David Graham thinks equipment rules should be revisited

[TN94z]

David Graham, a 2 time major champion thinks the equipment rules should be examined again to make the game more enjoyable. James Achenbach reports:

Quote:

For the good of the game, the ramifications of equipment rules should be carefully examined. So says two-time major champion David Graham.

For example, if the Australian was the czar of golf, he would increase the 14-club rule for amateurs but not for professionals.

“Well, 16 would be nice,” Graham says, “or maybe there shouldn’t be any limit for amateurs.”

As czar, Graham’s attention would be riveted on equipment, because he believes much of the sport’s enjoyment comes directly from golf clubs.

“Let’s look at Tiger Woods,” says Graham, 66. “There are people who think high-lofted wedges should not be allowed, but that shot by Tiger (his pitch-in on the 70th hole of The Memorial) could not have been executed to that perfection without adequate loft.

“It turns out to be nothing but pure, pure joy for television viewers and everybody else.

“And look at all the miraculous (wedge) shots that Phil Mickelson has hit. Without adequate loft, we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy these great exhibitions.

“I don’t see where it has harmed the game at all. I’m for anything that makes the game more popular, so that more people will play it.

“If the PGA Tour is in the entertainment business, then these clubs allow them to be the best entertainers in the world, and I’m all for it.”

Do you think this is a good idea? He makes some good points.

[pixel5]

This is pretty stupid, imo.

"THE PROFESSIONALS ARE PLAYING AS SUCH, SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH THE EQUIPMENT. THE FACT THAT THEY ARE BETTER THAN ME IS SUSPICIOUS, LETS MAKE THEM USE CRAPPY CLUBS IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE ME FEEL BETTER ABOUT MYSELF."

I know that's probably not what is being said, but that's all I hear.

/2cents

[Fourputt]

I can just see it now - following some idiot with 25 clubs in his bag, taking 5 minutes to make up his mind on each shot, and playing in 7 hours flat.

Do you get the impression that I'd be vehemently opposed to any such change?  Most amateurs don't even really know the possibilities of the 14 clubs they carry now.  All adding more would do is pad the pockets of the manufacturers.  It certainly wouldn't improve scoring nor would it positively impact pace of play.  Just a dumb idea.  If need to carry 20 clubs to have fun, then maybe you picked the wrong game.  Part of the skill involved is in choosing the correct 14 clubs to suit your game and the course you are playing.

[sean_miller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN94z

David Graham, a 2 time major champion thinks the equipment rules should be examined again to make the game more enjoyable. James Achenbach reports:

Quote:

For the good of the game, the ramifications of equipment rules should be carefully examined. So says two-time major champion David Graham.

For example, if the Australian was the czar of golf, he would increase the 14-club rule for amateurs but not for professionals.

“Well, 16 would be nice,” Graham says, “or maybe there shouldn’t be any limit for amateurs.”

As czar, Graham’s attention would be riveted on equipment, because he believes much of the sport’s enjoyment comes directly from golf clubs.

“Let’s look at Tiger Woods,” says Graham, 66. “There are people who think high-lofted wedges should not be allowed, but that shot by Tiger (his pitch-in on the 70th hole of The Memorial) could not have been executed to that perfection without adequate loft.

“It turns out to be nothing but pure, pure joy for television viewers and everybody else.

“And look at all the miraculous (wedge) shots that Phil Mickelson has hit. Without adequate loft, we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy these great exhibitions.

“I don’t see where it has harmed the game at all. I’m for anything that makes the game more popular, so that more people will play it.

“If the PGA Tour is in the entertainment business, then these clubs allow them to be the best entertainers in the world, and I’m all for it.”

Do you think this is a good idea? He makes some good points.

Do we think what's a good idea? Having amateurs with bags overstuffed with clubs they can't use or allowing the professionals to keep their lob wedges?

I've gone on record as saying the pros should user fewer clubs, one ball, and lower COR woods.  I'd also welcome a ban on belly putters and mock turtlenecks.

[Beachcomber]

I think 14 clubs are plenty.  There is no reason for a change IMO... Plus, golf bags are too heavy with 14 clubs as is.

