Technology or Tiger?

[MEfree]

Has Tiger Woods or Technological Improvements been more responsible for the improvement of depth and quality of play in professional golf in recent years?

Under Technology , I would include improvements in balls , clubs , diagnostics, distance calculation and training aids .

Under Tiger I would include increased: worldwide exposure , emphasis on conditioning , appeal to young athletes who may previously have gravitated towards other sports and prize $/earnings potential.

For those who question that there has been an improvement in depth and quality of play, consider that the golf courses today are longer (and generally harder) with more good scores being recorded.  While not the toughest course on tour, the fact that 64 guys could be UNDER PAR (141 or better) and miss the cut at this weeks Nationwide tourney at Champions Run (over 7 K with a rating over 75 from the Blacks) shows how deep the world of professional golf is.  Imagine shooting back to back 71s and missing the cut by 6 shots (or back to back 69s and missing by 2)! http://www.pgatour.com/h/leaderboard/ This during a week when the regular tour is hosting dual events.

[The Tin Man]

$ $ $

There's more money and more tournaments.  Kids are taking the game seriously at a younger age since it's easier to make a living  then ever before. Most likely due to Tiger.

[MEfree]

Originally Posted by The Tin Man

$ $ $

There's more money and more tournaments.  Kids are taking the game seriously at a younger age since it's easier to make a living  then ever before. Most likely due to Tiger.

seems like a vote for Tiger, but I see he is currently at 0 votes.