The news surrounding the latest ruling in golf regarding driving distance hasn’t found many backers. Many lamented the decision as backward and against the ethics of the game, but those voices got a strong boost after LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau decided to speak up against the issue.
Bryson DeChambeau criticizes USGA-R&A’s new ruling
Speaking ahead of LIV Golf’s Tucson event, the 29-year-old made no hesitation to let his feelings know about the matter. “I think it’s the most unimaginative, uninspiring, game-cutting thing you could do. Everybody wants to see people hit it farther. That’s part of the reason why a lot of people like what I do. It’s part of the reason a lot of people don’t like what I do,” he said.
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Indeed, the move will probably see a dramatic decrease in driving distances, which have steadily risen with the onset of the latest technology. The PGA Tour average driving distance reached nearly 300 yards for the first time last year. From 1994 to 2003, the yardage increased by 82.6 yards per year, which is considerably more than previous generations.
“It’s a great handicap for us guys that have worked really hard to learn how to hit it farther,” DeChambeau further said about the issue. “Look, if they do it in a way where it only affects the top end, I see the rationale. But I think it’s the most atrocious thing that you could possibly do to the game of golf. It’s not about rolling golf balls back; it’s about making golf courses more difficult.”
DeChambeau gets backing from fans on the internet
Despite the recent hostility for LIV defectors after their switch to the rebel league, DeChambeau found support from golf fans. The 2020 U.S. Open winner is amongst the longest hitters of a golf ball, having made his claim to fame with his long drives.
Bryson DeChambeau on the golf ball rollback:
“I think it’s the most unimaginative, uninspiring, game-cutting thing you could do. Everybody wants to see people hit it farther. That’s part of the reason why a lot of people like what I do. It’s part of the reason a lot of people… https://t.co/pXj6IcOdFF
— LIV Golf Updates (@LIVGolfUpdates) March 14, 2023
He even led the LIV Golf field in driving distance in its opening season, recording a 327.1-yard average over the series. “But again, it creates more conversation in a positive way than cutting it back and trying to make everybody equal. I’m all about equality. I’m not about equity on this front,” he lamented on the ruling.
For a change, fans supported DeChambeau and acknowledged his claims. Here’s a selection of those tweets.
He’s right
— Edu Morato (@edumorato) March 15, 2023
I disagree! I enjoy the ball flight of Bubba Watson on toptracer way more than I enjoy a 340 yard drive! You give Bubba a Titleist Balata from the early 80’s… you might 100 yard slick or hook to the center of the fairway!!!
— @Coe"PopPop"bird (@CoeBird) March 15, 2023
He also wants the ball to go straight regardless of where he hits it on the face, while swinging 200mph. Which would be objectively awful for professional golf.
— M. Byson (@iamthebyson) March 14, 2023
Hardly makes great TV watching guys trying to blast it every drive. Tv viewers want to see great up and downs, imaginative shots like Hatton on 18 last Sunday, Bubbas shot in the Masters playoff…Tigers famous chip on 16 at Augusta.These are the shots people remember.
— Derdaly (@Derdaly) March 14, 2023
As usual, Bryson is self serving. Golf courses cannot simply keep adding land and moving traps, etc.
— MJ Hammer (@clemzn1981mike) March 15, 2023
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The longest hitters will still be the longest hitters 🤔
— John Burke (@jhb133) March 14, 2023
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Do you think the new rules stand against golf’s progress over the last few years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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