain the integrity of our golf course,” Ridley said.

“We are intent on making sure we maintain the design philosophy the Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie devised,” Ridley said.

“There’s a great quote from Bobby Jones dealing specifically with the 13th hole, which has been lengthened over time. He said the decision to go for the green in two should be a momentous one.

“And I would have to say that our observation of these great players hitting middle and even short irons into that hole is not a momentous one.

“We think there is an issue there, not only there, but in the game generally that needs to be addressed.” – Reuters

Picture: AFP COLOUR BURST. First-round leader Jordan Spieth lines up a putt on the scenic 13th hole during the Masters at Augusta National on Thursday.