Legalized Discrimination: Can Country Clubs Be Forced to Catch Up?

A Personal Take by Cole Gerson

When playing golf at my country club, it is evident that everyone is white. One might think this is because I live in a predominantly white community. While my community’s lack of diversity helps provide context as to why everyone is white, it doesn’t explain why almost everyone at the club is also Jewish. About a ten-minute drive from my mostly-Jewish club lies a different club called Winged Foot. Winged Foot is one of the country’s most prestigious clubs and has hosted numerous major championships. While the prestige differs between my club and Winged Foot, another main difference is that Winged Foot has no Jewish members, as most are Christian. For a long time, I had just accepted these religious differences. Recently, however, through learning about discrimination in America and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ idea of the dreamers, I began to wonder how discriminatory institutions can still exist even after the ratification of significant laws that prevent discrimination. In America, almost every institution has made changes to meet anti-discrimination laws and society’s standards. Private country clubs, though, still have discriminatory practices that are strikingly transparent. The issues in my community that I have discussed signal a much larger problem in private country clubs across the United States. Discrimination at private golf clubs in the U.S. is evident in the lack of memberships granted to women and racial minorities. Clubs exploit laws to justify their discriminatory practices that have allowed and contributed to the mistreatment of black people at their own clubs and have diminished women and their rights. There have been legal and social efforts to help lessen the discrimination at private country clubs, but reforming laws and society will be necessary to truly end the discriminatory practices for good.

The American private golf club industry has minimal representation from racial minorities, specifically black people, and women, and this imbalance of membership is ordinary at many clubs around the nation, even the most famed and celebrated club in the country and arguably in the world: Augusta National. Augusta National is the host of the annual golf tournament called The Masters. This tournament is seen as the holy grail of golf tournaments as it is one of the four yearly major tournaments, and because of the club’s traditions. Bleacher Report, a famous sports website, published an article titled “In Golf, Whites Only Need Apply” in 2010 that reported, “There are still no female members at Augusta National. The famed club does have six black members out of 300” (Axley). In 2012, the club “admitted its first female members: former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore” (Schudel). While there are signs of improvement regarding discrimination against women, Augusta still has roots in its sexist ways, and two admissions of women don’t make up for decades of discrimination. Also, admitting these two women seems to be more of a scheme to take public attention away from the gender discrimination that is still prevalent. The most famous tradition at Augusta National is The Green Jacket. It is precisely as it sounds, a green jacket gifted to the winner of the annual tournament that the club also gives to all its members. Jackets, as a whole, are far more commonly worn by men showing the continued sexism that stems from Augusta’s traditions. Augusta’s original formation as a men’s club has built practices for its male members that continue supporting sexism even after changing the men-only foundation. Every year, millions of people tune in to watch The Masters to see who will win The Green Jacket. All of these people, admittedly myself included, support this tournament and this club that enforces sexism through its members and traditions. The gender discrimination prevalent at Augusta also exists at many other, often less famous, clubs in America. Sergio Bichao, a writer and editor for the website New Jersey 101.5, provides evidence regarding the sexism existing at New Jersey’s Plainfield Country Club: 

More than 95 percent of the club’s [Plainfield Country Club’s] full members are male. Their wives are counted as “associate members,” and are denied privileges granted their husbands, including choice tee times and access to the Member’s Grill Room, which members call “the men’s Grill,” the couple said (Bichao). 

Making wives “associate members” rather than full members reinforces the nuclear family in which women are viewed as extensions of their husbands. A lack of individuality arises because women need their husbands to gain membership. Women who are “associate members” are given far fewer privileges than their male counterparts in booking tee times and not having access to “the men’s Grill.” This shows how there are discriminatory practices not just in admittance tendencies but also in the treatment of female members.

There is an issue of gender discrimination at country clubs, but there is also racial discrimination at many clubs. In the article “In Golf Whites Only Need Apply,” the author talks about the private country club discriminatory practices on a larger scale: 

Several years ago a Time magazine article indicated that industry experts estimate that three-quarters of the nation’s 5,232 private golf and country clubs have no black members. The study also found that of 74 private country clubs in the Chicago area, only 10 said that they had black members, and only 26 enrolled women (Axley). 

It is important to note that many clubs with no black members may be in areas with few black people or no black applicants to their club. However, many clubs use discriminatory practices to prevent black people from obtaining membership. Using data from Chicago with nationwide data helps show that the problem is exacerbated by racism and that racism plays a large part. Black people make up 29.2% of Chicago’s population, yet only 13.5% of clubs in the Chicago area have any black members (United States Census Bureau). There are so few black people that are members of private clubs compared to their representation in the area that it is fair to conclude that many clubs have racial preferences that aren’t favorable towards black people. Although less prevalent, women are also discriminated against in the Chicago area, with women's enrollment only existing at 35% of clubs. Across America, there are specific examples of gender and racial discrimination at private country clubs that are indicative of the nationwide problem.

The main factors contributing to private golf clubs’ discrimination are the holes in some of America’s most central laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution have been exploited by clubs to maintain the high membership rates of white men and continue the gender and racial discriminatory practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Sports Illustrated, a famous sports magazine company, published “Why Private Golf Clubs Are Legally Still Able to Discriminate Against Women,” which describes legal holes that have allowed discrimination to exist at private clubs: 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 contains an exemption for private clubs in their membership activities. Specifically, the Act ‘shall not apply to a private club or other establishment not in fact open to the public, except to the extent that the facilities of such establishment are made available to the customers or patrons of an establishment…’ This language means that private clubs can’t discriminate against customers but can discriminate against prospective members (McCann).

While the act does lay some guidelines that clubs have to follow, they can still discriminate because of the specific emphasis on public places, which doesn’t apply to private country clubs. Clubs can’t prevent people from applying for memberships, and they can’t discriminate against their members, making some actions described earlier about Plainfield Country Club illegal. Still, there are no restrictions on who clubs do and don’t admit as members. While a law that explicitly outlaws discriminating against prospective members could be created, enforcing it would be complicated. Clubs accept applicants based on recommendations from other members, an application that prospective members submit, and their view of the applicant in an application meeting. These are all used in deciding whether or not to admit an applicant. It is hard to claim that there was discrimination as there is no way to discern it from any other reason clubs may have for rejecting the applicant, like failing to have sufficient recommendations from current members. 

Also, The First Amendment has been interpreted to further protect the discrimination at private clubs. Expanding on the argument about The Civil Rights Act, Sports Illustrated’s article discusses The First Amendment and expressive association: 

The First Amendment is often cited in the context of free speech, particularly with respect to an individual person’s right to say what he or she would like and not fear government persecution. The First Amendment has also been interpreted by the courts to safeguard the right of private clubs to engage in ‘expressive association’… expressive association protects the right of members to associate and to set applicable terms for membership…The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld private associations’ right to expressive association, even in cases when relevant fact-patterns feature explicit discrimination (McCann).

The First Amendment would do nothing to protect the discrimination practices at private clubs without the interpretation of expressive association by The Supreme Court. When faced with cases regarding discrimination at private clubs, The Supreme Court fails to legitimize the issue or make changes to fix the problem. Instead, they claim that clubs are demonstrating their First Amendment right. To me, I’ve always thought The First Amendment was meant to be used to limit restrictions on people’s freedoms. While I can see that laws against the actions of private clubs could be viewed as restricting, I believe that it is a form of restriction that we need. Otherwise, discrimination at clubs is practically encouraged, and the problem will persist. By keeping clubs unrestricted, we allow them to establish discriminatory practices. It is a choice between restricting the exploiter or allowing restrictions on the exploited. Private clubs have taken advantage of the holes in some of America’s most important laws, and they wouldn’t be able to do it without the support they have received from U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

Some consequences that result from the discrimination at private clubs have led to the mistreatment of black members as they are seen as unwanted outliers by white members and in the case of Pine Valley, the number 1 ranked golf course in the U.S. and one of the most famous clubs in the world, where the club controls all land in the area, they have used their private club status to prevent women from joining the club and more importantly from owning land on the club’s property and getting jobs at the club. Georgetown Country Club in Texas had admitted a black member named Jonathan Dade, who was also the club’s general manager for about four years. The club’s lack of diversity led to discrimination against Dade because he was an irregularity at the club: 

The club’s president and a board member met Dade on May 18, 2017, and showed him a petition signed by 20% of the club’s members who wanted him to leave the club, according to the lawsuit. The club’s president told Dade that at a previous stockholders meeting, the petition’s leaders had “demanded ‘the sugar can stay, but the ‘sh-t’ had to leave by Saturday (May 20, 2017), or else,’ the suit says (Osborn).

To clarify, “the sugar” is white people, and “the sh-t” is black people. The lack of representation of black people in private clubs has led to them being viewed as outsiders. Also, the ability to discriminate against prospective members led to these white people being unhappy with a black person entering the club. It is almost as if white people feel they are entitled to keep their clubs all white, as they have always been able to disallow black people from joining. Clubs, like Georgetown Country Club, that discriminate against black people aren’t appealing to racial minorities. It becomes even more challenging for racial minorities to join clubs when they rightfully avoid clubs that will alienate and mistreat them.

The famed Pine Valley has had a long history of discriminating against women in getting a membership and even in activities unrelated to the club. The discrimination, however, has not gone without contest: 

Filed last April, the complaint alleged that the male-dominated club broke the New Jersey law against discrimination by banning women from becoming members, keeping women from using club facilities, and preventing women from owning or leasing housing on its land unless they co-owned the property with a man (Vadala). 

Since Pine Valley has the power to discriminate against prospective members, they have extended it to discrimination in land ownership. Pine Valley owns land stretching beyond the course, including almost all the nearby land. Combine that with their discrimination towards women, and it has made women unable to purchase land. This is not legal and contradicts The Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ability for clubs to discriminate in some ways has led to more and more discrimination that goes beyond even the holes in the laws. This is further proved in that, 

The club recruited employees based on referrals from its mostly male workforce, resulting in the club having mostly male staff. Women, the complaint said, made up less than 4% of the club’s workforce, and often were working in positions in which they did not interact with members (Vadala). 

The club goes a step beyond not letting women have membership in that they have clear discriminatory practices towards women in job hiring. Similarly to land discrimination, Pine Valley has extended its discrimination beyond what The Civil Rights Act has allowed. Keeping women workers away from members shows how Pine Valley pushes the all-men narrative beyond only admitting male members. While the lax laws have allowed discrimination in the private club admissions process, it has led to further discrimination that breaks laws and takes away people’s rights.

The most effective ways to help solve the issue of discrimination at private golf clubs are to legally punish the clubs, to prevent people from exploiting holes in the Civil Rights Act, and to not give discriminatory clubs the recognition that the business side of clubs so often needs. Some states are taking action to fight discrimination at private country clubs. Michael McCann describes in his Sports Illustrated article, 

Private golf clubs that discriminate can face adverse consequences under anti-discrimination, tax and licensing laws found in state statutes and municipal codes. For example, a number of states condition eligibility for tax deductions and eligibility for liquor licenses on (among other factors) the absence of discriminatory membership policies (McCann). 

States taking action to punish clubs through taxes and revoking liquor licenses attacks the roots of clubs, making them not appealing to current and future members. These threats are highly effective as clubs will have no choice but to comply and admit minority races and women, as a failure to comply would have substantial economic and social consequences. Members will want to avoid being at a club that starts increasing membership costs to account for hefty taxes while also being unable to buy liquor at their club. McCann also mentions the use of tournaments and publicity to fight discrimination: 

Race- and sex-based membership exclusions have caused organizers of major tournaments to bypass discriminating clubs as prospective hosts. These consequences are more business outcomes than legal aftereffects but are nonetheless impactful in terms of revenue and prestige (McCann). 

Many clubs make a lot of money from tournaments and even need them to fund club activities. Often, tournaments help publicize courses to attract new members and make the courses more well-known. Ceasing to hold a large tournament at a specific club could have significant financial repercussions. Many clubs have relied on the annual stream of money coming from the tournament. This money is often used for course maintenance and keeping member fees low. A sudden stoppage of a large percentage of a club’s revenue will make a profitable, appealing, and thriving club become just the opposite in no time. Private clubs are businesses, and this solution threatens the business aspects of the clubs in order to reduce the social injustices at the club. 

Legal action has been taken to stop discrimination at clubs by using the Civil Rights Act and bringing light to the challenge private clubs present to civil rights. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s article about discrimination at Pine Valley mentions New Jersey’s response to the ongoing issue: “The Division on Civil Rights continues to work tirelessly to end the abhorrent legacies of exclusion and misogyny… New Jersey will not tolerate gender-based discrimination, and those who violate our laws will be held accountable” (Vadala). New Jersey is trying to encapsulate private country clubs in the “public places” referenced in The Civil Rights Act of 1964. This work, if successful, would make the clubs’ discriminatory practices illegal. In the case of Pine Valley, New Jersey’s actions are purely an attempt to stop gender discrimination, as that is the most prominent issue at the club. These actions have been very successful: Pine Valley has paid $100,000 to The Division on Civil Rights and another $100,000 in scholarships to enhance women’s participation in golf as a settlement to the lawsuit filed by The Division on Civil Rights (Vadala). Also, in recent years, Pine Valley has admitted its first female members. The subsequent changes to Pine Valley and its longstanding traditions of gender discrimination provide evidence that discriminatory practices at any club can be abolished. Attempts at solutions have been successful by attacking the clubs’ finances, taking their liberties by revoking liquor licenses, and challenging the legality of their discriminatory practices.

While some solutions can succeed in challenging discrimination present at private clubs, solving the problem is extremely difficult because white men strive to keep their clubs unchanged regarding gender and ethnic membership rates. At Plainfield Country Club, a woman seeking change “was kicked off her committee ‘in retaliation for her open advocacy for women’s golf’ and ‘to thwart her goal of seeking to change the stranglehold that men had’ on the club” (Bichao). It’s always challenging to make changes that disrupt longstanding practices, but it is far more difficult when the perpetrators hold positions of power. Ta-Nehisi Coates clarifies in Between The World And Me that America, initially created by white people, is made for white people. Similarly, white men originally made private clubs; they generally run private clubs, and thus the clubs are made for white men. Coates makes it clear that the issue in America can only be solved by white people, and it is just the same for private clubs. White men must break down their own discriminatory practices to solve the issue. As much as legal, financial, and social attacks can help, it takes the white men in positions of power at the club to start giving women and racial minorities fair chances at acquiring membership. In America, we have laws that make discrimination illegal. Still, in this institution where white men can get around the anti-discrimination laws, we see indicators of racism and sexism on a large scale. This highlights Americans’ intentions, more specifically white men, when unregulated. The discrimination at private clubs shows that discrimination would occur across all American industries if possible. It makes me think that American society hasn’t progressed on civil rights issues; the laws have forced Americans to reform their actions, but their intentions remain unchanged.

