Rory McIlroy is quoted as saying, “I don’t see why they don’t firm greens up and get the rough longer to bring scores down. They can make golf courses a lot tougher and turn 20-under winning scores into 12 under.”

Rory was of course referring to pro golf and not the likes of yours truly who struggles to score 12-over. He was also suggesting this as a course of action to overcome the benefits of modern technology.

It’s unlikely that they’ll adopt Rory’s suggestions for this year’s Open at St Andrews especially since the long rough at 'Carnasty' in 1999 is still talked about to this day.
12-over was the cut number that year with Sergio Garcia experiencing a devastating 17-over 89, in the first round.
David Duval who was running hot at that time shot a 22-over 306 and Aussie Rod Pampling became the first opening-round leader in the Open to miss the cut with rounds of 71-86.

Nice thought Rory but it’ll never happen. But it does raise the question in my mind. Does the average spectator or TV viewer get more enjoyment (or perverse pleasure) from watching the pros struggle like high handicap golfers. Or prefer to watch dart-board like golf on soft greens producing lots of birdies?

There’s a very interesting Q and A with Curt Sampson on the subject of Carnoustie 1999. With comments about Carnoustie greenskeeper, John Philip who was much maligned for his course set-up.

The guts of the golf course set-up question comes when Curt is asked.
“You don't usually see the British Open set up the way the USGA sets up. Do you see this as a trend for future British Opens? Do you think courses should be "Tiger-proofed"?

Curt replies, “Gosh I don't know. They've had high rough before and they will again. The big accusation had to do with fertilizing the rough -- Philp denied that vehemently and repeatedly -- he said again and again it was because of the freakishly warm and wet conditions. Should we Tiger-proof golf courses? I don't know…”

Curt is also asked about his thoughts on Ben Hogan who won at Carnoustie in 1953.
And Hogan followers may not like Curt’s reply.
“…like a lot of people, I was harmed by following Ben Hogan.”
I can relate to that. If I could start all over as a youth I wouldn’t use Ben as a model to build my game.

I also agree with Curt when he says, “I think the "dig it out of the ground" thing for most people is limited. It's a good idea, but I don't think people should follow Ben Hogan in all cases.”

Thought for the day: If digging it out of the dirt isn’t working for you. Stop digging and try something else.

Slainte

Stan

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