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Credit: Golf.com
It takes an elite mind to reach the top of any sport, but golf, more than most, is a mental game. To understand what goes on inside the mind of a PGA Tour Pro is beyond cool. Sure, these surveys are about as American as shooting hot dogs out of a cannon at sports events (yes, they actually do that) and bears a striking resemblance to the “Mic’d Up” players in the NFL and, more recently, MLS. However, there are some very interesting answers. We’ve picked out a few (and avoided the political ones for obvious reasons).
Distance & Equipment
76% of the 59 players who participated said that they are NOT concerned about players hitting the ball too far. One player cited the evolution of equipment as an issue; claiming it “has taken a ton of skill away from the game”. However, 93% of players believe the PGA Tour courses are about right in length, with the other 7% believing they are generally too long.
Only 5% of players have signed an equipment deal believing it to be a downgrade. Of course money talks, but it appears that Tour players generally do prioritise performance (as they should). Therefore, it may just be worth keeping an eye on the more popular manufacturers on Tour.
Unruly Behaviour
From fans to players, unruly behaviour has no place in golf… Although many players believe it does. 44% say they have seen a fellow player cheat (although 0% admitted to doing so themselves), with one saying “The Tour is a joke when it comes to enforcing the rules.” More than half of them claim that unruly fans have cost them a shot, with some saying it happens every week but others joking that they don’t pull large enough crowds for that to be an issue (probably not Tiger).
Nearly half admitted to playing a tournament round hungover. It didn’t always end too badly (see Eddie Pepperrell at The Open), with scores as low as 61 and 60 with a hangover. Did we just discover the secret to Tour-level golf? No. No we didn’t.
Tiger & Phil
Sorry, but we can’t ignore it. 98% reckon Tiger will win another tournament and 90% think he’ll win another major. He’s also a clear favourite in the Mickelson Money Match. They weren’t questioned on their interest in the match, although 10% refused to comment and one player asked “Who cares? Maybe I would’ve 15 years ago.” I can’t imagine many would oppose that view.
There was a 54% majority in Phil’s favour regarding his Shinnecock shenanigans; saying he shouldn’t have been disqualified.
Views on driving distance and equipment are definitely what caught my eye most, although the comments on cheating and fans- specifically calling the PGA Tour “A joke”- are something you wouldn’t get without the anonymity. And, if you fancy a flutter next season, the overwhelming belief in Tiger from the guys who should know best should tell you where the smart money is. That said, in 2017 they voted Jordan Spieth the best putter on Tour. In 2018 he ranked 136 in Strokes Gained: Putting. Anything can happen in golf.
Written by Joe Carabini
