Hello golfers,
Over the weekend it was brought to my attention that the winners on the European Tour and PGA Tour last week had a combined score of 44-under-par. Yes, 44-under-par! I'd find it hard to argue that today's players are naturally better golfers than the likes of Woods, Mickelson and Singh during their prime; or Faldo, Watson and Seve over their battles; or even as far back as Nicklaus, Player and Palmer.
I thought I'd have a little look into the statistics on the PGA Tour and what I found was interesting. In 2000 there was only one golfer whose average driving distance was above 300 yards and that was John Daly at 301.4 yards. Today there are 83 golfers whose average driving distance is above Daly's, with the longest booming his average drive 334.1 yards down the fairway.
Ok, so we've established that there is a huge difference in distance off the tee, but what about their shots into the green? Well back in 2000, leading the way in greens in regulation was Tiger Woods at 75.15% which is almost 10% lower than Paul Casey's 2016 average of 84.72%.
All these stats surely point to one thing, scoring average coming down - incorrect. It will come as no surprise that Tiger had by far the lowest scoring average in 2000 at an incredible 67.79. Well fast-forward 16 years and we see Adam Scott averaging 'just' 68.13.
So regardless of the huge gains in distance thanks to technology and gym-based conditioning that is advantageous for today's golfers, it seems that it is the tactical nous and the ability to grind out scores which is somewhat missing from today's power-hitters' artilleries - something that the great golfers of the past have always had in abundance.
Ladybank - Gents sweep (css 72)
Cat 1 & 2 - DR Francey 70 (5) 65; N Barlow 76 (9) 67; D Pryor 79 (11) 68
Cat 3 & 4 - MW Hay 82 (13) 69 bih ; AL McColm 82 (13) 69; EJ Devlin 89 (16) 73
SLGA November Medal CSS 76 (Sat) 75 (Mon)
S Peebles (20) 76, E Hutcheon (6) 77, J Rearie (21) 77
Match versus Earlsferry Result
It was a 2.5 to 1.5 win for Ladybank in this match. Well done to Dave and Paul for their 2nd win on the trot. A special welcome to Lewis Ballantyne who kicked off his debut appearance in the winter league with a win accompanied by Sandy Storrar.
The half point came from Damon and Brian. Next up is at home to Lundin on the 15th , then away to Drumoig on 29th. Could you please give me your availability for these two matches.
Cheers, Brian
Seniors Autumn Outing
This Friday, 6 November sees our Seniors Autumn outing to Aberdour. A wee reminder that meeting up time is 9.30am with the first tee off at 10.30 am
Member Notice
With a shortage of daylight we are trying to get many golfers on the course in a restricted number of hours. Therefore if anyone is unable to make a tee time, would you please cancel in the booking system or let us know. This enables other members and visitors to book any free times. We appreciate your understanding on this matter.