Works Cited

Axley, Eric. “In Golf, Whites Only Need Apply.” Bleacher Report, 17 Aug. 2010, bleacherreport.com/articles/437816-golf-whites-only-need-apply. Accessed 15 May 2023.

Bichao, Sergio. “Plainfield Country Club in accused of discrimination against women.” Asbury Park Press, Nov 15, 2013. ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/plainfield-country-club-accused-discrimination/docview/1458731610/se-2.

McCann, Michael. “Why Private Golf Clubs Are Legally Still Able to Discriminate Against Women.” Sports Illustrated, 1 July 2019, www.si.com/golf-archives/2019/07/01/private-golf-clubs-muirfield-augusta-women-discrimination. Accessed 15 May 2023.

Osborn, Claire. “Ex-manager of country club alleges racial bias: Lawsuit claims he faced discrimination at work.” Austin American Statesman, Jun 01, 2021. ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/ex-manager-country-club-alleges-racial-bias/docview/2534833783/se-2.

Schudel, Matt. Hootie Johnson, who resisted admitting women to Augusta National, dies at 86: As chairman of the private golf club that hosts the Masters, Mr. Johnson battled changing times in the name of tradition. ProQuest, Jul 14, 2017, https://www.proquest.com/blogs-podcasts-websites/hootie-johnson-who-resisted-admitting-women/docview/1919041120/se-2.

United States Census Bureau. “QuickFacts Chicago City, Illinois.” United States Census Bureau, 1 July 2022, www.census.gov/quickfacts/chicagocityillinois. Accessed 4 June 2023.

Vadala, Nick. “Pine Valley Golf Club agrees to settlement in gender-based discrimination lawsuit.” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 10 May 2023, www.inquirer.com/news/pine-valley-golf-club-discrimination-lawsuit-settlement-20230510.html. Accessed 15 May 2023.

Perpetual Perspectives | Distance Rollback

On December 6, 2023, the USGA and R&A announced that they will roll the ball back for all gofers. This will go into effect on January 1, 2028 for elite players and on January 1, 2030 for everyone else.

Context:

The two most powerful golfing governing bodies, the USGA and R&A, have been hanging the idea of a distance rollback over the golf community’s head for decades. Numerous technological advancements, such as the Titleist ProV1 and the titanium driver, have caused upticks in how far golfers hit the ball, pushing players’ power to what the governing bodies perceive to be its reasonable upper limit that preserves the sanctity of the game. Thus, on March 14, 2023, they finally pulled the trigger, announcing a proposal that would bifurcate the game into two skill levels with different equipment rules (think metal vs. wooden baseball bats). The USGA and R&A aim to protect some of the most historic and storied clubs who are regular visits by professional tours, as many have been rendered increasingly obsolete by the onslaught of power - they simply have no more space to expand. This proposal would affect only the most high-level golfers (painfully vague, right?) and effectively send the game for them “back to the ‘90s”, as touring pro Michael Kim so eloquently put it. 

Opinion: 
Everyone has an opinion on whether this rollback is an amazing idea, outlandish, or just plain stupid. This article does not aim to provide an objective view but instead aims to compare and contrast two perspectives from two generations of golf aficionados. 

Aficionado 1 is Mark Canno, a middle-aged 5-handicapper and high school golf coach from Westchester, New York.

Mark is for the rollback.

Aficionado 2 is the author of this article, Sajiv Mehta, a 17-year-old high school golfer, and a 0.5 handicap, also from Westchester, New York.

I am against the rollback. 

In our discussion, Mark brought up how holes are becoming less and less defensible to the long hitters: “The par fours are becoming all sand wedges and pitching wedges. And the par fives… [they] used to be long irons. Now they're hitting driver-seven iron.” 

On this issue, I find some common ground with Mark. To a certain extent, the distance of long hitters eases the demand for finesse and precision. In some cases, it is possible to overpower a golf course. To view an example of this, we need look no further than Bryson DeChambeau’s 2020 US Open Victory at Winged Foot. Despite the notoriously difficult conditions at the famed West Course, Bryson pulled away on the 4th day to win with a score of 6-under 274. This prompted a cry for change from many of the game’s old-guard defenders, including many Winged Foot members.

However, even this seemingly key victory for distance over strategy fell to Earth. The victory turned out to be Bryson’s last on the PGA Tour – he never regained his summer ‘20 form before eventually bowing out to the LIV Golf League. This could be attributed to many factors – injuries and heightened pressure among the possibilities. In my opinion, although these could very well be the reason for Bryson’s falloff in performance, we also must examine his victory in Mamaroneck, NY to a greater extent. That week, Winged Foot played a brutish 7,477 yards and the ball-disappearing-in-rough videos were out in full force. Furthermore, most of the holes had a straight setup and narrow fairways. These conditions played directly to the advantage of DeChambeau, who was able to hit it farther down these straight holes than his peers, who hit in the rough anyways. This bomb-and-gouge approach, however, can be defended against. To me, the debate should boil down to how courses choose to defend.

It is here where we can examine our two aficionados’ next difference in perspectives. Canno, very rightfully, points to the inherent limit of courses – space:

When they built these courses, they thought 7000 was going to be long enough, and now you need 7700, 7800, and most places do not have enough land. I think that's the real issue… Open courses in Florida might [be able to expand], but… Merion or some of the ones they've hosted us open, there's no more room to go back. And if they're stuck at 7000 yards and the ball keeps going further, just in the last five years, you've noticed probably a 15-yard difference, for sure.

Again, I find common ground with Mark. Resources are limited, and we must reconcile with them. However, the USGA and R&A’s proposal does not place a great enough emphasis on individual tour-level courses’ potential for change or evaluate recreational players’ place. Regarding course changes, adding more deep bunkers, water hazards, and thoughtfully-placed trees would promote a more strategic approach to playing a course. Or, if courses want to wage an all-out war against bombing, they can add all the obstacles previously mentioned while also varying course layout by including more dog-legs and blind shots. 

Technological advancements mean that recreational players are hitting it farther than ever and are also scoring better than ever. Taking away the every-day golfer’s ability to play the same equipment as the pros would also mean that they would not be able to compare themselves (however embarrassingly) to the best players in the world.

Working with what courses are given is by no means perfect – increasing strategic difficulty and highlighting shotmaking could in theory drive beginners away. However, it is one alternative to the governing bodies’ proposal, which takes the defense against distance out of courses’ hands and solely focuses on the best players in the world. If the USGA and R&A were to roll back distance for just the best, there will come a point in the future where the distance concerns for recreational players would have to be addressed. By evaluating the distance dilemma for all players, instead of just a select few, perhaps the game can regain its finesse and also stay a whole lot of fun.

Mark Canno’s full comments on the rollback can be found here.

The LIV Dilemma

Sportswashing. It’s not an easy term to describe nor a pleasant phenomenon to experience. It exposes the side of sports that we prefer to ignore; the shady underbelly of who really funds America’s favorite entertainment.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (with its $700M+ Public Investment Fund) has slowly integrated itself and become a household name in golf. June of 2022 marked a previously unfathomable split in professional golf; I distinctly remember seeing a video of Dustin Johnson at LIV’s first event in London, England, and being shocked. I grew up with a poster of DJ on my wall, and to me, a member of golf media’s youngest generation, it was shocking to see one of my heroes, who had won The Masters just a year and a half prior, go to the dark side.

This reaction was not uncommon—the media seemed to dispose of any LIV players; they had fallen off the professional scene in their eyes. In a flash, many of the game’s biggest stars were gone.

Many young golfers didn’t know what to think. I found myself among golfing friends who both hated LIV and loved it. Rory McIlroy’s strong anti-LIV sentiment appealed to me; he’s been my favorite golfer since I started following the sport at the age of 10.

The allure of redemption stories is what often captivates fans and creates legends in sports. We've seen it with golf icons like Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth, who experienced slumps in their careers but fought their way back to the top, making their victories even more sweet and inspiring. These stories of resilience and overcoming adversity are an integral part of the PGA Tour's appeal.

However, the emergence of LIV Golf raises questions about whether we will witness similar redemption stories in this new golfing landscape. The very nature of LIV Golf, with its exclusive and closed-door structure, makes it nearly impossible for players to experience the same kind of setbacks that lead to a redemption arc. In the PGA Tour, golfers can lose their status, face the pressure of qualifying for events, and fight their way through various challenges to reclaim their former glory. To me, the struggle is part of what makes the victories meaningful and the journey compelling.

In contrast, LIV Golf players, backed by substantial financial support, won't face the same career-threatening obstacles. They won't be playing to get into events or battling to regain their status because their position in the league is virtually guaranteed. This lack of inherent adversity diminishes the potential for redemption stories that have long been a driving force behind the emotional connection fans feel toward their favorite players.

While it's tempting to dismiss LIV Golf entirely, it's essential to acknowledge that it does bring some positives to the table. It certainly has a more global aspect; whereas the PGA Tour almost exclusively plays tournaments in America (aside from the annual Mexico, Scottish, and British Opens), LIV has a regular rotation of venues that includes Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Spain, among others.

It’s about competitiveness in my view, and a legitimate hierarchal system that offers exemptions only to those who actually deserve it. Few would dispute that Rory McIlroy, with his 20+ PGA Tour victories, deserves a lifetime exemption into tour events. It’s unclear, however, whether Pat Perez, with his 3 PGA Tour wins, can ever play himself off of the high-paying LIV circuit.

To me, the recent $3 Billion PGA Tour agreement with Strategic Sports Group signifies that this civil war will not come to an end anytime soon. With leaders like McIlroy changing their tune about players’ decisions to take the LIV money, the future of golf is as up in the air as ever. With the advent of the Full Swing Netflix program, pro golf has literally become a series of dramatic plot twists. It’s quite exciting to just sit back and enjoy the show.

The Art and Evolution of Golf Course Rankings: Unveiling Transformations and Evaluations

In the realm of golf, course rankings hold immense significance, guiding players and enthusiasts to exceptional golfing experiences. One influential ranking system that stands out is Golf Digest Course Rankings, which rigorously evaluates and rates golf courses. In this article (based on Steve Hennessey’s interview), we will explore the comprehensive and evolving nature of Golf Digest's course ranking system, shedding light on the intricacies behind evaluating different golf course styles and the impact of renovations and equipment advancements.

Steve Hennessey, Deputy Managing Editor at Golf Digest, brings over ten years of experience to his responsibility of overseeing the course rankings. Besides his editorial duties, Hennessey co-hosts the popular golf podcast, The Loop. He emphasizes the accessibility of golf-related content on various social media platforms, which complements the consumption of golf content from Golf Digest.

Golf Digest's course ranking system is built upon seven categories, including shot options, aesthetics, character, and conditioning. The magazine employs approximately 1900 course rankers across the United States and Canada who diligently evaluate courses based on these criteria. Each course is rated on a scale of one to ten, and the scores are aggregated every other year to produce the prestigious 100 Greatest Rankings and Best in State Rankings. This democratic process ensures a fair and unbiased evaluation.

To qualify for Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Rankings, a golf course must undergo evaluations at least 50 times within a ten-year cycle. The rankings, published biennially, incorporate evaluations from the previous decade. Recent evaluations hold more weight, while extreme outliers are excluded from consideration, ensuring that only the most deserving courses make it to the prestigious list.

Comparing golf courses with distinct architectural styles presents a significant challenge for Golf Digest's rankers. Each style, from classic Donald Ross designs to modern creations, demands a unique evaluation approach. Rankers establish an ideal score for each category and compare subsequent courses against that standard. By assessing shot options, for example, rankers can discern subtle differences between courses and differentiate them through precise decimal point scoring.

While top-ranking courses still predominantly belong to the revered Golden Age of golf architecture, a few newer courses have managed to make their mark. Friar's Head in New York and Sandhills in Nebraska are prime examples. However, the enduring quality of design and the ability to host major championships often contribute to the dominance of Golden Age courses. Perhaps older architecture is not doomed against modern technology and distance.

Modern technology and the increasing distance achieved by professional golfers have pushed golf courses to adapt. Renovations aim to preserve the integrity of the game and effectively challenge players. Architects like Gil Hanse have widened fairways to provide strategic options off the tee, while the defense of green complexes tests players' short game skills. Golf Digest acknowledges the impact of technology by rewarding courses with firm and fast conditions in their rankings.

As golf continues to evolve, so too will the course rankings. Club renovations, such as those at Wingfoot and Philadelphia Cricket Club, can propel golf courses up the rankings, showcasing the long-term benefits of transformations. Additionally, ongoing discussions about potentially rolling back equipment distances highlight the adaptability of the sport. While any adjustments to equipment regulations are unlikely to disrupt course rankings significantly, the future may hold a scenario where players at different levels utilize distinct sets of equipment, revolutionizing the game.

One interesting idea to consider is that of more international outreach. Though Golf Digest does have a World’s 100 Greatest Courses list to go along with their America’s 100 Greatest, it is far less internationally recognized and celebrated than it is in the United States. Perhaps, training new raters, in underrepresented parts of the world, like Asia, could draw recognition, tourists, and money to courses that could use the new revenue to improve their own systems. With the power rankings hold in today’s world, this seems like a fantastic way for Golf Digest to use theirs for good.

Golf course rankings, epitomized by Golf Digest's comprehensive evaluation process, continue to evolve alongside the ever-changing golfing landscape. Through renovations and advancements in equipment, golf courses strive to provide exceptional experiences to players of all levels. Golf rankings will have to continue to adapt to new course renovations and policy changes by golf’s governing bodies. However, by sticking to the democratic process they currently have, Golf Digest can surely continue its run of prestigious rankings, and perhaps even expand globally.

Detailed Discussion on the Tiger Effect with Mark Canno

In this discussion, Mark Canno, a golf enthusiast and coach, discusses his experience with golf and his perspective on Tiger Woods' impact on the sport. Mark shares that he started playing golf in high school and continued to play avidly over the years. He became a coach for the Rye Neck team and eventually took over as head coach. Mark also discusses how he consumes golf content, including reading magazines like Golf Digest and watching major tournaments.

The conversation then shifts to Tiger Woods and his influence on golf. Mark acknowledges the positive impact Tiger had on the sport, including increased media attention, higher TV ratings, and a significant boost in prize money. However, he also highlights the negative effect on professional players, as the competition became much tougher with the influx of new talent. Mark shares his favorite memories of Tiger, particularly the 1997 Masters and the 2000 Pebble Beach tournament where Tiger's exceptional performance stood out.

When asked about Tiger as a role model, Mark expresses some reservations, stating that while Tiger's competitive drive and winning attitude are admirable, he believes there are better role models in other sports. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the overall improvement in the quality of high school golfers and the motivation it has sparked among recreational players, although Mark attributes this more to the increased popularity of the sport rather than Tiger's influence specifically.

