Riviera on the ropes

[Lou_Duran]

I don't know that the physics can be manipulated so that the indifferent weekly player can play the same ball as the expert and enjoy the game.  I've been playing golf for 50 years and with the latest fitted technology I hit my driver 50 yards less than I did when I was 35 with persimmon and balatas.


The game has been changing since Day 1.  If it is at the precipice at the Tour level, let them adjust as they deem necessary.  Me, I find the modern game to be very entertaining.  I suspect that outside of this site, most do as well.

[John Kirk]

I don't want to start a new thread.  I think the back bunker on the 10th hole should not be there.  It should be a short grass slope down to the rough.  I'd argue it's now the least desirable feature on the course.

[David Jones]

Tiger opined that the ball was going too far and that higher spin rates should be mandated to limit distance. This way the average player and the professional can & would be playing the same ball - the average player doesn't swing hard enough for the higher spin rate balls to impact distance, where the person earning a living at the game does.


I'm liking where this may be heading.

I thought it was a very positive comment. Not so much that Tiger thinks this way, as I don't think that was a surprise, but the timing of his comments and potential remedy.


Faldo lobbed the question at him and it would be understandable if the USGA and R&A had made it known to these two where they were heading with their thinking. Will be interesting to see when the next stage of the report comes out given we are soon into major season.


Of course there is a risk this is all wishful thinking....!!

[MCirba]

With a cut line at Even or +1? Interesting...


I'll bet you a round at Cobbs Creek in 2024 that the winning score is no better than 20 under.


Now -20 at RIviera is tremendous, but these guys go all out to get into position and when it's on, it's on. Nieman looked like he was trying to hole every iron shot yesterday for the hour I saw...just can't do anything about that.

Darnit... now I owe Sully two rounds at Cobb's Creek in 2024. 

[David_Tepper]

Admittedly I do not quite share the same sentimental attachment to golf that many on this board do. That being said, records fall in just about every sport (where athletes/teams are not competing head-to-head) often over time.

For the most part athletes in every sport (golf included) are better trained (mentally & physically), have better technique, better equipment and better playing conditions than ever before. In addition, professional golfers come from a far wider pool of participants than ever before. Scoring records in golf will continue to fall.

The big surprise is that 37-year old the scoring record at Riviera has yet to be broken.    
 

[Jeff Taylor]

Let the pros do what they will.
For the rest of us, stop keeping score.
You will enjoy the course you are playing much more.
JT

[JESII]

With a cut line at Even or +1? Interesting...


I'll bet you a round at Cobbs Creek in 2024 that the winning score is no better than 20 under.


Now -20 at RIviera is tremendous, but these guys go all out to get into position and when it's on, it's on. Nieman looked like he was trying to hole every iron shot yesterday for the hour I saw...just can't do anything about that.

Darnit... now I owe Sully two rounds at Cobb's Creek in 2024.

Ahh...but after I buy the drinks you'll make out pretty well!

[Tim_Weiman]

I don't know that the physics can be manipulated so that the indifferent weekly player can play the same ball as the expert and enjoy the game.  I've been playing golf for 50 years and with the latest fitted technology I hit my driver 50 yards less than I did when I was 35 with persimmon and balatas.


The game has been changing since Day 1.  If it is at the precipice at the Tour level, let them adjust as they deem necessary.  Me, I find the modern game to be very entertaining.  I suspect that outside of this site, most do as well.

Lou,


I have reached the same stage. There is a big difference between how I can hit the ball at age 65 and what I could do at age 35. Glad I made the point to travel back then. It was easier to enjoy golf courses when I could actually hit the ball.

[MCirba]

Ahh...but after I buy the drinks you'll make out pretty well!

Love it!   


Perhaps if we play with the then mandatory higher-spin ball I can keep up to your drives. 

[Pete Lavallee]

I followed Lanny Watkins in the final round of the 1985 Event and his ball striking was amazing. Hitting it about 250 yards off the tee he hit draws and fades at will on both his tee shots and approaches. Of course being only 250 off the tee he wasn’t neutering the architecture with PW from 150 out!