Rude On Western Open

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Jeff Rude on the proposed disaster known as the Western Open moving to September:

Cog Hill owner Frank Jemsek has given his course to the Tour annually for no charge — that's right, no site fee — and this is what he gets? A sharp stick in the eye? Right after he meets with architect Rees Jones with the idea of face-lifting the course?Doesn't seem quite fair.

Well, that's what you get for hiring Rees. Oh wait, you meant, oh I gotcha. Sorry. My bad.

You want to rotate the Western around to four courses, then let's do it in Chicago. Knock on the doors of Medinah, Olympia Fields, Butler National and others. Get three courses to rotate with Cog Hill. If those clubs don't step up, keep going down the wealthy list.

I challenge the Tour and the membership of those clubs to step up and keep a Tour event in Chicago every year. I'm looking for someone with soul.

Jeff, you meant, $oul.

Tour's Longest Drive Stat

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PGA Tour logo.jpgNot a big fan here of the PGA Tour's "longest drive" stat since Kapalua, Colorado and cart paths skew the numbers. Still, I found these numbers interesting in light of the USGA/R&A's 2002 "any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable" benchmark:

1992 PGA Tour Longest Drive Stat
0 drives over 400 yards
3 at 350 yards or higher

1993
0 drives over 400 yards
18 over 350 yards

1994
0 drives over 400 yards
4 over 350 yards

1995
0 drives over 400 yards
22 over 350 yards

1996
0 drives over 400 yards
13 over 350 yards

Bored yet? Hang in there.

1997
0 drives over 400 yards
28 over 350 yards

1998
5 drives over 400 yards
46 over 350 yards

1999
1 drives over 400 yards
112 over 350 yards

2000
0 drives over 400 yards
42 over 350 yards

2001
1 over 400 yards
79 over 350 yards

2002
1 over 400 yards
80 over 350 yards

2003
1 over 400 yards
118 over 350 yards

2004
32 over 400 yards
210 over 350 yards

2005
19 over 400 yards
978 over 350 (but list stops at 357!)

Okay, before you go what the $%*& (like I did), consider this: in 2005, the Tour apparently started using ShotLink for the longest drive stat. So instead of taking the long drives from the two measuring holes, 2005 encompasses all of the drives hit. Still, you are probably talking about a significant number of drives over 350 yards hit in 2005. (I've asked for the number from the Tour, as well as the possibility of finding out the tally from the two measuring holes only.)

For another comparison that shows just how much those work out programs and brick hard fairways are compensating for the lousy clubs and balls, the Nationwide numbers still just worked off of two measuring holes in 2005:

2002
3 drives over 400 yards
125 over 350 yards

2003
9 drives over 400 yards
199 over 350 yards

2004
4 drives over 400 yards
138 over 350 yards

2005
4 drives over 400 yards
303 over 350 yards

Nearly double the number of tee shots over 350 yards since 2002 when the line was drawn?  

Something's going on. Either we're talking about optimization of launch conditions, better workout programs, widespread use of performance enhancing drugs, really firm fairways, or, did I mention optimization launch conditions?

Another Look at Augusta

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masterslogo.jpegThe Atlanta Journal Constitution's Steve Hummer gets a glimpse of the new look Augusta National (easy registration req.).

The evolution of this course mirrors the evolution of the game. The pulsing conflict between course design and the design of club, ball and from-the-heels swing is being played out continually on these grounds.

Amazingly, Hummer cites the same exact Jones quotes that appeared in the breathless Scott Michaux piece that appeared Sunday. (What a coincidence!) 

Note this image accompanying the story by photographer Rob Brown. It shows the trees planted on the par-4 11th. If you ever wonder why some view the tree planting so negatively (besides the obvious departure from the Jones-MacKenzie philosophy), just look at this image.

One of the greatest, most awe inspiring moments for anyone who knows anything about Augusta is the stroll down 11 fairway (or for spectators, 11 rough). Not only do you take in the view of the par-4 green, but also that much anticipated glimpse of the famous par-3 12th (so you can start thinking about it).