Overall, Mark's insights shed light on the significant impact Tiger Woods had on golf, both in terms of the sport's popularity and the level of competition, while also offering a nuanced perspective on Tiger's role as a role model.

Mark Canno

I was born in Cincinnati, but moved here [Northeast] in the early 70s. Went to Rye Neck High School, played in the golf, didn't really start playing golf till 9th grade. Took to it right away. That was like early 80s. It wasn't as popular as it is now, but got into it, tried out for the high school team, made it. Rhineneck was a very small school, so it wasn't that tough to make it, but improved a lot by junior and senior year was in low 40s then. Didn't play as much at college. I went away to Boston College, then joined Metropolis Country Club in White Plains in the early ninety's and been there ever since. Over the last 30 years played very avid golf, 35, 40 rounds a year. And then the coaching came about in the early 2000s, like 2004 or five. I saw the Rhieneck team had been doing very poorly, so I volunteered, just helped out with the team for two or three years. Then I met Rye golf Club Hampshire at the driving range. And then 2006, the head coach became the principal of the middle school and they asked Would you want to take over?

Mark Canno

Thought I would do it for a couple of years and 16 years later I'm still coaching there. So it's been a real fun experience and had some great players over the years, college players, and just real fun experiences and beautiful courses. So it's been great.

Sajiv Mehta

That's great. Yeah. How would you say you consume golf content these days? Like, you watch them on TV, you go golf tournaments, you read anything.

Mark Canno

Yeah, good mix. I'm one of the rare guys that still gets magazines. I still get Golf Digest in the mail. I'm not a big online guy, so more reading the local papers for local information. USA Today. For more, the PGA Stuff and the Golf Digest. And I watch a lot. Certainly watch all the majors, good amount of usually just Sundays for the week to week tournaments, but the majors pretty much every round. And I go whenever it's close. I've been to several US opens Wingfoot Shinnecock Bethpage. I went to Pebble Beach, the famous year of Tiger 2000. So I've probably been to 10-12 US opens. Went to the Masters once, the famous one with Fowler came back and beat Greg Norman 1996. That's a great event. So, yeah, I go whenever it's close. And a few I've traveled for, but yeah, really huge. Avid fan playing, watching everything.

Sajiv Mehta

So this is all about generational things, right? I saw a gap in the media and younger people being represented. I'm trying to put that out there, trying to show members of community, like give them contrasting perspectives about topics that are important in the golf community today. So I'm going to give my perspective about the pre-post Tiger thing.

Mark Canno

Going to give you a little thing.

Sajiv Mehta

And I'm going to give you a pretty open floor for whatever you want to jump off of, from what I say. All right, so, obviously, I was really young in the Tiger era. I wasn't really a golfing person. And I've really grown up watching more of the people who tried to emulate Tiger than actually Tiger.

Mark Canno

Right.

Sajiv Mehta

I see their admiration, and I obviously see the famous clips of Tiger at Augusta Tori. But I wasn't there. Right? I didn't watch the tournaments or see everything that was going on. I didn't know who his rivals were. And Prime Tiger is like this mysterious figure in the media, right? He's had this huge effect, but I never really understood what that effect is. Obviously, he's done so much for the game, but how did that come about?

Mark Canno

What did he do?

Sajiv Mehta

And what was the environment surrounding him? Because that's something that you can never really capture with a clip or an article. So I thought I would ask someone who knew.

Mark Canno

All right, yeah, that's great. I'd say that's a good point. But pre 1996, I think there was huge attention on the majors US open. Obviously the Masters every year come April, maybe a few other events, TPC, but otherwise there wasn't once he came along in 94, 95, 96 with the UA AM, and then obviously Masters 97. You really notice any event, he played in huge TV ratings, much more national interest, not just local at the site. So, obviously it's been a positive. I'd say 95%. I'd say media attention, much higher. Fan attention, double, triple TV ratings, much higher. The money he's brought, the game has been amazing. I mean, the average persons back then were the winner would get 400,000. Now towards a $1.5m - $1.8m. It's crazy. So not just him. I mean other players, obviously, Mickelson, there's been some other huge Mcilroy now, but Tiger has really got a jump start with the TV rights and obviously the ratings. The negative, I could see the only slight negative. He brought so many new people to the game, which is great on the country club level, fill in the clubs and the public courses. But on the pro level, it's made it so much harder for these guys to make a living.

Mark Canno

The 125th golfer now, as you know, it's so hard to make that top 125, to make the Tour, to make the Korn Ferry Tour. 30 years ago, 1990s, 1980s. 40 years ago, there was thousands of good golfers. Now there's tens of thousands. So I think that's interesting. Golf was great, and, like I said, great for the boom and public courses and country clubs. But I think it did have a negative effect. It just made the competition so tough that it is way tougher to make any of the Tours now.

Sajiv Mehta

So, just some questions, quick questions about Tiger. What is your favorite memory of Tiger? Do you have something that stands out in your mind?

Mark Canno

Yeah, I'm honest. I'm going to be honest, I didn't usually root for him. I was more of a Mickelson guy. I knew he was great for golf. When he had a good round he was very obviously in an amazing mood. However, on those tough days, he was tough on the media, not the greatest interview. So I'm honest, I didn't root for him a lot, but any of those famous ones, the 97 Masters was incredible. The most recent one with his son there at the end, and some great ones where he won, hugging his parents at the end. I was at, like I said, 2000 Pebble Beach, impossible conditions. Guys are shooting 80, 78, and he won by 15. He was twelve under. Second place was three over. I mean, that was just to see that golf, that was like, by far the best I think that by far the best golf ever played. Because, I mean, the course was unplayable when he was twelve under, and it was incredible. So that's probably my biggest memory because I was there, the 2000 all right.

Sajiv Mehta

Just going a little bit off that.

Sajiv Mehta

You didn't really root for him, but obviously now you see everyone's a Tiger fan. Everyone wants to see him succeed. Did everyone want to see him succeed, like earlier in his career? When do you think?

Mark Canno

Yeah, that's a good question. I'd say at the start, yes. So 1997, 98, 99 95%, never 100% then. Whether it was Sergio, whether it was Phil, whether it was just was that guy's name Bob May? And the PGA people wanted to see an upset. I don't think they were rooting against Tiger. I think they were more just rooting for the upset. But I do think more in the 2008, 09, 10, 11, 12, those years when he wasn't playing as well and became a little tougher with the media, I do think it was a little more backlash, but people were against it. But I still would say of my friends or the people I played golf with, probably 70% were still rooting for him. And then when he had obviously all the things go wrong in his life and made that comeback, then it did seem like it was more like 90, back to 90 or 95% [rooting for him]. So I think it was high. High at the start and extremely high now. In the middle of his career, he was still the most popular player, but I think he was also a little polarized. Definitely some people like to root against him, but now I agree with you.

Mark Canno

I think since the comeback, it's at least 95% rooted for okay.

Sajiv Mehta

And going off the comeback, all these things surrounded Tiger's career off the course. With that, do you think he's still a good role model for kids today to look up to him?

Mark Canno

I'm going to probably say not great. I'm honest, I think it's okay to root for him that's okay. But role model? Yeah, I would say yes his competitive fire is caring about winning. Winning all. There's some great stuff there, but definitely, I'd say not the perfect role model. Definitely better ones out there. Whether it's on the golf course, whether it's tennis, I'm a big tennis guy. Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal, those guys I would look to as better role models. Mike Trout in baseball, not an awful one, but definitely better ones out there. Yeah. Okay.

Sajiv Mehta

So I know you run your own tournament and you have for a while, and I just wanted to know, obviously, the Tiger rise has been a lot and have you seen a lot of changes as the games become more popular as a result of him in the quality of even high school golfers or in your tournament?

Mark Canno

Yeah, definitely just in the years I've done it, from 2006 till now, when I started, if a guy broke 40, you were considered a really good high school golfer. Now, as you know from your team, you got to be shooting 36, 37 under par to be really good. You make the team if you shoot 41. So, yeah, just the all section, the guys that make states, the level has gone much higher. I'd say just in these 15 years that I've done two and a half to three strokes per nine holes. That's a lot. I mean, used to be 40, you got a chance to make sectional. Now you got to be at 37. So it's maybe two and a half, four to five strokes per 18 holes. The kids have gotten better in those years and there's still not a ton of kids from this area. Cameron Young, obviously. Unbelievable. James Nicholas that have gone on to these huge schools, wake Forest and Vanderbilt. There's been a few, but you still have a lot more kids going to Ivy League schools to Patriot League has been very popular. Four or five kids have gone to either the Bucknell, Lehigh, Lafayette Rowdy.

Mark Canno

So, yes, more college players, but just much more competitive teams from Scarsdale to Rye to Mamaroneck to Harrison, just really yeah. So I would say it's gotten better at all schools, but especially the top end.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay, and just one last question around it. So obviously the motivation for the competitive players has skyrocketed, but what about the motivation for recreational players like the people you play with? You see, a motivation for them to get better is higher because of what they see in Tiger and how the game has become bigger and there's more people. Is there like a more competitive aspect even in the more recreational side of golf?

Mark Canno

That's interesting. I'd say somewhat. I wouldn't attribute that as much to Tiger. I do think he got a lot of people off their couches. Hey, let me try this game. Go to the drive range. They took the game up. I didn't notice in the last amongst the guys I play with at Metropolis or my friends. Where they want to win - don't think it changed that much as a result of Tiger. I think just getting more people out there playing all over the country, all over the world. So you got to give them huge credit for that. Certainly the amount of people playing.

The Tiger Effect: A Game-Changing Era in Golf

In the world of golf, few players have had as profound an impact as Tiger Woods. From his meteoric rise in the 90s to his recent comeback, Tiger's influence on the game cannot be overstated. This article (derived from Mark Canno’s first interview) aims to take you on a journey through the transformative era of Tiger Woods, exploring the changes in golf culture, the rise of high school and college players, and the enduring legacy of one of the sport's greatest icons.

Tiger Woods burst onto the scene in the mid-90s, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and charisma. As he dominated the golfing world, the popularity of the sport soared. The majors, especially the Masters, became must-watch events, drawing massive television ratings and national interest. Tiger's impact was undeniable, with his remarkable performances elevating golf to new heights.

Tiger's success brought an influx of new players to the game, both at the country club level and public courses. Golf experienced a boom, with more people taking up the sport and filling fairways across the country. The financial implications were staggering, as prize money for tournaments skyrocketed, making the pursuit of professional golf a much more challenging endeavor.

The Tiger Effect extended to the high school and college level, where aspiring young players looked to emulate their idol. The competition intensified, and the quality of play improved significantly. High school golfers had to reach new levels of skill to make their teams, with shooting under par becoming the norm. College players also faced higher standards, with more athletes earning scholarships to prestigious golf programs.

Tiger Woods reshaped the perception of golf, captivating not only avid fans but also casual viewers. The sport became more accessible and exciting, shedding its reputation as an elite, exclusive pastime. Tiger's infectious competitive fire and his unwavering desire to win inspired a new generation of golfers, further driving the sport's popularity.

While Tiger Woods undeniably had a massive following, he also polarized audiences. Some loved his dominance and unique playing style, while others found his demeanor off-putting. As his career progressed, the media scrutiny intensified, and his personal struggles became public knowledge. This led to a shift in public sentiment, with some rooting against him. However, the majority of golfers and fans continued to support him through thick and thin.

After enduring a series of setbacks, Tiger Woods made a triumphant return to the game. His comeback story captured the imagination of fans worldwide, reigniting the passion for golf. The outpouring of support and admiration for Tiger showcased his enduring popularity and the impact he had on the sport. Today, he is celebrated as one of golf's all-time greats.

The Tiger Effect forever changed the landscape of golf. From increased viewership and financial growth to the rise of high school and college players, Tiger's influence is undeniable. However, many have questioned his value as a role model and his influence on younger golfers. His personal struggles included various crimes and public scandals. It was undoubtedly troubling to view a hero of the game in a downward spiral, destroying his own public image. As these events go further in the rearview mirror, Tiger’s legacy becomes more and more only about his on-course accomplishments. However, to the younger golfers of the generation who looked up to him, they can never be forgotten.

And still, while his role as a role model is debated, Tiger’s competitive spirit and dedication to the game continue to inspire golfers of all ages. Tiger Woods' impact on golf will be felt for generations to come, ensuring his place in the annals of the sport's storied history.

Detailed Discussion on Technology's Impact on the Game with Craig Thomas

In this discussion, Craig Thomas discusses his consumption of golf content and the influx of youth in professional tournaments. He mentions that he gathers most of his content from social media, golf publications, and PGA magazine. While Thomas mainly participates in senior events now, he acknowledges the presence of talented young golfers and their impact on the game.

Thomas also highlights the increase in recreational youth players, attributing it partially to the pandemic. Many individuals who previously showed little interest in golf took it up during the lockdown and have continued with the sport. The conversation then shifts to the obsession with distance in golf and the role of technology in achieving it. Thomas mentions how golf balls have evolved, allowing players to hit longer distances and enhancing the significance of fitness in the game.

The course setups in tournaments have adapted to defend against longer drives by increasing the length of courses and implementing challenging roughs. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the possibility of distance rollbacks and the concept of bifurcation in equipment rules between professional and recreational players. Thomas expresses doubts about the feasibility of enforcing different equipment rules and emphasizes the enjoyment that comes from being able to play with the same equipment as professional golfers.

Overall, the interview highlights the impact of technology on golf, from content consumption to equipment advancements, as well as the growing interest in the sport among younger generations.

Craig Thomas

I don't consume as much golf content during my season, which is really, I would say, from mid May through mid September, I don't have the opportunity to watch as much as I would like. That was pre social media and all that other stuff. That's how I gathered all my content. And the golf publications as well. I get all the publications at the golf shop, also get PGA magazine that PGA sends out. So I try to keep up on as much as possible, put them in my backpack, and when I'm traveling, you know, browse through everything, try and see what's new out there.

Sajiv Mehta

Yep. Okay. And I know you've played a lot of golf tournaments in your career and a lot of professional tournaments. Would you say you've seen an influx of youth in those tournaments more recently, or do you think it stayed mostly, like, the same demographics in these tournaments?

Craig Thomas

Well, now that I'm one of the older guys, I could say, yeah, there looks like there's a lot more youth out there, but they're almost all younger than I am. But most of the events that I compete in now are senior events, so I'm not seeing the youth. But when I do go to events and when I do watch, I was fortunate enough to get down to the masters last year, spend some time watching Cameron young. Yeah, there's a lot of young guys out there that you see these swings that look incredible, and you're googling them, trying to figure out who they are and where they go to school, and there's a lot of good golfers out there coming up.

Sajiv Mehta

And in your experience as a head pro, have you seen more recently that youth are coming and just playing recreationally more? Is that something that's, like are they taking more of an interest in the game?

