Modern golf is a power game. For some, that game might be a bit broken due to its one-dimensional nature, but the truth is that for almost every single week on the calendar, length matters and, without it, you’re not going to be a factor.
Anyone who gets paid to hit a golf ball is trying to hit the ball further and the pros are now outgrowing both the equipment and the best courses in the world. Augusta National, home to the Masters, recently purchased land from the adjacent Country Club to extend one of their most iconic holes. At the Old Course in St Andrews, they have had to use tees from other courses to be able to host The Open.
As things stand, we are in the middle of a five-month ‘comment period’ where the debate is over whether the game’s rules makers will be able to limit how far the ball will travel for the professionals.
Along with the big shifts in technology, the modern-day professional has moved with the times. The modern swing needs power and speed. For an easy reference, the number of players 20 years ago capable of driving the ball over 300 yards on the PGA Tour was in single figures; last season we had 99.
Follow the stars
To over-simplify golf and fitness, Gary Player was one of the first to emphasise its importance. Tiger Woods helped make it more mainstream before the game’s other major needle mover, Rory McIlroy, followed suit. Post-lockdown, we witnessed American Bryson DeChambeau embark on a protein shake-centric diet and extreme weight training to move from 23rd on the Driving Distance stats to top of the pile. Along with the additional 50 pounds, he added an extra 20 yards, which brought about a first Major – and the bulk (pun intended) of his peers all doing likewise.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FULL STRETCH
Limber up for improved lifting performance with these targeted stretches
FIGHT FAT WITH CLEVER CARDIO
Cardiovascular exercise is in some ways the simplest form of fitness there is just jump ona bike, lace up your shoes or dive in and away you go. But if you want to use cardio as an effective fat loss tool, there’s a little more you need to know. Let us show you how to make the most of your sessions to maximise the burn
COOK UP A STORM
Unlock your inner chef with advice from some of the world's foremost food experts
Under the INFLUENCE
New research suggests social media has a negative impact on body image. So how can you navigate your feeds without comparing yourself to an unrealistic ideal?
SEE THE LIGHT
Red light therapy promises accelerated recovery and has become a key tool for | professional athletes looking to get back into action as soon as possible. But is it too good to be true?
TOP DRAWER
Whether you’re looking for long-sleeve warmth for colder winter runs or a lightweight tee that keeps you cool and dry during hot summer sessions, a few high-quality running tops are essential items in your kit bag
OFF-ROAD Runners
If you’re tackling a lot of off-road running, your regular roadies aren’t going to cut it. We recruited pro run-tester Kieran Alger to put the latest selection of trail shoes through their paces here are his favourites
ON CHARGE
The Fitbit Charge 6 steps into the fitness arena with new features and a sleek design, but does it meet the high expectations set by its predecessors?
FEET FIRST
Build an injury-proof body with advice from biomechanics consultant Travis Allan, who’s yorked with Olympians and elite sportsmen
"Don't be ashamed of your emotions.They are all part of being human"
Special Forces operative turned SAS: Who Dares Wins mainstay Jason Fox's guide to building mental and physical resilience