Grip and Rip it!

There is a lot of talk about balls and clubs today are causing a lot of concern in the golf world.  Jack Nicklaus has been outspoken about how clubs and balls are ruining golf. 

According to the PGA, in 1980 the average PGA pro's drive was 256.8 yds and the long hitters were averaging 296.2 yds. Today the driving average is295.3 yds and the grip and rippers are averaging 318.0 yds.  

All of us want to dive the ball further.  The golf equipment folks know that and each year they come out with the longest most accurate club on the planet.  Ball manufacturers design balls that will travel to the moon and back and land on the green like a leaf flying in the breeze.  These guys want us to want to emulate the professionals. Here are some interesting stats on the money spent on golf.

The fact that the golf equipment is being manufactured and marketed to make us think by buying their club/ball will improve our game. Golf courses have lengthened tees and make other changes to challenge this new equipment.  Here is an interesting article asking if the cost of equipment out of control?

I am in favor of free enterprise and the right of choice.  And I have no issue with golf manufacturers improving and marketing their brand to be the best. But the reality is that the average golfer, for the most part never reaches the promised improvement pushed by the manufacturers. 

Like I have told Knothead, you cannot buy a better game. If you want to improve you have to understand the mechanics of the golf swing and practice practice practice.