Craig Thomas

I think so. I think actually, the pandemic led to a lot of that as well. We had some of our members, as you know, you being a member at Metropolis, some of our members kids anywhere between the age, I would say 14 and 24 who never really showed much of an interest in golf prior. Now they couldn't really do anything else, and all of a sudden, we had people taking up golf that had never really shown an interest, and to their credit, they've stuck with it.

Sajiv Mehta

And we've all seen this sort of obsession or this obsession with distance that's started recently. Right. How do you think that's come about, and how do you think that technology has affected that, and has it affected the way you practice or the way your game has?

Craig Thomas

Yeah, distance is the thing. People are hitting farther now. Literally, as I was waiting to come on here, I was flipping through Facebook, and they showed and I'll just call it up here. It went somewhere else, but it was showing one of the young guys on tour and his carry distances, everything from his driver down to his 58 degree wedge, and he's carrying his pitching wedge 155 yards. That's crazy.

Sajiv Mehta

Yes.

Craig Thomas

So distance has become more of a focus for a lot of people, but it's always been a focus. I mean, I remember my first trip to Tour school. I was playing second stage out in Indiana, and there was this guy behind me that on a par four where I was hitting a driver and nine iron. A driver, eight iron. He was hitting a driver. And we're standing on the green looking back, and there's a ball rolling like 60 yards from the green. And long story short, that was John Daley. So distance has always been a thing, and people that can hit it far, but yet can still get the ball in the hole and have good short games, you definitely have a little bit of an advantage, I believe.

Sajiv Mehta

And in tournaments, how have you seen the course setups change to try and defend against that?

Craig Thomas

They just get longer. Any of the courses now they're building. They're building them longer. The tour doesn't really go back to very many of the old classic courses. I mean, Westchester Country club, when I was your age and younger, they had had the Buick classic there. It used to be the manufacturer's handover, Westchester Classic. It's a very short course given today's standards, but the guys never really went super low there because it's kind of an old traditional course. I think that the USGA playing in the senior open this year had a little bit of length to it, but the way they get around that is the rough. They don't mind you hitting it long, but you better hit it straight, because if you weren't hitting it straight, you were having a difficult time moving anything other than a wedge out of that rough.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay. And distance has obviously come as a result of technology, but what do you think technology has had a role in other parts of golf, like not specifically distance, but training, whether it be launch monitors or cameras. Do you think that's made it easier to improve, or do you think it still requires the same amount of hard work?

Craig Thomas

I think it still requires the same amount of hard work. I mean, you might get to the answer quicker, but I still think you need to put in the work to make an effective change. But talking a little bit more about technology and everything, I think the biggest change is the golf ball. The golf ball. You never played a Balata golf ball, a soft Balata golf ball with a persimmon wood that if you swung as hard as some of these guys do now and you hit it a little bit offline, that ball just curved forever. I mean, you wouldn't even find it. So the fact that the golf balls don't spin as much, don't curve as much, they don't spin offline as much. I think that has allowed fitness to kind of really add so much to the game. I mean, guys are just younger, stronger, they're working out, they're not hanging out, and they just hit it and it goes.

Sajiv Mehta

Yeah. And speaking of distance, the USGA and PGA have been proposing distance rollbacks for a while now. Do you think that's a possibility, that that's going to happen? And if it does, do you think that it would be a good thing for golf?

Craig Thomas

I don't know how they could possibly do that. I know they've talked about they've been talking about it for a long time, for decades, honestly. And then they talk about this bifurcation of the rules. Having the Tour have to abide by one set of rules and equipment, and everybody else who's playing amateur golf at the club could play other equipment, but that's one of the beauties of the game. I mean, you can basically play the same clubs Rory Mcllroy is playing, and people enjoy they, whether it be the putter, the ball, the irons, the wedges, whatever, they feel as though they're using the same.

Sajiv Mehta

And that definitely gives people a way to compare yourself to Rory Mcllroy. Them obviously, you're not in the same league as them, but you can still see them on the golf course. You can say, oh, I was in that same position yesterday, or something like that.

Craig Thomas

Especially when you go when you have a chance to go out and play Beth Page Black and you've seen the guys play there, and now you go out and play there and you remember so and so this is where his drive was, and he hit it onto the green, and you're standing there. There's no way I'm getting on the green. But guys like to try. It makes the game of golf a little bit different than everything else.

Sajiv Mehta

So you'd say that it's not likely that they're going to roll back distance, and even if they do, you don't support, like, one set of rules for the pros and one set of rules for recreational golfers.

Craig Thomas

I find that would be very hard to enforce. Take our club, for example. Am I standing on the first tee and making sure everybody's playing the right equipment? I don't want to tell one of my members that they can't use you can't use that driver or you can't use that ball or whatever it mean. You want everybody to enjoy the game.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay. All right. Thank you so much.

Sajiv Mehta

 That's all I had for today. I just wanted to get your opinion on the technology part of what's happening.

Craig Thomas

Yeah, I mean, I think it's good. I don't know how they keep coming out with new stuff every year, but these companies, every year they've got something new, and right now. I was just out at Callaway and they're already working on things not that are coming out in 2023. They've got 2024 stuff that they're already making three D models on. It's very impressive of very smart people out there.

Sajiv Mehta

Yeah. It's becoming more of a science than ever before. 100%.

The Evolution of Golf: A Look at Technology's Impact on the Game

Golf, like any other sport, has witnessed significant changes over the years. From the way it is played to the advancements in equipment, technology has played a crucial role in shaping the game. In this blog post, we will explore how technology has influenced golf, from the influx of youth in tournaments to the obsession with distance. In this article (derived from Craig Thomas’ interview), we will dive into the fascinating story of technology’s impact on golf's evolution.

With the advent of social media and digital platforms, golf enthusiasts now have access to an abundance of content. Craig Thomas, a seasoned golfer, acknowledges how his content consumption has shifted. Previously reliant on golf publications and word of mouth, he now finds himself browsing through golf-related posts while on the move, keeping up with the latest trends and news.

While Craig primarily competes in senior events, he has noticed a surge in young golfers making their mark. As a player in high-caliber events like the PGA Championship, he has witnessed the incredible swings of rising talents like Cameron Young has impressed upon him the abundance of young talent in the game today. During our interview, he expressed a belief that the future of golf seems bright, and that a new generation of skilled players is emerging.

One unexpected outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic was an increased interest in golf among the younger generation, as discussed in Craig’s interview. Indeed, many a previously uninterested teenager or young adult took up golf during the lockdown. Golf’s recreational prowess has never been higher, and perhaps the greatest challenge of golf’s leaders and governing bodies is how to capitalize on this renewed interest and increase growth.

The pursuit of distance has become a focal point for many golfers. With technological advancements, players are now hitting the ball farther than ever before. Craig highlights the staggering carry distances of young tour players, emphasizing the significance of distance in modern golf. However, he also stresses the importance of a well-rounded game, where long hitters with excellent short games have a distinct advantage.

To counterbalance the increasing distance, golf course setups have evolved. Courses are being built longer, challenging players to showcase accuracy along with power. The use of rough as a defense mechanism has become more prevalent. Hitting it long is no longer enough – hitting it straight is equally crucial to navigate the demanding rough.

The advent of launch monitors, cameras, and other technological aids has undoubtedly revolutionized training methods. While these tools can expedite improvement, Craig emphasizes that hard work remains a fundamental requirement. Technology may provide quicker answers, but the dedication and effort put into making effective changes remain unchanged.

However, Craig maintains that he is against a bifurcation of golf equipment and technology. This leads to the question for supporters of bifurcation: if dedication is still required (and most agree that it is), then why does technology need to be changed at all?

The USGA and PGA have been discussing distance rollbacks for years. Craig ponders the feasibility of implementing such changes and the potential division between professional and recreational players. While acknowledging the validity of concerns, he believes that maintaining a unified set of rules and equipment for all players fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows amateurs to compare themselves to their golfing heroes.

Technology continues to shape and redefine the game of golf. From the way content is consumed to the influence on player development and course setups, its impact is undeniable. While debates about distance rollbacks persist, it remains uncertain whether such changes will be implemented. Regardless, the ever-evolving nature of golf will undoubtedly provide new challenges and opportunities for players and fans alike.

Detailed Discussion on the World of Golf Podcasting and the Unseen Side of Professional Golf with Mike McNamara

Mike McNamara, host of the golf podcast "The Amateur Hour," shares his background and experiences in the golf industry. He started the podcast in 2017, conducting over 50 interviews with notable golf personalities, including professional players like Max Homa and Shane Lowry. McNamara also covers college basketball and football for the Action Network while producing golf-related content. He emphasizes his passion for golf and his active participation in the sport.

Despite the challenges of entering a saturated podcast market, McNamara believes in carving out a niche and building connections with potential guests. Although he is not currently producing regular episodes, he values the relationships he has formed through the podcast and remains engaged with the golf community. McNamara highlights the importance of research and a conversational approach when interviewing guests, aiming for a well-rounded discussion.

McNamara discusses one of his most interesting guests, Kessler Karain, Patrick Reed's caddy and brother-in-law. He explores the dynamic between Karain and Reed, particularly in regards to Reed's controversial reputation. McNamara's interviews reveal the common challenges faced by aspiring pro golfers, the competitive nature of the sport, and the desire to make golf more accessible to younger generations.

The interview also touches on the differences between professional golf tours and the challenges faced by players at different levels. McNamara highlights the contrasting lifestyles between lower-ranked players on the Korn Ferry Tour and mini tours, who often face financial struggles, and higher-ranked players who enjoy private flights and other luxuries. McNamara expresses his support for underdog stories and acknowledges the immense pressure faced by players trying to secure their livelihoods.

Mike McNamara

Thanks for having me on Sajiv. Excited to be on. I've heard a lot from Cam and others about what you're doing with this generational golf. Excited to be on. A little bit of background about myself. I started a golf podcast called The Amateur Hour with a couple of good buddies that I grew up with, went to high school with back in 2017 right when we were coming out of college and we had a good four or five year run there. Probably conducted 50 plus interviews with guys like Max Homa, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, some of the stars of the game, some LPGA players, some media guys like Steve Sand. So it was a really cool experience. I grew up watching the majors but always being a little bit more of a football and basketball guy. And then within the last six, seven years have really taken a following of the PGA Tour to all things golf related. And now I'm a guy. We'll talk every week, we watch the tournaments, we make picks, I gamble on golf, whatever it may be, so very much around the game as well as certainly out there playing a good amount as well.

Mike McNamara

That's more of a work in progress. But yeah, excited to be on with you.

Sajiv Mehta

And how do you other than just watching tournaments and stuff, is there any other way that you consume golf content these days?

Mike McNamara

Yeah, so I work over with the Action Network on the side. I cover more of our college basketball and college football verticals, but those guys have a lot of really good golf content as well. Led by Jason Sobel and crew, they put out a lot of content, whether it's a tournament preview, course analysis, picks, power rankings for a given week, that type of thing. So I'm very much in tune with the PGA Tour on a weekly basis, whether that be we're in a pool where you pick one guy a week, you can only use him once a year following tournaments, the majors, all of it. Now you got this LIV golf coming up in competition as well. So it's definitely an interesting time to be following the sport. There's tons of young talent at all levels. It's never been in my opinion at least it's never been harder to win on Tour than it is right now with how deep these fields are, but an exciting time for the game overall.

Sajiv Mehta

And speaking of your podcast, what do you say are like the biggest challenges of trying to start a new piece of golf media or a podcast? Anything really in the golf media realm.

Mike McNamara

Yeah, nowadays it seems like everyone and their mother has a podcast. So it's tough, man. We started, as I said, back in 2017, similar to you, kind of from scratch, no real connections in the game. You kind of have to pay your dues early, really get it out of the dirt. It's almost like a sales rule a little bit in terms of looking for guests, whether it's sliding in the DMs or reaching out to people with whatever numbers you have. Try and grow a following, grow a guest list. Obviously, there's the established podcasts in golf right now, the no laying ups, the foreplay guys that have the luxury of relying on Dave Portnoy's budget and all. There's always, as I tell people, there's always room to carve out a space and find your niche. So certainly respect kind of what you're doing and wish you the best of luck with it.

Sajiv Mehta

Cool. And why did you come up with the idea you just decided to get together with your budies and start a podcast? Was there any other?

Mike McNamara

Yeah, so it was about a year after we had really gotten into the it. We were playing a ton. We're watching all the, you know, as sports guys at that. There's everyone and their mother wants to talk NFL, fantasy football, college football, college hoops, NBA. But at that time, especially, this was pre-COVID golf was still a little bit on the back burner in terms of the regular, especially guys our age, your age. Golf wasn't a sport that got a ton of buzz at that time. So we kind of felt like it was a little bit of an untapped market there. We felt like we had the knowledge to try and connect with a little bit more of the younger generation that you hear pros talk about it all the time. How do we make the game more exciting for the younger generation? So we saw it as an opportunity, and we were able to kind of build a solid following build. As I said, we got guests that on day one, we would have never thought were possible to have on and come on over the course of the run. And, yeah, we're not doing it regularly right now with schedules and whatnot, but still cool to look back on and see the episodes we did know.

Mike McNamara

I live down in Austin now. I go to the Match Play event down there at Austin Country Club every year, go for free, go out to dinner with some of the guys that we've had on every week there. So it's cool to go to events now, talk with some of the relationships that you make in doing it. So even though we're not doing it full time now, definitely still around the game as much as we can.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay, and who would you say was, like, your best interview or most interesting interview?

Mike McNamara

Yeah, that's a good question. I think one that stands out would be Kessler Karain. He's Patrick Reed's caddy, actually, Patrick's brother in law as well. And he was always interesting because he came on our show a week after they won the Masters together. And then it kind of became a running joke that anytime they won, he would come on and it was interesting because Patrick Reed has that kind of villain like persona out there right now, and some of that due to his own doing. So it was interesting to kind of talk with Kessler, who is about as down to earth as he can be. Super chill, great guy. So how he kind of balances being on the bag of a guy like, who, you know, has certainly struggled to keep his name out of headlines at times. Sometimes, I think, is the media doing, and sometimes he can't get out of his own way a little bit, but always cool to hear Kessler stories. And he's a Texas guy, lives down in Houston, so I've played a couple of rounds with him over the years. Great guy.

Sajiv Mehta

And within all these interviews that you conducted, was there, like, when you debated about some current events in golf? Were there any patterns that you saw in the opinions about pro golf and where it's headed?