The open area between 11, 12 and 13 is unique and adds to their drama. Now the golfer must be down the left side of 11 or wait until after his approach has been hit to take in a full view of the 12th.

The grand, open nature added a large scale feel that only increases the intimidation factor (for some). But finding itself more enclosed, the scale has less impact.

Significant?

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The 2005 PGA Tour driving distance average climbed to 288.9 yards, up from 287.3 in 2004. On the surface, not a huge one year leap. However, 18 weather-delayed events surely played a significant err, roll. Remember, the 2005 average was around 280 yards through the Masters. That's when we saw the "ranting distance killjoys" piece that declared everyone had their facts wrong, etc.

However, if one is to believe the USGA, R&A and PGA Tour, 2004 is not the significant comparison year. 2002 is. David Fay called it the "benchmark" during the NBC segment on USGA testing that aired during the U.S. Open.

In May 2002, the USGA and R&A issued the Joint Statement of Principles. Here's the key statement:

The R&A and the USGA believe, however, that any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable. Whether these increases in distance emanate from advancing equipment technology, greater athleticism of players, improved player coaching, golf course conditioning or a combination of these or other factors, they will have the impact of seriously reducing the challenge of the game. The consequential lengthening or toughening of courses would be costly or impossible and would have a negative effect on increasingly important environmental and ecological issues. Pace of play would be slowed and playing costs would increase.

Faced with the following numbers comparing 2002 to 2005, will the R&A and USGA act in accordance with their Statement of Principles? Change has occurred at the "highest level." Notice that the troubling 1999 to 2002 increase is consistent with the 2002 to 2005 jump:
  • 2005 PGA Tour driving distance average: 288.9
  • 2002 PGA Tour driving distance average: 279.8
  • 1999 PGA Tour driving distance average: 272.4

Top 50 in Driving Distance Average PGA Tour

  • 2005: 300.6
  • 2002: 289.3
  • 1999: 282.0

Nationwide Tour Driving Distance Average

  • 2005: 294.3
  • 2002: 287.8
  • 1999: 279.0

Top 50 in Nationwide Driving Distance Average

  • 2005: 305.5
  • 2002: 298.3
  • 1999: 287.5

Champions Tour Driving Distance Averages

  • 2005: 273.9
  • 2002: 268.2
  • 1999: 263.9

European Tour Driving Distance Averages

  • 2005: 285.1
  • 2002: 281.9
  • 1999: 269.8

The governing bodies can at least point to a not-so-significant jump on the European Tour. However, the increases in distance average between 1999 and 2002 were considered significant enough that the Joint Statement of Principles had to be issued.The distance jumps from 2002 to 2005 are equal to the 99-02 increases.

Will they be deemed significant?
 

More Questions About Cup

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There seems to be a consistent thread emerging from stories looking at the "FedEx Cup" and Tim Finchem's Tour Championship press conference. Dave Perkins in the Toronto Star:

The feeling here is that Finchem is making it up as he goes along, so sketchy are the precise elements to date.

And Tod Leonard in the San Diego Union-Tribune:

As with any new endeavor, there are a lot of questions with very few answers before it gets rolling.

Chris DiMarco, one of the tour's straightest shooters, on and off the course, said last week: "I don't know whether it's my Florida education or not, I still don't quite understand everything that's going on."

Don't worry Chris. Harvard can't have pegged this one yet.

Final PGA Tour Driving Distance Watch

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pgatour.jpgThe Drive to double last year's number of players over 300 yards in average driving distance came up just short.

Despite plenty of rain, the 2005 season finished with 26 players averaging over 300 yards. That's up one from last week, thanks to Brendan Pappas joining the list at #6 after registering enough drives.

Speaking of eligibility, Jason Gore and Ernie Els each averaged over 300 yards, but failed to hit enough drives to make the list.

