What lovely balls you have...

John Solheim, CEO of Ping, recently proposed a change to golf balls whereby professional players use a different type of ball to us mere mortals, primarily to combat the continuing upward creep of average driving distances amongst the professional ranks. As part of a feature debating the pros and cons of this idea, I was invited by Today's Golfer magazine to contribute to the 'No' camp - this is the full extended version of my comments (which appear on page 15 of the March 2012 edition (#292).

Of the many aspects which make the game of golf so great, a personal favourite is the prospect of following in the footsteps of heroes (or as close as we can get) by playing the same courses, using the same clubs and using the same balls – ostensibly playing the same game.

Whilst I understand Solheim’s idea is to make the balls harder for the professionals, I can’t help feeling some of the magic would be lost for us mere mortals. There is already a handicap system in place to level the playing field so it’s not really necessary from an amateur perspective.

On the professional side, it’s true that some of the average distances currently being produced are ridiculous but I am not convinced changing the ball is entirely necessary. Take a look at the stats for 2011 and compare the driving accuracy and GIR stats with those on the distance charts. With a couple of exceptions, it shows that those who bash the ball the furthest aren't actually tearing up the rankings (not to mention the money lists) and are usually playing their approach shots from the cabbage rather than the fairway.

My feeling is that Solheim has the right basic principle at heart - wanting to make the game harder for the professional players - but that the ball is the wrong target.

If something has to be done, I would rather see the courses get harder; not necessarily longer, but harder. This would involve tougher pin placements, harsher slopes on the greens and/or tougher lay-up areas and approaches to the green. The birdies & eagles should be earned not just through the ability to crush the ball 300+yards, but also through having the mental resolve to take on the most testing of shots. 


Granted, there is a contradictory element to what I am suggesting here - if the course is going to be set up to make the game harder for the professionals, will that not increase the distance between the pros and the hackers and reduce the enjoyment for all? I would say that depends entirely what the courses do to their tee placements for the amateurs - if there are hazards causing problems for the pros left with approach shots of 200yds+, adjust the tees so the amateurs have the same hazard from 150yds out.


I suspect this issue will take some time to resolve but as long as equipment manufacturers continue to churn out new innovations and developments to smash the ball into another postcode (not necessarily on the right hole, mind) then it certainly won't go away.  



I am the Part-Time Golfer