Mike McNamara

Yeah, I think there's definitely different perspectives. I think one common trend that we always heard this is from talking to Korn Ferry guys, talking to PGA players, talking to mini Tour guys, talking to some LPGA players. Is it's a grind right now, there's hundreds of thousands of aspiring pro golfers that have been playing their entire lives. And there's right now, probably around 150 to 200 full time PGA Tour cards out there. So a lot of the times, those guys trying to make it to that next step, it's, how do you catch lightning in the bottle for one week and go win a tournament? And just like that, can make life changing money and make a jump onto that next Tour. So common trends are just how hard it is, how consistently good you have to be. You hear about scratch golfers all the time, but the difference between a scratch golfer and someone who can contend on a pro tour is a glaring difference. And then I think the other thing would be everyone, especially with COVID how many more people you saw? It was really the only thing you could do for five, six months there.

Mike McNamara

So you saw tons of more people get out and want to play. And I think that's one thing we always heard from individuals that we had on was, everyone wants to keep growing the game. Does it have to be something where it is only played by 60 year old retired dudes? The more people of various age groups you can get out there, the better off the game is going to be.

Sajiv Mehta

Yeah. And you kind of went into every interview brand new and open, asking different questions, but you think it would have been easier if you had kind of a thread connecting your interviews.

Mike McNamara

Yeah, we were always over zoom, kind of like we're doing right now, which certainly makes it more challenging. You don't have that in person, back and forth, kind of more personable feel to it, but, yeah, I would say ours was kind of a combination. Like, we'd prep, we'd have questions, we are going to run with, we had segments, but then we also had a little bit of that kind of free flowing conversational style that we wanted to incorporate as well. So definitely a mix of both aspects. But yeah, the biggest thing I would recommend to you is do your homework on your guests, try and come prepared each interview. It just helps with it all, really.

Sajiv Mehta

And what would you say is the most effective way that you did your homework?

Mike McNamara

Some of the information is readily available, like their career background, where they played in college, notable wins and top performances. I mean, some of that, some of that you can find anywhere. It takes a couple of clicks in a Google search, but then there's a little bit more of the intangible side where maybe go listen to a ten minute interview they've done with someone else or go read an article on an individual story or a certain part of their past that they've talked about publicly, stuff like that. Just so you can bring a more unique perspective to the conversation, I think is all beneficial.

Sajiv Mehta

And how did you like, I heard that a big challenge was getting off the ground was just the Cold outreach. What was your best strategy, you think, as you were getting off the ground to outreach to people? Is it just like cold, just like boom, boom, boom? DMs yeah.

Mike McNamara

I would say, number one, be creative, and number two, have a short memory. If someone doesn't respond to you, oh, well, onto the next one. You got to be bold in that sense. There were times where we were probably at a tournament and started talking. We captured. Colt knows, for example. He's now one of the CBS main commentators. We saw him. We were out for the Waste Management phoenix Open in Scottsdale. We saw him out at a bar in Old Town Scottsdale on a Friday night after the tournament. Got in conversation with him, talked for probably 20-30 minutes, ultimately took down his number. Then we ended up interviewing him two weeks later. Now, we still keep in touch. You never know when or where it's going to be, but right place, right time, be assertive, reach out. Especially the non established guys on the smaller tours, they don't have that big a following right now, so they're going to see your Instagram message, they're going to see your Tweet, so don't be afraid to be persistent there. And then you build from there. They have connections, different people, resources, kind of stockpile along the way.

Mike McNamara

So, yeah, that's what I would say to that.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay. And when you're talking to players, and I know you talked to some caddies, is there like a difference that you see when you talk to them about the game or about stuff that goes on on tour. Is there like a tangible difference?

Mike McNamara

Yeah, I think a player sees the game in a slightly different lens than probably a caddy. We did interview probably four or five caddies, Joe Scovron, who was on Ricky Fowler's Bag and now Tom Kim's bag was another. And they have that perspective where they've worked with different players. They are around a guy for 30 weeks out of the year, so they know their strengths and weaknesses. They know when the right time is to say something and when the right time is to kind of stand back. So that's a unique perspective. Players kind of can open up more on the work and the practice and all the hours they put in to get to where they are now and kind of take you through how much of a big grind it is in professional golf. They'll have their own unique stories there. And then some of the media guys too, they'll have a little bit of a different view of what it's like to travel around the country covering different tournaments with travel and all that too.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay. And between the different levels of players like college or like Korn Ferry or some of the mini tours, again, is there any perspectives difference that you see?

Mike McNamara

Just the lifestyle. Like these Korn Ferry guys and the mini tour guys, they're flying in seat 32 B connecting in Tulsa to get to Palm Springs, and they're staying at a two star hotels just to have enough funds to be able to enter that tournament. It's a grind from a financial standpoint right now until you make it to that next tour, especially guys that don't come from a ton of money. Whereas once you crack that top 50 in the world or whatever it is, you're largely flying private and getting rental cars provided you by the hosts every tournament. So it's just a crazy different lifestyle on the smaller tours until you can get to that next step. And that's why I always kind of root for those stories. When you see a guy that Monday qualifies his way into an event and then finds himself in the mix that week. Because Sunday pressure is one thing when you're trying to win a tournament and you're competitive, but it's another thing when your livelihood and your job is kind of riding on it, so to speak. So that's another kind of crazy element to the game, is just how pressure packed a back nine on a Sunday can be for someone who's not at the PGA Tour right now.

Sajiv Mehta

And how would you say was the most effective strategy for coming up with questions? Because obviously you interviewed a wide variety of people. Is there like a strategy that you came up with to formulate questions or is it different for every person?

Mike McNamara

Yeah, it's different. I mean, each person you want to be creative, obviously. Everyone knows that Jordan Speed won the Masters in 2015 you don't need to ask him three questions about Augusta that week. You got to be creative. You got to find ways to ask unique questions that are going to generate stories that haven't necessarily been told and then asking individuals about some of their trials and tribulations. We also always did a segment, we called it the 62nd Scramble, which was more of a rapid fire, kind of light hearted yes or no type question, oftentimes not even golf related, just to kind of show a little bit of the personality behind the individual. And then you kind of see a balance. It between the technical questions, the golf questions, then also trying to find out a little bit more about what he or she's like at a personal level. Get them talking from the hip a little bit more. I think it's always good whenever you're doing an interview. I think it's always good if you can make the person feel comfortable, get them to open up and be really genuine on there.

Sajiv Mehta

Well, thank you for answering my questions. It really gave me good insight into the process.

Mike McNamara

Yeah, absolutely a pleasure to be on and certainly looking forward to seeing your successes the rest of the way. Let me know if you need anything. Happy to help and look forward to seeing you continue to grow this thing.

Unveiling the World of Golf Podcasting and the Unseen Side of Professional Golf

In the vast world of golf media, a podcasting journey can be a challenging endeavor. Mike McNamara, alongside his friends, embarked on this adventure in 2017, creating "The Amateur Hour," a golf podcast that gained recognition for engaging interviews with prominent figures in the golfing sphere. In this article, we will delve into Mike's experiences, the challenges he faced, and the valuable insights he gained throughout his podcasting journey. Additionally, we will explore the unseen side of professional golf, shedding light on the determination and resilience required to make it to the top.

Mike's venture into the golf podcasting realm was fueled by his deep-rooted passion for the sport. Over the past six to seven years, his interest in the PGA Tour and all things golf-related has grown exponentially, despite golf initially playing second fiddle to football and basketball in his life.

Starting a podcast from scratch is no easy feat, especially in a saturated market. Mike and his friends had to work hard to establish connections and build a following. They adopted a sales-like approach, reaching out to potential guests, and persevered in their quest to make a mark in the golf media landscape.

To stay abreast of the latest happenings in the golfing world, Mike expanded his knowledge beyond watching tournaments. He began working with the Action Network, covering college basketball and football, where he experienced a wealth of golf-related content. This exposure enabled him to delve deep into the PGA Tour, including tournament previews, course analysis, and power rankings.

Mike observed that the golfing scene has transformed significantly in recent years. With the emergence of young talent and increasingly competitive fields, winning on the Tour has become more challenging than ever. He also noted the surge in people taking up golf during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of attracting players from diverse age groups to ensure the game's continued growth.

Throughout his podcasting journey, Mike conducted numerous interviews, each offering unique perspectives on the game. One interview that stood out was with Kessler Karain, Patrick Reed's caddy and brother-in-law. Mike appreciated the opportunity to converse with Kessler, gaining insights into the dynamics of being on the bag for a player who often finds himself in the media spotlight.

In his conversations with players from various tours, Mike discovered a prevailing theme: the relentless grind and competitiveness of professional golf. Countless aspiring pro golfers dedicate their lives to the sport, striving to secure one of the limited number of PGA Tour cards. The journey to success involves consistent excellence and the ability to seize opportunities when they arise.

As a seasoned podcaster, Mike honed his interviewing skills. While preparation is crucial, he also valued the conversational aspect, allowing for organic and free-flowing discussions. Researching guests' backgrounds, reading articles, and listening to previous interviews helped him bring a unique perspective to each conversation.

Mike McNamara's journey in the golf podcasting realm exemplifies the dedication and persistence required to succeed in the ever-evolving media landscape. From humble beginnings, he and his friends built a podcast that resonated with both established players and emerging talent. Through insightful interviews and a love for the game, Mike has left an indelible mark on the golf media sphere, showcasing the passion and vibrancy that golf offers to enthusiasts of all ages. Furthermore, by exploring the unseen side of professional golf, we gain a greater appreciation for the challenges and triumphs these players encounter throughout their journey. So, the next time you tune in to watch a tournament, remember the incredible stories that unfold behind the scenes.

Detailed Discussion on the Evolving Perception of Golf with Josh Thomson

In this conversation, Josh Thompson, the sports editor of the Journal News, discusses his experience covering golf and his personal interest in the sport. He consumes golf content through social media, websites, and Instagram, particularly enjoying golf travel and course information. He highlights that golf, along with tennis and swimming, has a different perception within the world of local sports due to its individual-oriented nature. However, local golfers who have achieved success at higher levels, such as Cameron Young, James Nicholas, and Michael Miller, inspire interest and support from the community.

Thompson also mentions the increasing popularity of golf, especially during the pandemic when outdoor sports became a popular recreational activity. He notes the difficulty in securing tee times at public golf courses and the continuous interest in outdoor activities. When it comes to high school golf, Thompson believes that the success stories of local golfers who have gone on to play in college or on the PGA Tour inspire young golfers. He mentions several local tournaments, such as the Met Open and Westchester Amateur, that receive coverage, along with major professional tournaments held at renowned courses in the region.

Regarding the sense of community in local golf coverage, Thompson explains that it is not as prominent as in team sports. Instead, people are often interested in finding the next rising star in the sport. Thompson believes that the individual nature of golf sets it apart from other sports and that the excitement lies in watching the best players compete head-to-head. He also mentions the attempt by LIV Golf Tour to introduce a team element to the sport but emphasizes that the focus will likely remain on individual performance.

Josh Thompson

My name is Josh Thompson. I'm the sports editor of the Journal News, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Middletown Times Herald Record. I've worked in Westchester for about 20 years, covering all sorts of local and college and professional sports, including a couple of US. Opens, many Barclays and Westchester classics when they were still here at Westchester Country Club and other USGA events and local MGA and Met PGA events over the years.

Sajiv Mehta

Great. And how do you consume golf content today, whether it be with watching it or reading, like on a professional level?

Josh Thompson

Yeah, I mean, I consume quite a bit of golf content in addition to just following local golf and local golfers who have gone on to do great things at the higher level. I'm a golf nut myself. I play a lot of golf and have friends who I play golf with on a regular basis. So, yeah, I consume a lot of my news, right or wrong, through social media. It's kind of how I learn about things. So I'm on Twitter a lot, both for work and also just for my personal interest. And so there are a lot of people I follow, a couple of good friends of mine working golf, and obviously I kind of follow them and hear a lot about golf from them. So that's kind of how I consume it, but certainly tons of websites and I'm following golf content, whether it's professional golf content, watching other people play or tips or course information, golf architecture, resorts, all that kind of stuff on Instagram a lot, which is where I got a lot of that stuff from. So all over the place I'm really into golf travel and golf courses and whatnot kind of in my free time.

Sajiv Mehta

Great. And obviously so you report on a lot of different sports. How do you see golf's perception within the world of local sports? On the high school level, at the youth level, how do you see its perception within other sports? And has that changed recently?

Josh Thompson

It's different because it's a lot golf and tennis and swimming and some of the other sports that we cover are very oriented towards around individuals, more so than team play. So I don't think you have the same kind of community feel for those sports as you do with football or basketball or wrestling or lacrosse or baseball or softball, even track and field and things like that. So I think that that is what kind of separates whether you're talking about local golf content or kind of the excitement around it, I think that kind of separates it from some other sports. So certainly when you're talking about golf, you're thinking about people in Westchester are following Cameron Young and his success or some of the other great players that we've had around here over the years who maybe have made it close, had a taste on tour for some Johnson Wagner, Michael Miller. You know, guys know, I've kind of covered over the years and maybe played in the PGA tour, played in some PGA tour events or some US. Opens, and I think that people follow it much more like an individual basis. Certainly when a golfer makes it big.

Josh Thompson

James Nicholas is another one, a Scarsdale guy who has had some success in golf. I think that people are definitely interested in their success, but just a different kind of it doesn't have that same community feel. I don't think that some other team sports do.

Josh Thompson

All right. And at my school, there's been, like, kind of with COVID and golf has become a lot more popular because people didn't really have much else to do during the pandemic. So other high school athletes have taken the playing golf recreationally, and I think that's kind of transferred to past the pandemic. And even now, is that something that's being seen on a more regional level, just recreationally, or is it more like, collected towards some small communities?

Sajiv Mehta

Well, I will say that as somebody who I'm 42 years old, so I'm not playing a lot of basketball or baseball anymore, but I do play a lot of golf and ski, and I've seen that outdoor sports have really exploded since the pandemic. And the lines that you see at ski areas or the difficulty getting a tee time at a public golf course, it's crazy around here. It always was difficult because there are so many country clubs and private courses in Westchester in the vicinity, so there are so few public options. And those public options, it's so much harder now than ever to get a tea time. And I think that was something that was true in the summer and fall of 2020 and extended to 2021, and I didn't really see much of a difference in 2022. I think that outdoor recreation became kind of a fad, and that fad hasn't really abated. It's been two and a half years, right, since the pandemic started, and I feel like the fever of people doing those activities is just as high running just as high as ever.

Sajiv Mehta

Cool. So obviously we talked about james Nicholas and Michael Miller's and the Cameron youngs and people who've really taken their success at the Westchester or local level here and taken it to greater heights. Is that something that you think's inspired more high school golfers? Is there more of a desire to play college golf or to take their game to the next level, or is it similar as it used to be?

