Golf’s relationship with technology has always been a topic of debate, but recent developments have made it impossible to ignore the impact it’s having on the sport.
The Old Course at St. Andrews, with its 600-year history, is currently undergoing renovations to adapt to technological advancements. This isn’t an isolated case. Augusta National, one of the sport’s most iconic venues, has also been extended in length over recent years.
A growing number of courses aren’t being played as they were originally designed. Long par fives are now reachable in two shots for many players, and Oakmont Country Club even turned one of its par 3s into a hole measuring over 300 yards during the US Open.
Bryson DeChambeau backing rule changes against new ball technology
DeChambeau was once a vocal supporter of these technological advancements, even acknowledging that it could force him out of golf. However, his perspective has shifted recently.
In an interview with The Guardian earlier this year, he explained why: “I think technology advancing golf too quickly is a detriment to our game,” said DeChambeau. “I see what kids are doing now – how fast they’re swinging and hitting it – and I just don’t know if I see it stopping.”
DeChambeau admits one factor could make him ‘obsolete’ in golf
DeChambeau’s game is built around sheer power, looking to break courses open with his driving distance. At the Ryder Cup, he fired up the crowd by nearly reaching the green on Bethpage Black’s opening hole.
This approach isn’t new. John Daly was the first to build a career on pure distance, inspiring others to follow suit. Today, players like Kyle Berkshire can carry a ball more than 400 yards.
Before the 2021 Masters, DeChambeau suggested that this trend could eventually eliminate approach play from golf altogether.
He said, “I will say the drive, chip and putt, what we saw with one of the kids imitating Kyle Berkshire — you’re already starting to see it with kids.”
“I’ve had numerous college kids DM me on Instagram and ask me how do I get stronger? How do I get faster? So you’re already starting to see it through from collegiate level all the way down to junior golf level.”
“I think as time goes on there’s not much more to gain from the technology side of golf club manufacturing building. There are little things we can do but where massive gains will be is in athletes.”
“Once you get somebody out here that’s a seven-foot-tall human being and they are able to swing a golf club at 145 miles an hour effortlessly, that’s when things get a little interesting. That’s when I’m going to become obsolete potentially even.”
The 30-year-old felt that despite presenting challenges for himself personally, he thought there were broader positives for the sport.
He continued: “Look there is still a chipping aspect and still a putting aspect but from a driving aspect that is where the gains will be had these athletes coming out in future and it won’t stop no way it will stop.”
Bryson DeChambeau is back into serious training ahead of LIV Golf events following his sensational major win at Valhalla just under two months ago.
Tiger Woods has different views than Bryson DeChambeau on where golf is headed
While DeChambeau looks to use a new ball designed to fit his game, Woods has voiced concern about how far technology in the sport is already pushing things.
He said in 2017 on the Holding Court with Geno Auriemma podcast: “We need to do something about the golf ball.”
“I just think it is going too far because we are having to build golf courses. If they want to have a championship venue, they have got to be 7,400 to 7,800 yards long,” Tiger continued.
“And if the game keeps progressing the way it is with technology, I think the 8,000-yard golf course is not too far away.
“And that is pretty scary because we do not have enough property to start designing these types of golf courses, and it just makes it so much more complicated.”
Tiger then touched upon potential action being taken by governing bodies. “The USGA’s already looking at it,” he added. “They are doing some research on what would the world look like if you rolled back 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent.”
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp appointed Woods as Chair of the Future Competition Committee which could allow him some input over where things go from here.
But while he’ll no doubt make an impact in that role, slowing down technological change will take much more than just his opinion – even if he is arguably the greatest player ever.
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