Off Course is back this week with a fantastic show. Hosted by Dan Edwards each Friday he gives you a deep look into the world of golf and equipment in a way unlike any other podcast has done before. Today JB joins the show to talk about the distance debate.
It wouldn’t be Off Course without some tangents, but we talk a bit about the new distance debate, Patrick Reed and more. This show has a lot going on and it is an episode you will not want to miss as JB Goes Off Course.
Episode 42 is here and Dan and his guest JB discuss the following topics.
The Distance Debate
Patrick Reed
Hamburgers vs Cheeseburgers
And so much more
You can listen to the show right here, Apple Podcasts or of anywhere you do your listening and downloading from. Search for the Hackers Paradise and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. After listening, come back over and drop us a note below on what you agree and/or disagree with from the episode.
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Pros are playing for millions though and it’s their livelihood vs us amateurs who are not. You also run the risk of having spectators step on your ball and not know it. I don’t see the ball search being an issue.
Eating a burger without cheese is about like eating a pizza with no cheese.
The golf overlords are wrong about distance. When people like Spieth can push their drive into the desert crowds and still make birdie then the problem isn’t distance, it’s that inaccuracy isn’t punished.
Agree on the lost ball. Everybody talks about the pros playing courses that are so much harder and that’s surely true, but they also get super nice grass in the fairways, rough that’s cut more than once a year and a team of volunteers chasing down their balls for them. Let them come play some of the goat ranches I frequent where you’re hitting off dirt every time in the winter, the edge rough is a freak show of knee height scrub you can barely walk through in the summer, the guy on the adjacent fairway picks up your “lost” ball, the guys behind you are randomly hitting into you, and the marshal is riding your backside because you’re only playing at a 4 hour pace.
I would love to see a pga tour event at some moderately maintained muni. See how they deal with that half dirt, half weed lie.
I’d say that something is wrong when you can hit four fairways and lead a golf tournament.
I don’t disagree with your comments, but it does allow them to play the game more aggressively, and thus differently from most of us average golfers. Just another reason that if they roll back distance on tour, I would hate to see it affect all rules and/or equipment. Another argument for bifurcation in my opinion.
Validating why pros get their balls spotted sort of misses the point of the discussion – which is that the experience is different between AMs and Pros, and therefore, is arguably a marginal form of bifurcation (without being bifurcation).
We get three minutes alone or with friendly playing partners. They get little flags instantly.
I am willing to trade CK begging golf balls to stop for a shot clock as ASAP as possible.
Anybody that wouldn’t trade that is not watching/listening to the same golf I am.
I have zero issues with them having help finding a golf ball. I also highly doubt it makes them more aggressive off the tee, because there still is no guarantee they’ll find it.
I don’t think they need to touch the equipment at all. Leave the game alone where it is. The equipment is good, but it’s only part of the equation. Players are working out more, launch monitors are teaching us more and courses are pieces of art with manicuring.
I also don’t have a problem with them getting their balls found for them. Imagine the pace of play if they didn’t!!
I just find it hilarious when people freak on bifurcation – because their experience is already wildly different than the average golfer.
probably cheaper, too haha
Yeah, I just say we don’t touch the game right now. Let it evolve as it is. Heck, let’s add some things in like giving them rangefinders.
I like the rangefinder idea. I’d like to see the Tour prohibit yardage and green books and go with wide-toothed rakes in bunkers.
Love all of that.
I would love to see DJ have trouble trying to lock in a flag at 280 yards.
"Wait, what button do I press? Now its says ‘mode’ at the top and is giving me some weird yardage in ‘M’s"
"OK now there are two numbers, which one do I pick?"
"It’s 347 yards…..to that hottie standing next to the green on 8"
A fella has to rock how he rolls!
Also, fwiw, Dan……..golf courses and private clubs are literally there to make money ??. They provide you with a push cart if youd like one at your course….you just want to bring your own and then not pay? Just trying to weed through the opinions. Most courses charge a trail fee anyways right? So is it just because they want o make a few extra bucks on the push cart mafia?
A private club charging for carts is kinda weird. A private club charging for push carts is lols.
Id put it up there with charging for a handful of tees on the way out the clubhouse.
1- duh
2- I offered a trail free that would more than likely help them come close to breaking even while opening the door to sales in the proshop for carts, as well as the most basic and/or obvious part of ACTUALLY ACCOMMODATING THEIR MEMBERS.
In normal years, you can’t wait before 2pm on weekends. That will likely go back after the rona crazy finishes, but I think they are obligated right now to make it optional by the state. They are making plenty of money off their golfers.
22 bucks for a riding cart – and honestly it doesn’t bother me at all.
I think charging a trail free for a push cart is stupid. May as well charge me a fee for using a golf bag.
I can honestly tell you that every single private golf course that ive been a member of in Ohio charges a cart fee. That includes places like Firestone CC. $32/rd
I don’t think I have ever been to a private club that doesn’t charge for carts. Most offer a trail fee to make it easier.
My club (semi-private) charges us an extra $50/month on our dues to use their carts. I can live with that – in the long run it’s a lot cheaper than owning/maintaining my own personal cart. As much as I play, it comes out to just over $3 per round.
Interesting. Our courses charge a "walking /trail fee" but they couldnt care less whos push cart you use as they dont provide an offering for one. I dont even know what our daily 18hole cart fee is as i prepay a flat fee of $850 in advance for the entire year of unlimited cart useage. Im guessing its right around $20-22. Im saving a ton when i play 50-60-70+ rds a year. The nice thing is that it applies to all three of our clubs.
I think a "trail fee" is fine as long as its super cheap. But a trail fee on top of push cart rental AND you cant bring your own is way bogus.
Yea same here. Now, what they charge is wildly all over the map lol.
The trail fee I proposed would be basically the price of 20 rounds walking.
In the obscenely booked sheet of 2020 I played 57 times and maybe walked 20, MAYBE.
I’ve got a list easily 20 long of guys ready to pay a trail fee who normally carry. I was in it to help the course and my back – but to hell if I am going to use one of theirs.
That whole situation is just so puzzling to me. I can’t imagine what they’re thinking.
I was told that it would be cost detrimental because some members walk a **** ton so it would cost them.
But, their walking cart fees = a LOT less than my membership fees.
well yea. Hell no to that. Did they just balk at it? Not even consider it? Is it a board decision or a different process? Sorry. Just wondering. Seems really strange t me they dont want the trail fee. Unless theyre concerned about a pace of play issue or something. (which is also bogus but at least a reason). My home course allows walk. Allows push carts. Can pay a trail fee in advance or by the round its up to you. However, Fox Meadows isnt really a great layout for walking. Weymouth is great however.
Well, I was the board president for the last year and a half, so if it was a board decision it would have passed lmao
It’s an ownership thing. Not sure how it was presented, but it was declined.
Sorry i hijacked the distance debate lol.
I love it. I’m just glad the shows generate conversation. We’re effectively Off Course and I am great with it.
Means a lot that you listen.
I had many hours in the car this weekend and listen to multiple episodes. This one has been the top so far. Well done and thank you @JB for adding to the conversation and controversy.
Its a good listen my friend. Always enjoy varying opinions, especially when it helps me see it from the other point of view sometimes. Besides, I enjoy that velvety smooth Candian voice……???.
So none of the data collected by the programs like Arccos and GPS trackers of shot distance were used by the R&A and USGA? And the "ball goes too far…" Right.
They are listening to us I guess. Rangefinders are going to be allowed in some majors this year.
I just read that a little while ago. Welcome to the 21st century, USGA!