Brian Gay's Harbour Town win - was it good for golf?

[admin]

Watching the shotmakers rule the leaderboard at Harbour Town with its small greens made a change from the normal power dominance. Does professional golf need more courses set up like this?

 

[Headieboy]

Definately. For far too long the game has been dominated by players who can spray the ball wildly off course into the rough and still make the green due to their raw strength and power. It's a welcome change to see a 'shotmaker' win.

A few years back the top players were complaining about the rough at 'Car-nasty' but they should remember the ball is supposed to be on the fairway!

 

[rogmcn]

Totally agree - hitting the ball off line from the tee - should result most of the time in a missed green - if you can hit straight or at least accurate and long then the reward should be there of course but at the moment many pro's hit well off line and still hit wedges in for birdies or better. How can shorter shotmakers compete - for me golf is not just about overpowering the course.

I would like to see more courses setup a bit more mixed as regards what they demand from the tee - as in real serious hazards at power hitter distances - go for it - yes maybe but the risk is a real risk, ie dropped shot or shots.

Roger

 

[Evo]

Yes. It brings more skill into the game with players having to work the ball both ways and less reliance upon driving length. Small targets and and a bit of breeze brings players like Luke Donald and Brian Gay into the forefront.

 

[sevelingard]

Most definitely, US golf is full of smash and grab the cash courses. Watching JB Holmes just sums that up, he wouldn't last on the European tour. I would like to see a maximum green size/width brought into effect. I have played some of those courses in the states that the play on and frankly as a 4 handicap i should not be able to 17 greens in regulation. anyway congratulations to Brian Gay.

 

[alexchung]

Yes definitely!! Been following Brian Gay for a few years now on Tour (I have had the opportunity to spend time working with his coach) and its good to see a player win who is not bombing it 350 yards all the time but is straight, accurate and has a deadly short game.
Alex

 

[Styles]

Hi Alex,

It was great to see BG win, but the manner of his win is what was most impressive.

 

[alexchung]

Agreed on that. Also his win at the St Jude's Classic the week before teh US Open was just as impressive.
Alex