Just one more friendly reminder (well, probably not):

  • In 2004, 14 players averaged over 300 yards.
  • 9 players averaged over 300 yards in 2003. 
  • John Daly was the only player averaging over 300 yards for the 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 seasons. 

And one other reminder, keeping in mind the USGA/R&A "line in the sand" year of 2002:

PGA TOUR:

  • 2002: 18 players averaged over 290 yards, 1 player averaged over 300 yards
  • 2005: 86 players averaging over 290 yards,  26 players averaging over 300 yards

Nationwide Tour:

  • 2002: 63 players averaged over 290 yards, 15 players averaged over 300 yards
  • 2005: 95 players averaged over 290 yards, 42 averaged players over 300 yards

 

 

Stunning, Spectacular

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masterslogo.jpegI know it's the hometown paper and the publisher is an Augusta National member, but is this really necessary:

Given one word to describe the most recent changes to the host course of the Masters - stunning.

Stunning in magnitude of its scope. Stunning in magnificence of the execution. Stunning in impact for players and patrons alike.

That's Scott Michaux in the Augusta Chronicle, writing about the latest "distance augmentation" at Augusta National. He rolls out the dreaded "Bobby Jones would approve" lines even as he points out this interesting stat: from 1934 to 1998 the course had been lengthened 230 yards, 520 yards in the last 7 years. (There wasn't roll until '99!)

All of the alterations emphasizing accuracy and retroactive shot values - whether greeted warmly by Masters participants or not - fit into the original philosophy of course founder Bobby Jones.

If there is one change that has players scratching their heads more than any other, it's the par-3 4th. Stretched to 240 yards to its rear limit, what was already one of the toughest par 3s in golf could be brutal. But it jibes with Jones' original intent, as he stated in a 1959 Sports Illustrated story, for the hole to be played "with a strong iron or even a four- or three-wood."

I guess they didn't take into account that iron lofts have changed (vanished) since then, or that when Jones wrote about what clubs were used, he almost assuredly was not hoping to dictate what players should use even after a major technology fueled distance explosion.  

No. 11 - the toughest scoring hole two of the past three years - underwent its third significant alteration since 2002 in its quest to restore the relevance of the greenside pond. In addition to stretching the length to 505 yards, more trees were added to the young grove that hugs the right side to force the golfers to play left and deal with the pond using longer clubs on their approach. Attacking a rear left pin will not be for the faint of heart.

Was force in the Jones golfing dictionary? Everything he preached had to do with the spirit of St. Andrews. Democratic golf. Options. Choose your own path. No coercion from outside sources.

That translated to width and architecture that did not force players to a certain spot, as they are doing at No. 11 (and everywhere it seems...oh to be a pine nursery owner in eastern Georgia!).

Now No. 7 grabs your attention and demands even finer accuracy with a few more pines added to both sides. The green - which should be attacked with fewer sand wedges and more 7- and 8-irons - was tweaked as well, to allow new hole locations on both the back right and left to bring the two rear bunkers more in play.

It is curious that in the case of No. 7, the club is ignoring Jones' writings where he says "length is not a premium here." And they've added more trees there too? Oh Lord.

While the 17th tee was pushed back 15 yards. within close proximity to the back right bunker of the 16th green, the impact on the hole is mostly aesthetic. Clearing some towering pines and trimming another on the left side has accentuated the beauty and impact of the 65-foot tall Eisenhower tree, which stands out more prominently 210 yards from the tee. While the famous loblolly pine can still be carried, additional pines on the left and a narrower fairway await in the landing area.

17 narrower? Is that possible?

How the supersized 7,445-yard course will treat participants in the season's first major remains to be seen. Dire predictions in recent years have proven unfounded, and the massive driving stats at this week's Tour Championship for Tiger Woods make you wonder if Augusta National hasn't gone far enough.

Final judgment will require depth of experience. But on the surface, the initial reviews are nothing but spectacular.

Okay take a deep breath Scott, your credential is safe. No worries mate.

The new tee on 15 is a long overdue improvement, unfortunately it did not come with the removal of trees down the right side.