EarthGolf

Jack Nicklaus is not one to hold back an opinion, between that and his golf accomplishments, he is somebody who deserves a tremendous amount of respect and admiration. Gene Wojciechowski’s profile of what Nicklaus is up to at ESPN is an interesting read. It highlights Nicklaus’ busy design schedule around the world. He talks about Tiger’s playing schedule and whether or not he should play more - Nicklaus says no. But it’s Nicklaus’ take on new technology that is the most interesting. Not necessarily for what he says - he’s given his opinion in the past on it - rather it’s how he says it.

Nicklaus said he thinks Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has done “a great job.” So I tell him he’s been named Golf Czar and can change anything in the sport.

“Equipment,” he said. “That would be one thing I would do. I would fix the friggin’ equipment.”

The problem is this: The difference between what a pro can do with the latest club technology compared to what an amateur can do with it continues to grow wider. Unless golf’s two ruling bodies can figure out a way to even things up (a standardized golf ball?), the pros will continue to make courses obsolete and create a bigger disconnect with the amateur players.

“The whole idea of the R&A and the USGA is to try to play the same equipment for the average golfer and the pro, and they couldn’t be friggin’ further apart,” Nicklaus said.

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