[tristanhilton85]

I like the 14 club limit as it is... actually I like the equipment rules in general... the only thing I'd consider changing is banning long/belly putters, but if you've read any of my thoughts on those before, you'll know I don't care all that much about that.

The one thing that I am against is separate rules for armatures and pros... there is no need for that imo.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by tristanhilton85

I like the 14 club limit as it is... actually I like the equipment rules in general... the only thing I'd consider changing is banning long/belly putters, but if you've read any of my thoughts on those before, you'll know I don't care all that much about that.

The one thing that I am against is separate rules for armatures and pros... there is no need for that imo.

Amateurs and professionals already play by different rules, so who cares?!?

[TN94z]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Do we think what's a good idea? Having amateurs with bags overstuffed with clubs they can't use or allowing the professionals to keep their lob wedges?

I've gone on record as saying the pros should user fewer clubs, one ball, and lower COR woods.  I'd also welcome a ban on belly putters and mock turtlenecks.

Obviously the amateur portion.  He is for the pro's having the lofted clubs. I personally think it should be left alone.

[Leftygolfer]

Well I like the mock turtle neck for work so we can keep that.  But belly putters is the one rule I don't like.  I think it is leveling the playing field on tour.  No stats to back that up, but I see notoriously terrible putters doing ok with it (adam scott).

[bwdial]

If I were czar pros would have persimmon woods, short blades with long hosels and balata balls.  Oh, and they could putt with any putter they wanted to, so long as it was a Bullseye or an 8802.

[pixel5]

Originally Posted by bwdial

If I were czar pros would have persimmon woods, short blades with long hosels and balata balls.  Oh, and they could putt with any putter they wanted to, so long as it was a Bullseye or an 8802.

Some people could play a set like this and do no worse than with their 2012 models $2000 set of clubs.

[meenman]

Originally Posted by bwdial

If I were czar pros would have persimmon woods, short blades with long hosels and balata balls.  Oh, and they could putt with any putter they wanted to, so long as it was a Bullseye or an 8802.

while we are at it, let's go back to the horse and buggy too - hell running water may be too modern for you.

the *good old days* are gone - and the last thing this country needs is more people out of work.

embrace technology and embrace the future.

[mad max]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Amateurs and professionals already play by different rules, so who cares?!?

I know the course are set up different but the rules are the same so I though,t what rules are different besides what could be constructed as a league rule such as a penalty for slow play.

Is he the golf czar for the manufactures?  I think this is a silly idea, I carry 12 clubs and have spent a lot of money trying to find my 13th and 14th club but I can't find anything that I hit consistently and some of my clubs I hit less than once per round.

[Tuflehundon]

I see guys on the course now all the time with more than 14 clubs. As long as they aren't playing for money, or in a tourney, no one seems to care.

[meenman]

Originally Posted by Tuflehundon

I see guys on the course now all the time with more than 14 clubs. As long as they aren't playing for money, or in a tourney, no one seems to care.

But since those people are breaking one rule, who knows what else they do - they probably smoke pot and are wanted for armed robbery.

[jamo]

Not quite sure the point he is making about wedges. Do people want to outlaw 60* wedges (the club Tiger used on that chip-in)? Or 64* wedges (the highest club in Phil's bag)? Or am I missing something?

[bwdial]

Originally Posted by meenman

while we are at it, let's go back to the horse and buggy too - hell running water may be too modern for you.

the *good old days* are gone - and the last thing this country needs is more people out of work.

embrace technology and embrace the future.

I don't mean for all of us.  I just mean for Tour pros.  They could still endorse clubs...

"Hey... this is Bubba Watson... when I play on Tour, I have to use the same $#!%%@ clubs Sam Hogan used because of that @$$#013 czar bwdial, but when I'm down in Bagdad with my new boy, I use PING golf clubs... and you should too!"

I take it back.  YOU should have to use hickory shafts!

[iacas]

14 is plenty. Hell, I'd vote for 10 sooner than I'd vote for 16, and it wouldn't take me much to convince me to go to 12 any day of the week.