Josh Thompson

Well, I think when you grow up and in some cases, if you're somebody who's 17 or 18 and you're still in high school, you may have played in local tournaments or tried to qualify for a local tournament that some of these guys are still in. I mean, Cameron Young is in his early 20s. He's not too far, six years maybe, removed from high school. So I think, yeah, that can't help but inspire people. It's not easy to be the next Cameron Young, but certainly you can aspire to be the next James Nicholas or Michael Miller. And after that, who knows? Not everybody has to be Cameron Young to have success in professional golf. And there's been so many players around here who have had success. Look at Rob Lebritz. Rob Lebritz is a pro at Glenn Arbor up in Bedford and he was a guy who had a lot of success winning local tournaments in his thirty s and forty s and then he went out and plays. Now he's on the Champions Tour and he's done really well in the Champions Tour so far. Only just getting started, he just turned 50. But there are definitely many options for professional golf and here in Westchester and in the tri state area, it's such a golf rich region, there are so many great courses and so many great players because of that.

Josh Thompson

And I think that there are know, so many people that could inspire young golfers, know, kind of show that path that it takes to be successful.

Sajiv Mehta

Yeah. And to that end, are people looking forward to the local golf content now and looking forward more to local golf content now? Is the engagement getting better? And if it is, then are people looking forward to the pro level or the high school level? What do people like to see at.

Josh Thompson

The local I think that when it comes to all local sports, especially when you're talking about youth sports, people are always kind of looking for the next big thing. I think when you see somebody who's doing really well, I think you want to see is this person going to be the next so and so. So I think that that's always kind of what drives when you're not talking about that community aspect I talked about before, which you get with a lot of youth sports that are team oriented football and those kind of things which are so driven by the success in the communities. I do think that it is who is the next big thing. So I think that people are going to want to know there will be another players who make it and have success in college and maybe make it on the PGA Tour. And so I think that for people it's know, kind of finding know who that next person will be. I think that's really what drives a lot of interest locally in a sport like golf.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay, and golf was played in the spring season, obviously, but do many events in the golf contest in the golf season constitute like newsworthiness? Or is it only like you're posting about sectionals or the big tournaments? Does it have its own season and so niche or is that more for lacrosse and other sports there and is it more just like the big tournaments? There can be stories about yeah, certainly.

Josh Thompson

So for high school coverage. If you're just talking about high school, we more so focusing on the sectional tournament and the state tournament because that's where the highest level of interest is. We do some preview content too, where we kind of put out a list for the top returning golfers. But in terms of local golf, which obviously you'd have some of the high school players involved with and some other players who've gone on to college, we do certainly highlight a handful of tournaments throughout late spring, summer, early fall. The Met Open is the biggest tournament in this area every year it's a top mostly professionals, but also some amateurs who are really good playing. The Met Open every year, that's a big three round tournament. You have the Meta Amateur, Westchester Amateur. There are definitely a handful of local golf tournaments we cover. The Anderson Memorial at Wingfoot is a big tournament that we usually would have some coverage of. At Lohud, we have a golf writer, Mike Dougherty, who handles a lot of that. Then, you know, because we have so many great courses, there are these years know, the professional golf scene kind know has an impact on the local golf scene too, and we'll cover that as well.

Josh Thompson

We had the US. Open a Wingfoot two years ago. There are majors at Baltis Roll in New Jersey. Obviously, you have Beth Page coming up, which is going to be a factor at the Ryder Cup in a few years. So, yeah, there's definitely many years around here where it is a local golf scene, and we're going to cover it high school players and local pros. But then, obviously, the courses are so spectacular around here and there can be a story in themselves, right? And so that's something that we end up covering a lot, which is why I've been to a couple of few US. Opens and some other tournaments, PGA Championships and stuff that's things that we've kind of covered around here over the years.

Sajiv Mehta

So going back to the next big thing and the sense of community that we've seen or rather haven't seen in local golf and it's reporting, do you think there's like an easy way to change that, or do you think that would go to the format of high school golf, or what do you think?

Josh Thompson

No, I don't think it's a format of high school golf. I think it's kind of the nature of the sport. It's not different than other sports that are of lower interest in the footballs or the basketballs or the wrestlings, which take up a lot of our coverage. And I think, too that you've seen over the years. Look at the difference between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Tour. LIV golf is trying to kind of inject a team element into it. It remains to be seen whether or not that will kind of take off or not. But I think that for most of us, the excitement around golf coverage is seeing the best players in the world play against each other head to head as individuals. That kind of separates golf from a lot of the sports that people follow in America. And so I think that when it comes to even just local golf, it's really going to be that who's the best player, who are the best players. I think that's usually what's going to drive what people are interested in.

The Evolving Perception of Golf: A Story of Local Sports and Community

Golf, a sport renowned for its individualistic nature, holds a unique place in the world of local sports. As a sports editor covering various athletic events, Josh Thomson witnessed the changing perception of golf within the community over the years. In this article, we will explore how the perception of golf has evolved in the realm of local sports, the impact of notable players on inspiring the next generation, and the recent surge in popularity of recreational golf.

Local golf coverage, much like other individual sports such as tennis and swimming, lacks the community feel that team sports often generate. The focus on individual achievements and personal success separates golf from sports like football or basketball, where community support and team camaraderie play a significant role. However, the local golf scene still garners attention when talented golfers emerge, such as Cameron Young and James Nicholas, who have made their mark both locally and at higher levels of the game.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in the popularity of golf, as people sought outdoor activities during lockdowns. This newfound interest extended beyond the pandemic, with many high school athletes embracing recreational golf. This trend is not limited to specific communities but has seen a regional surge in participation. Golf has become a popular choice for outdoor recreation, leading to increased demand for tee times and a thriving golf industry.

The success stories of local golfers who have transitioned to the collegiate and professional levels have undoubtedly inspired aspiring young golfers. While not everyone can reach the heights of a Cameron Young, the presence of players like Michael Miller and James Nicholas demonstrates that success in professional golf is attainable for those with dedication and talent. Local golfers can now look up to a diverse range of role models who have paved the way for future generations.

The local golf community's interest is often driven by the pursuit of discovering the next rising star. Whether it's through local tournaments, sectional championships, or state tournaments, fans eagerly follow the progress of promising young golfers. The desire to witness the next big thing motivates the engagement with local golf content, as individuals hope to witness the emergence of talent that can compete at higher levels of the game.

In terms of media coverage, high school golf receives significant attention during sectional and state tournaments, where the highest level of interest lies. Previews featuring top returning golfers and coverage of key tournaments provide readers with insights into the local golf scene. Additionally, the presence of prestigious tournaments like the Met Open and the Westchester Amateur further intensifies the focus on local golf, attracting both professionals and talented amateurs.

The allure of local golf extends beyond the realm of high school sports. Spectacular golf courses and the hosting of major tournaments in the tri-state area contribute to the richness of the local golf scene. The coverage of these events not only highlights the players but also showcases the beauty of the courses and their impact on the community. The melding of professional and local golf creates a symbiotic relationship that captivates both avid golfers and casual enthusiasts.

While the community aspect of golf may differ from team sports, the evolving perception of golf within local sports continues to evolve. The excitement surrounding the sport lies in the individual achievements of talented players, the inspiration they provide to aspiring golfers, and the growing interest in recreational golf. As the golf scene evolves, it will be fascinating to witness the next generation of golfers who will carry the torch and shape the future of golf in their communities.

The perception of golf within the world of local sports has undergone significant changes over the years. From a sport centered around individual accomplishments to a source of inspiration for aspiring golfers, golf continues to captivate both players and fans alike. The surge in recreational golf and the success stories of local golfers have contributed to

Detailed Discussion on the Art and Evolution of Golf Course Rankings with Steve Hennessey

Steve Hennessey, Deputy Managing Editor at Golf Digest, discusses his role in overseeing course rankings and consuming golf content. The Golf Digest course ranking system evaluates courses based on seven categories and scores provided by a panel of course rankers. These scores are averaged to produce rankings every other year, making the process democratic and objective. The rankings primarily consist of Golden Age architecture but newer courses have also made their mark.

The transcript also delves into the impact of technology and distance on golf course renovations. Hennessey emphasizes the importance of defending the green complexes and testing all aspects of a player's game, rather than solely focusing on distance. The rankings now reward clubs that prioritize firm and fast conditions, embracing the concept of "brown is the new green." Major renovations can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how well they adapt to the modern game.

The evaluation process after renovations is another aspect discussed. Golf Digest communicates with clubs and architects to determine when a renovated course is ready to be evaluated. In some cases, previous evaluations are disregarded if the renovation is transformative. Rankings can change accordingly, as seen with Wingfoot, whose rankings dropped after renovations, while others like Sandhills and Fisher's Island improved. The rankings are based on long-term goals and the overall quality of the golf courses.

The transcript also touches on the ongoing debate about a distance rollback in golf. Hennessey believes changes may be made by governing bodies, potentially for tournament players only. However, convincing average players to accept a significant distance reduction might be more challenging. The possibility of bifurcation, allowing different equipment rules for tournament play and casual players, is suggested. Course rankings could be minimally affected, as they are based on the average golfer's experience. The future could also see different sets of equipment for players at different skill levels.

Steve Hennessey

My name is Steve Hennessy. I am the deputy managing editor at Golf Digest. I've been at Golf Digest a little over ten years now, and I oversee our course rankings at Golf Digest. That's my main responsibility. I also co host a podcast called The Loop with my buddies Alex Myers and Chris Powers, talk about a bunch of topics in golf, including gambling on golf, which is especially fun to me, and also edit stuff for our website.

Sajiv Mehta

Cool. And how would you say you primarily consume golf content these days?

Steve Hennessey

Yeah, a lot of the golf content I consume is from Golf Digest, obviously being an editor there. But with Twitter, social media, all forms of social media, it's so easy to find golf content that's interesting to you. So whether it's YouTube videos about golf courses, that's especially interesting to me. We have a series called Every Hole at that golf Digest started a few years ago that kind of comprehensively studies the architecture of a great golf course around the world. And so we've done that at a bunch of really exclusive private clubs as well as public venues. So that's been especially rewarding to work on. But there's a lot of other great golf content out there too. And I think the great thing is it's exposed so many people who maybe in the past were not a traditional golf audience. They've been exposed to why we all love the game, and that's just great for the future of golf. And that's really exciting to see grow since I've been in the industry.

Sajiv Mehta

And speaking of rating courses, what do you look at when you're rating courses? How in depth do you go, and what are the aspects of a course that you really dissect?

Steve Hennessey

So, Golf Digest course ranking system is very comprehensive. We have seven categories that our course rankers evaluate courses on, ranging from shot options to esthetics, character conditioning, etcetera. And we have definitions of each. And we have about 1900 course rankers around the country in Canada, who all evaluate courses for us based on those criteria. And they rate each course that they evaluate based on a one to ten scale. And then Golf Digest basically just averages all of those scores together every other year. And we produce our 100 greatest rankings, our best in state rankings. We've done that since 1966, so it's still seen as the gold standard in the industry, and it's really cool to be a part of that. And the cool thing is to kind of see the new courses that have come about since I've been involved in it in the last eight years or so, and how they've kind of gradually come up in the rankings and how they compare to the more traditional golf clubs that people know.

Sajiv Mehta

And in that rating process, how many times does a course have to be rated? Or does a Raider go play it, and then a few others have to play it or how does that work?

Steve Hennessey

Right? Yeah. Every golf course to be eligible for our 100 Greatest and second 100 Greatest has to be evaluated 50 times over a ten year cycle. So we produce our rankings every other year, but we also carry rankings for ten years. So we're about to publish our next set of rankings in the spring of 23. So for those rankings, we're counting all evaluations from 2013 to 2012, and then we'll cut it off at the end of 2012 or 2022. I'm sorry. And there's a bell curve in which there's a recency bias to the more recent rankings, are rated more heavily and weighed more heavily than the old ones. And so, yeah, any course that's evaluated 50 times by our rankers is eligible. And yet there's some other advanced mathematics involved as well. We throw out any extreme outliers that deviate from the mean by more than two are deemed to be extreme. So if anything's higher or lower than the mean of our entire panel by more than two standard deviations, we deem that to be extreme. That's not considered, but other than that, it's just the scores. It's a pretty democratic process, which we feel like separates us from our competitors, which is cool.

Steve Hennessey

The numbers are the numbers. There's no editors in a room kind of smoking cigars, considering golf courses should be higher than the others because the turtle soup is better at one course than the other. It's really based on our rankers experience, and it's just about the golf course, too. It has nothing to do with the hospitality or how well they're treated, how nice the pro shop is. It's really about the course architecture, which, again, we think, separates us.

Sajiv Mehta

Yeah. And so you have so many raters around the country. Obviously, there's a lot of differences in architecture around the country. Whether you go to the Northeast or Arizona, where you see more like desert type golf. How are you able to compare those kind of different styles, and how does that work?

Steve Hennessey

Yeah, that's a great question. I think that's part of the toughest thing to be a golf course ranker is distinguishing those different types of styles. And as anyone who has studied golf course architecture extensively knows, there's a big difference, even from the classic age of a Donald Ross to a Tilling Haas to a Seth Rayner. Even though the course might have been designed at the same time period in the 20s, there's different styles of architecture in place. So how we teach our panelists to do it is to come up with an ideal score in every category, and then the next golf course that they see, they compare it to their ideal in that category. So if Wingfoot happens to be your ideal in whatever category, say in shot options, then the course that you play next, you're considering well, is this maybe a full point less than how I think Wingfoot does in shot options. So if I'm giving Wingfoot 8.2 in shot options, I think it's about a 7.2. Our guys and gals can go to four decimal points. You could kind of distinguish pretty well there. And yeah, it's really based on your experience over the years.

Steve Hennessey

Some of our panelists have been doing this for 40 years. So I think the toughest thing is to distinguish what makes the number 120 golf course to the number 170 golf course. There's so many great golf courses, to your point, in Arizona, in Colorado, in New York, in Florida. How do you really separate those little decimal points? Well, the nice thing is the individual panelist doesn't have to necessarily say, this is the difference between the number 120 and number 170 golf course. Their numbers sort of say that, but it's really, like I said, democratic in terms of this is the total culmination of what everyone's scores say. So even if someone might be a little higher, someone might be a little lower. It's the average that does it. And the end result is based on everyone's opinions. So, of course, there's certain biases that are always in play. Some people might prefer the classic traditional Northeast golf Course, some people might prefer the Desert Golf Course, a parkland course versus a Links golf course. But we teach our panelists to try to remove that bias when they're at a course and really study the architecture for what it is and only study every category as they're out there.

Steve Hennessey

So it's a really tough job, but our folks really enjoy doing it, and it's a fun process to be a part of, for sure.

Sajiv Mehta

And that definitely covers old versus new golf courses too, right? Like when you see a traditional versus new. But how many new golf courses are really getting really far up the ranks? Or has there been a change in how gradual the like arises in the last 20 years or so?

