Arnold Palmer on One of Golf’s Major Problems

By Richard Daub
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

His golf swing may not be what it once was, but his perspective on the game is as sharp as ever.

Before Jack, Tiger, and Phil, there was Arnold— “Arnie,” as his beloved army of followers know him— and though he now only plays in a handful of tournaments each year, he is still passionate about the game.

Longer Courses?
In addition to being golf ’s leading ambassador, Palmer isn’t shy about criticizing what he feels may be detrimental to the sport. One thing in particular he finds troubling is the lengthening of golf courses in order to accommodate the bigger, stronger modern player who utilizes technologically advanced equipment that allows for hitting the ball greater distances than ever before.

Former Augusta National Golf Club Chairman William “Hootie” Johnson, who recently stepped down from his post, last year made the controversial decision to lengthen America’s most sacred course by 155 yards in time for this year’s Masters. He did the same in 2002, when the course was lengthened by 300 yards.

Legends with names like Nicklaus, Watson, and Palmer feel that a better solution would be for players to use a less-lively, standardized ball that would reduce driving distance. This would not only prevent the classic courses from being altered beyond recognition, it would also force players to place renewed emphasis on accuracy rather than focusing primarily on distance.

During a recent press conference where he announced that he will be competing in this month’s Constellation Energy Classic, Palmer shared his thoughts on the subject:

“In the old days, we didn’t talk a lot about physical fitness and training, and today that’s a prime thing for talking about—physical fitness and exercising, stretching, modern technology, the golf ball, the golf club, titanium… All of these things are a factor in what is making the golf ball go so far.