Steve Hennessey

It's a great question. And for someone who has studied our course rankings throughout the years, if you look at the top ten, the top 20, it's most unchanged. It's pretty tough for a new course to get up there. There's a Friar's Head, which is in the top 20 in New York that's kind of risen pretty quickly in our rankings Sandhills in 1995. Now, that's in our top ten. Bally Neil in Colorado has risen up each of the last five ranking periods. So over the last ten years, it's continued to get incrementally better. Per our evaluators, there's the Kiawah, there's the Whistling Straits, all the courses, abandoned dunes, those are in our top hundred as well. But it's pretty tough. You look at the top 50 overall, the majority are still Golden Age architecture. Whether that's just based on the biases of our panelists, I would like to think not. I would like to think that it's just an indication that that old architecture still stands the test of time, they still host championship golf courses at those venues. If you look at the courses that Gil Hanse has renovated over the past ten years of his career, a lot of them are Golden Age architecture, but they're now ready to host major championship golf like we've seen in 2022 with Southern Hills, with the country club.

Steve Hennessey

There are ways to make those golf courses still stand up to the great players. So it's really intriguing to see how new courses kind of get introduced in our rankings. Shadow Creek in the 90s, when it came out, that was the first time in our rankings history that a new golf course was ranked inside the top 15 in Golf Digest rankings. It's about now like 25 to 30 in our rankings, but still very high. And the interesting thing, I think, for people in the know will be Gilhand's recent signature individual design, a Ohoopee match club in Georgia. People who really study this stuff anticipate that being in the top hundred, it finally has enough evaluations to be eligible. So to see where it breaks into the top hundred come our next ranking period, I think, is fascinating. And the cool thing is, when the rankings do go out, it's the anticipation that everyone kind of senses waiting to see. They'll scroll down to see where their favorite golf club is ranked, and that's kind of the fun part of the process. It's like the March Madness of golf courses, for sure.

Sajiv Mehta

And speaking of renovations, and obviously, old clubs definitely have to beef up to protect against newer, modern golf and distance and technology, right? And how do you think those renovations have been affected by technology and distance, and how is that playing into the rating system?

Steve Hennessey

Man that's probably the biggest question in terms of golf course architecture over the last 20 years. And as modern technology continues to evolve and get better, and the modern Tour player and the modern great amateur player continues to get better, it's how these golf courses can contend against that. And there's only so much room at a lot of these Golden Age clubs to move the tees back, know, defend par. But I think a lot of what we saw, for instance, at Southern Hills and what Gilhands did was not necessarily make it overly long, but you make it really wide off the tee, so people have options, but then you really make it tough around the green. And how you defend against the best players in the world is really make them think and defend the green complexes. And if you shave everything off around the greens and really test their short game, that's a complete examination of their game, instead of just being about distance, which at this point, pretty much any modern Tour pro is hitting the ball 300 yards plus. That's not a great examination of one's game. But if you could get firm and fast conditions and really test all the facets of their game.

Steve Hennessey

That's how you do it. And how golf digest has kind of evolved in that realm is our conditioning category now, is solely focused on how firm and fast are the fairways and the greens, how receptive are the greens. And so we're really rewarding clubs who are going in that firm and fast direction, and not necessarily being about how green and how lush and how beautiful your golf course is, but embracing that brown is the new green has been the slogan the USGA. Has used over the last ten years. But that's something that we implemented in our rankings about ten years ago, and we think that's had a positive influence in the industry. To embrace the fact that you don't have to overwater these golf courses. Water use is a big factor in golf course maintenance. That's a big hot button topic as well. So to regulate that, and also, again, to test the best players in the world, it's focusing on those firm and fast conditions.

Sajiv Mehta

And when courses do undergo major renovations, how much of an effect does that usually have on their course, and is it usually up or is it usually down? What does that do to the course?

Steve Hennessey

A great question. Again, so if there's a complete renovation transformation at a club, we will typically will be communicating with the clubs way in advance. We'll talk to them, we'll talk to the architect who did the work, and they'll let us know when the work is ready to be done. And we'll communicate with them. If they think the work is so transformative that the golf course is completely new, we'll throw out some of the old evaluations. So, for instance, at Wingfoot, we threw out all the old ballots for all the evaluations before Gilhand's work, and our last set of rankings was based solely on any evaluation post Gilhand's work. Now, interestingly, Wingfoot went down in our rankings at that time from, I think they were ten and went to twelve. So sometimes that happens. It's more of a long term goal. That's what we tell clubs when you do something like that. And if you look at Wingfoot West score from, say, 2018 to 2022, maybe it went down by a couple of hundredths of a decimal point, but Sandhills went up by a few tenths of a point. Fisher's island went up by a few tenths of a point, and then all of a sudden, Wingfoot West dropped out of the top ten.

Steve Hennessey

It wasn't necessarily an indication of any poor renovation work. It's just a matter of all, these golf courses are so good. So to discern what the difference is between number eleven and number twelve, it's so close. But the East Course at Wingfoot, after Gilhand's changes, it's continued to go up, I think, over 25 spots in our rankings over the last four years. So it could go either way. And you would think that a transformation of a golf course would net great results for the club, and that's typically how it's gone. Philly Cricket Club, which also went, underwent a complete transformation in 2014, 2015. It has risen up in our rankings, close to the 100 Greatest now. So that's the most common influence of how a major transformation will work.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay, and when you think about distance and how that's affected the game, we just went over that. How do you think the governing body is threatening a distance rollback? Do you think that's something that is plausible for courses? Do you think that would change how they look, how you rate them?

Steve Hennessey

That's another great question. I know it's been something that's been talked about. Even if you look back at comments, Jack Nicklaus made in the 1950s, 60s, 70s - he was calling for the ball to be rolled back. And even more modern comments from his still are. I think that's definitely on the table for the ruling bodies to do something, whether or not that's only for the tournament players and not for the average players, I think that'll be the most fascinating thing. I think that would be the solution that would make the most sense to me. The average weekend player to go from hitting it 220 yards off the tee to now, all of a sudden barely hitting it 200 yards, that's going to be tough to sell people on, making the game more fun. Everyone wants to hit it far. So I Think if There's A Way To bifurcate the equipment, which Is Not A Term That The equipment companies love, but If There's A Way To Figure That Out, that Works For The Tournament Game and The Average Player I think that's on the table and how that influences our course rankings, since it's really not based on tournament play and really based on average people going out and studying the architecture just based on being a guest at a club.

Steve Hennessey

That shouldn't affect things too much. If golf courses kind of get out of control in terms of really pushing distance, our challenge category evaluates how difficult, while still being fair, a golf course is. So I could see a golf course that goes too extreme in that direction kind of falling in our challenge category. So it's interesting to study. And while I anticipate something happening in the next year or two, or at least something being announced in the year or two, then there would be another period of time in which all parts of the industry kind of get to weigh in and give their opinions and thoughts, so nothing would be imminent. But I think if you read the Tea leaves, that's kind of how it's going. So in ten years, if you and me were talking, I wouldn't be surprised if we were talking about a different set of equipment for every level of player.

The Art and Evolution of Golf Course Rankings: Unveiling Transformations and Evaluations

In the realm of golf, course rankings hold immense significance, guiding players and enthusiasts to exceptional golfing experiences. One influential ranking system that stands out is Golf Digest Course Rankings, which rigorously evaluates and rates golf courses. In this article (based on Steve Hennessey’s interview), we will explore the comprehensive and evolving nature of Golf Digest's course ranking system, shedding light on the intricacies behind evaluating different golf course styles and the impact of renovations and equipment advancements.

Steve Hennessey, Deputy Managing Editor at Golf Digest, brings over ten years of experience to his responsibility of overseeing the course rankings. Besides his editorial duties, Hennessey co-hosts the popular golf podcast, The Loop. He emphasizes the accessibility of golf-related content on various social media platforms, which complements the consumption of golf content from Golf Digest.

Golf Digest's course ranking system is built upon seven categories, including shot options, aesthetics, character, and conditioning. The magazine employs approximately 1900 course rankers across the United States and Canada who diligently evaluate courses based on these criteria. Each course is rated on a scale of one to ten, and the scores are aggregated every other year to produce the prestigious 100 Greatest Rankings and Best in State Rankings. This democratic process ensures a fair and unbiased evaluation.

To qualify for Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Rankings, a golf course must undergo evaluations at least 50 times within a ten-year cycle. The rankings, published biennially, incorporate evaluations from the previous decade. Recent evaluations hold more weight, while extreme outliers are excluded from consideration, ensuring that only the most deserving courses make it to the prestigious list.

Comparing golf courses with distinct architectural styles presents a significant challenge for Golf Digest's rankers. Each style, from classic Donald Ross designs to modern creations, demands a unique evaluation approach. Rankers establish an ideal score for each category and compare subsequent courses against that standard. By assessing shot options, for example, rankers can discern subtle differences between courses and differentiate them through precise decimal point scoring.

While top-ranking courses still predominantly belong to the revered Golden Age of golf architecture, a few newer courses have managed to make their mark. Friar's Head in New York and Sandhills in Nebraska are prime examples. However, the enduring quality of design and the ability to host major championships often contribute to the dominance of Golden Age courses. Perhaps older architecture is not doomed against modern technology and distance.

Modern technology and the increasing distance achieved by professional golfers have pushed golf courses to adapt. Renovations aim to preserve the integrity of the game and effectively challenge players. Architects like Gil Hanse have widened fairways to provide strategic options off the tee, while the defense of green complexes tests players' short game skills. Golf Digest acknowledges the impact of technology by rewarding courses with firm and fast conditions in their rankings.

As golf continues to evolve, so too will the course rankings. Club renovations, such as those at Wingfoot and Philadelphia Cricket Club, can propel golf courses up the rankings, showcasing the long-term benefits of transformations. Additionally, ongoing discussions about potentially rolling back equipment distances highlight the adaptability of the sport. While any adjustments to equipment regulations are unlikely to disrupt course rankings significantly, the future may hold a scenario where players at different levels utilize distinct sets of equipment, revolutionizing the game.

One interesting idea to consider is that of more international outreach. Though Golf Digest does have a World’s 100 Greatest Courses list to go along with their America’s 100 Greatest, it is far less internationally recognized and celebrated than it is in the United States. Perhaps, training new raters, in underrepresented parts of the world, like Asia, could draw recognition, tourists, and money to courses that could use the new revenue to improve their own systems. With the power rankings hold in today’s world, this seems like a fantastic way for Golf Digest to use theirs for good.

Golf course rankings, epitomized by Golf Digest's comprehensive evaluation process, continue to evolve alongside the ever-changing golfing landscape. Through renovations and advancements in equipment, golf courses strive to provide exceptional experiences to players of all levels. Golf rankings will have to continue to adapt to new course renovations and policy changes by golf’s governing bodies. However, by sticking to the democratic process they currently have, Golf Digest can surely continue its run of prestigious rankings, and perhaps even expand globally.

Detailed Discussion on the Changing Landscape in Golf with Alex Myers

Alex Myers, a senior writer at Golf Digest, discusses his experience in golf media and the changing landscape of golf content consumption. He notes that he keeps up with golf news and finds ideas for his writing by consuming content through various channels, including TV coverage, online streaming, and social media. Myers highlights the significant increase in golf's popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more people playing and following the sport. He also emphasizes the growing importance of online platforms, such as Golf Digest's website, in influencing the content in the magazine.

The conversation then shifts to the impact of technology on golf, particularly in terms of training and equipment. Myers and Sajiv Mehta discuss how professionals now focus on rigorous training routines and fitness regimens, as well as the advancements in equipment, which have resulted in longer distances in shots. They acknowledge the need for a balance between innovation and preserving the traditional aspects of the sport. While there have been discussions about regulating equipment to maintain the challenge for professional players, they agree that recreational golfers should still be able to enjoy the game with equipment that brings them joy and accessibility.

Overall, the episode highlights the evolving nature of golf media and the increasing popularity of the sport. It also underscores the role of technology in shaping both professional and recreational golf, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the competitive fire and skill in the game.

Alex Myers

I'm Alex Myers. I'm a senior writer at Golf Digest. I write mostly for GolfDigest.com. I also write for the magazine. I've been there now for over 13 years, which is kind of crazy to say. Before that I worked at the Journal News in Westchester, and before that I went to Wake Forest, where I got into sports journalism, writing for the school paper, The Old Gold Black, and covered a lot of sports there, including the golf team, which happened to be very good. So that kind of got me into all this. 

Sajiv Mehta

All right. And how would you say you consume golf content today, whether it be through reading or watching videos or watching tournaments? What do you think?

Alex Myers

Sure, yeah. I mean, look, it's part of my job to constantly be consuming golf content. So whether it's just watching coverage on TV or streaming online with the PGA Tour Live or ESPN Plus or I feel like I'm on Twitter like twenty four, seven. I know my wife thinks I'm on Twitter way too much. I'm constantly consuming golf either as it happens, or monitoring players or different news outlets who cover the game because I'm constantly looking for things to write about. And most days I wake up, I don't know what I'm going to write that day, or cover or do a video about, or do a podcast about. And so I'm constantly checking all these things and looking for ideas. So, yeah, I mean, to answer your question, it's pretty much a potpourri of just about any way you can consume it.

Sajiv Mehta

That's pretty cool. Obviously, you've been so involved with the golf media world, both as consumer and as a producer of stuff, and you've been involved in it for a while. So I just wanted to know, how do you think it's changed recently with golf? Obviously, it's skyrocketed in popularity recently, and how do you think that's affected the world of golf media?

Alex Myers

Yeah, I mean, it's been crazy these last couple of years, obviously since COVID how much more you see people playing golf. I think that's carried over into people following golf, at least in terms of the discussions, the heated discussions that you see whether it's on Twitter or amongst your friends. I have friends who didn't care at all about golf, who now not only play it, but they'll be texting me during tournaments. So I think there's been a huge change, obviously, with COVID There were a couple of months there where nobody was doing anything, and then finally people realized, well, you can kind of do things outside, and golf is kind of one of the only things where not only are you outside, but you don't have to be near anybody if you don't want to. And so it kind of became that safe activity for people to do. And as a result, it's been an incredible boom. I mean, really, there was a boom following Tiger Woods's emergence as a pro and winning the Masters in 1997. And then it was kind of pretty stagnant for a while. But these last two years, it's been a huge boom.

Alex Myers

I know course closures are way down. They had been creeping up. I know rounds are way up. I just did a podcast where I was quoting all these stats from the National Golf Foundation. I want to say that there was a 20% increase in rounds this year after there was already like, a 20% increase last year. So it's kind of this unprecedented growth right now, and I think it's spilling over into people talking about the game as well. So it's an exciting time in terms of what it's changed with the media. It's funny, when I first worked at Golf Digest, the website was this really small operation. It was me and two other people, I guess three other people, and we were kind of like in the corner of the office, like, yeah, that's the website. And now it's like, the website is bigger than the magazine practice. The website kind of almost dictates things that are in the magazine and vice versa. It's kind of like when stories are pitched for the magazine, it's always like, well, is there a web component? There? Is there a video component? How do we tie this together?

Alex Myers

So from that perspective, it's been really exciting because I feel like I was kind of in on the ground floor with the website of Golf Digest when we weren't that big, and now we're pretty big and pretty important and doing very thriving. So I've definitely seen a huge shift in golf being consumed. It used to be magazines and obviously newspapers where I worked previously. And now, not to say Golf Digest magazine is still really big, really important, still has over a million subscribers, but a lot more people are getting their news and their golf coverage directly from the website.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay, yeah. So you have this website, and obviously it's doing so great. So I wanted to know, you have these content pillars, right? You diversify your content, and I wanted to know where you see the most engagement with that. What part of golf are people really interested in today?

Alex Myers

That's a great question. It's funny because there's certain stories that can be from different subjects that they can all pop. Overall, I would still say newsy stuff still probably drives the most traffic just because, A, it's the stuff that's happening every day, and it's the stuff that we're writing about every day, and we probably write the most about news, but there's other things that do well, for sure. I know our instruction content is obviously very strong. That's one of our big strengths. And now we're doing more of that online. We just hired back Luke Kerdenin. He was a guy I worked with a while ago, and he was doing really good things for Golf Magazine. And now he's come back to us. And so we're going to focus more on doing more instruction based off things that are happening in the news, based on Tour, pros and everything else. So that's something that we're going to adapt to as well. But overall, I would say the main content pillar for online perspective, I would say, is news from the magazine. It was always instruction courses, but now, again, with the website doing so well, I think we've kind of shifted a little more into a current keeping up with the news.

Alex Myers

That's what people are coming for.

Sajiv Mehta

Adapting is really cool. Right. And something that I think is like it's happening in the media, but it's also happening everywhere in the golf world. Right. There's so many questions being raised with this popularity about casualty on the golf course. Like music and shorts.

Alex Myers

Sure.

Sajiv Mehta

Shorts for pros and tournaments, and hoodies in tournament formats. Even you can see that in LIV golf and the casualization of golf. So I just wanted to ask you generally, what role do you think tradition should play in the evolution of golf, whether it be tournament formats or courses and technology or like formality on the golf course?

Alex Myers

Yeah, again, great question. I would say that golf, probably more so than almost any other sport, is kind of tied to tradition. And so I think that's why we've seen such a rift now with LIV coming in and them trying to shake it up and do things a little differently. And there's a lot of people who just hold on to what they know, and I think that's even more so in golf. But I do think that that tradition is important to keep there. If you do come up, though, with new creative ways to play the game or to cover the game, I certainly think those should be looked at. And clearly, traditions can always be improved upon, but know the stuff you the the style. Obviously, you look at guys who were playing, look at Bobby Jones when he played. I mean, he's playing with a tie and the sweater vest and slacks and we've already moved way past that. So the fact that we're now moving towards hoodies, it's like, who cares? If people want to wear hoodies, let them wear hoodies. I think if the pros want to wear shorts, let them wear shorts.

Alex Myers

I think it would look a little weird at first, but we would get used to it. Just like we've gotten used to different length of shorts in the NBA throughout the know, that kind of know. And the music on the course, you see that a lot more now. I personally don't do it, but if someone I'm playing with, I was playing with someone a few weeks ago and they put music on the cart, I didn't care. It was fine. So I have no problem with that kind of stuff. I think it's really cool. I think the more things that you can do to not sorry. The fewer barriers you can put up is great to get people in the game. And so there might be some people who do want to go out and listen to music and wear hoodies and whatever, and if that's what it takes to get them to play golf, so be it. I think that's great.

Sajiv Mehta

Yeah, I think it's definitely going a long way to reducing the stigma of the stuffy country of golf, right. That a lot of people see. And it's starting to dissipate a little bit with the rise of so much formality.

Alex Myers

100%, man. And it's true. And unfortunately, golf does have that stuffy reputation still. But I do think that is changing, and it is because of some of these things that people are seeing. And again, just this boom that has happened these last two years, and you've gotten more people into it. These are people who never considered playing golf before, who are now out there, and they think it's great. I mean, we know how great of a game it is, right? Yeah. We know that once you get someone into it, they're hooked. Exactly. So they hit that one great shot at the range or they make one putt.

Sajiv Mehta

You want to get that feeling again.

Alex Myers

Yeah. Certainly you don't need to be a member at a country club or anything else. I mean, we happen to live in Westchester where it's very country club dominated, but the rest of the country for the most part is not like you have. I just did a podcast recently on a couple of courses where the community members took over the course and saved them and kept them going and worked and did jobs like maintenance and tended the bar there. A golf course can be a community. It doesn't have to be a stuffy country club.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay, that's so cool to see. And I just wanted to know sure, it's definitely so great that you're getting all this intimacy and community in the recreational golf sense, but do you think that should be recreated on the professional level? Should the formality of the PGA Tour and obviously live golf is with the rise of live golf, I want to know how has it affected the game, how will it continue to affect the professional game, and how can we tie that back to recreational golf and what people see in what people perceive about golf? When someone says golf, what do you think of and how has live golf changed that? And how will it yeah.

Alex Myers

I think LIV golf has the potential to change that. I mean, even something as small as letting the guys wear the shorts, I mean, certainly if you're watching at home, you think, oh, that looks more like me out there. You see the guys watching and they're playing music during the rounds. They're trying to do those things that you're right. They're trying to kind of bridge that gap from the elite tour pro to the recreational golfer. I wouldn't want to lose all of that gap because obviously there is something that separates those guys. And I think when you go to watch a baseball game or an NBA game or whatever, or a football game, there's a reason why you're going to see those guys. They're the best, and they stand out for a reason. Right. So I don't think any fans want it to be too casual. I think that's the one drawback with LIV is it's sort of getting billed as being more of an exhibition where guys have the guaranteed money already, and there have been questions of whether the prize money is coming out of their contracts and this and that. Are they really playing for anything.

Alex Myers

So you want the guys to really be invested and fighting tooth and nail to do their best and make the money and everything else, because, again, that's why they're the best and we want to see them compete. But I think you definitely can make it more where you do bridge the gap a little, but you don't want it to be too casual because then I think people will lose interest.

Sajiv Mehta

People want to see the competitive fire.

Alex Myers

Exactly.

Sajiv Mehta

Okay. And with the pros, and they've gotten significantly better with scoring average and all that has definitely gone down, and courses have had to lengthen and to beef up to protect against that. So I want to evaluate technology's role in that. How has it changed the way courses have to adapt and how has it changed the way the pros practice? What has that done?

Alex Myers

Yeah, technology has been huge, and I know that the way pros train now has been huge as well. Because back in the day, these guys were not hitting the gym, they were hitting the bars after the round. Right. Arnold Palmer was not. He was in great shape, but he wasn't hitting the gym before these guys. It's crazy. People don't think of golfers know, not real athletes. It's ridiculous. These guys are training as hard as anybody now, and factor in how long their days are, they might start going to the gym, and then they practice and then they play, and then they go to the gym again. Or you're hitting balls on the range for hours and hours. You have to be in great shape to do that. The toll it puts on your body. Yeah. I mean, like a Vijay Singh back in the day, he would practice from dawn to dusk. It's incredible work ethic. So my point is there have been incredible leaps in terms of training. They're having every sport, and these guys now have trainers. They have not only fitness guys, but like food specialists and all this other stuff. And they're trying to maximize every because, you know, at the top, first of all, you know, even on the high school level or the college level, every player, each stroke is so valuable and you're looking for the tiniest edge, you.

Sajiv Mehta

Get better and better.

Alex Myers

Exactly. And you have to always be improving. The margins are so small. So these guys have gotten better that way. But then you throw in the technology and you'll hear a guy like, I don't know, I'm trying to think like a Colin Montgomery or something. We had him on the podcast. These, some of these senior guys say they hit the ball farther now than they did in their prime. So now they're not all working out. That's clearly technology. That's the clubs. That's the ball. The ball goes a lot farther. And so you're right because of that then that's had a trickle down effect on golf course design. We've seen some great traditional layouts have to be either lengthened or the PGA Tours dump them or majors don't go to them anymore because they're just too easy. Now for these guys, old courses where you used to have to shape it and go around a dog leg, guys are just flying over it now. So unfortunately there's been a little shift where we've maybe lost some of the true intention of certain courses, architecture. But I think that's been going on for a long time so I think that was bound to happen anyway.

Alex Myers

But yes, certainly technology has changed a lot and you could argue they need to start doing something now because in 30 years, who knows what it's going to look like. But again, I know they've been saying this for decades as well, they're never.

Sajiv Mehta

Going to draw back distance.

Alex Myers

Exactly. They've been talking about it forever. We'll see if the USGA ever really cracks down and does something about it personally. Yeah, I wouldn't want it to get to the point where guys could drive every par four, for instance.

Sajiv Mehta

Then it just becomes… a little washed. Like you just see just the same thing every time.

Alex Myers

Exactly.

Sajiv Mehta

You want to see the competitive fire, you want to see the skill and sometimes that just gets overshadowed by the straight just brute power.

Alex Myers

Right, exactly. And maybe it's the kind of thing where eventually there are certain tournaments where they use a different type of ball or they use a different restrictions on equipment and it forces guys to really have to shape shots and strategize and think a little more than just bomb and gouge and everything else. But again, I don't think luckily we're quite to that point where it's completely boring. I know some people will say that a typical PGA Tour setup is a little too dull, there's not as much going on, but I still think the guys are tested enough. But yeah, there's only so much land right out there and so these certain courses that are already tipped out at 7,400 - 7500 yards, there's a limit, not much else they can do. So we'll have to see. We'll have to keep monitoring that. And if the USGA decides to do something.

Sajiv Mehta

Definitely. Like with the drawback that they've been proposing on the professional level. That's a completely different thing with the recreational level. Right. Because people come, they go out to the golf course, they want to hit as far as they can. You get so much satisfaction from that. You're not out there to showcase your skill or anything. So I think if the USGA. Were to do something, I definitely don't think it would be effective and helpful for the game to have that trickle down all the way to the recreational level.

Alex Myers

I agree with that, and you're right. And certain people have said, well, we can't have two different sets of rules. Golfers like to say that they play the same equipment as the pro, but I mean, who cares? Seriously, I agree with you. The recreational golfer let them play whatever they want to play with. Even now with the grooves, I don't even know why that affects the recreational golfer. Golf is so hard. Don't make it even harder for people. Like you said, everybody wants to hit it far. When you see the real distances that people are hitting. I think I just saw something. It was like only 5% of golfers average recreational golfers average over, like 260 off the tee.

Sajiv Mehta

Yeah, because you can have the strength, but it's just going in all different directions. There's no reason to draw that back and have it become even more difficult, because for practically everyone, it's super hard, and you don't want to just give them another reason to be like, no, I don't want to play. It's just not fun anymore.

Alex Myers

Right, exactly. And what's crazy is, with all these advances, the average handicap has not improved in decades. So there's still plenty of terrible golfers out there. They need all the help they can get. I'm not a great golfer myself. I need all the help I can get. I need all the distance I can get. And so I agree, if they ever do make a move like that, let the recreational golfers still have their fun. Again, we want fewer barriers for people tough enough sport as is. Let people have their fun. Let people have what equipment they want to use 100%.

The Changing Landscape of Golf: A Story of Evolution and Technology

Over the past few years, the world of golf has undergone a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and the changing habits of golf enthusiasts. As a senior writer at Golf Digest, Alex Myers has had a front-row seat to witness these developments firsthand. In this article (derived from Alex Myers’ interview), we will explore two key aspects that have shaped the game in recent times: the evolution of golf media and the impact of technology on the sport itself.

The way golf content is consumed has experienced a dramatic shift in recent years. The digital realm has become the dominant platform, with traditional mediums like magazines and newspapers taking a backseat. Golf Digest, once a small website operation, has grown exponentially and now influences content in the magazine, and vice versa. News has emerged as a prominent pillar of online golf content, driving significant traffic. However, instructional articles and videos continue to hold strong appeal among avid golfers, showcasing the enduring desire for improvement and knowledge. Such videos on the internet are a productive, innovative way to take advantage of this new booming medium, but what if there were more ways?

One benefit of the internet on these platforms is the way people can connect instantaneously and effortlessly. Golf Digest hosting professional guests, like Tiger Woods, for instructional videos, is a good start, but they could perhaps take even further advantage of this by having the same professional guests host live streams, where they teach and talk to guests, all on Golf Digests’ own platform. These systems would be fantastic places for golfers to interact with their favorite professionals and ask questions that could help their own games. The following article will continue to discuss how golf and tradition have been linked, and whether it would be beneficial to abandon some tradition for the sake of progress.

The global pandemic has had a profound impact on the game of golf. As other activities were restricted, golf emerged as a safe outdoor sport that allowed for social distancing. This led to an unprecedented surge in popularity, with more people playing golf than ever before. The increased interest in the sport has spilled over into the world of golf media, with more individuals following the game and engaging in spirited discussions on platforms like Twitter. The changing landscape of golf media reflects this newfound enthusiasm and engagement.

Golf has long been associated with formality and exclusivity. However, recent developments in the game, such as relaxed dress codes, innovative tournament formats, and the inclusion of music on the course, are challenging this perception. These changes have played a significant role in reducing the stigma around golf, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. While some purists may resist these changes, they ultimately serve to break down barriers and attract new players to the game, ensuring its continued growth and relevance.

Advancements in technology have undeniably left a lasting impact on the game of golf. Professional golfers now embrace modern training techniques and fitness regimes, dedicating themselves to rigorous gym sessions and specialized diets to achieve peak performance. Additionally, advanced equipment, particularly clubs and balls, have revolutionized the sport, enabling golfers to hit the ball farther than ever before. This has necessitated changes in golf course design to keep up with the evolving landscape of the game.

While technology has pushed the boundaries of golf and enhanced performance, it also raises concerns about maintaining the integrity of the sport. The constant pursuit of distance and power threatens to overshadow the skill and strategy that have defined golf for generations. Striking a balance between technological advancements and preserving the core values of the game is crucial. This may involve exploring alternative approaches, such as different types of balls or equipment restrictions, to encourage shot shaping, strategic thinking, and maintain the competitive spirit. It is vital to ensure that the game remains captivating, competitive, and accessible to all who love it.

The evolving landscape of golf, influenced by changing habits and technological advancements, paints an exciting picture for the future of the sport. As golf continues to adapt to the modern world, embracing new media platforms and leveraging technology's benefits, it is essential to strike a delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation. By doing so, golf can thrive, capturing the imagination of both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.