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It’s arguably the most divisive debate in golf: whether or not to rein-in technology.

There are many who believe that tighter restrictions should be imposed on equipment – the manufacturing of golf balls and clubheads in particular – in order to preserve older courses which are in danger of being rendered obsolete by the distances gains modern pros are making.

Others take a different view. That’s the camp Jason Day is in.

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In a wide-ranging interview with Golf Digest, the former world No.1 and US PGA champion – one of the biggest hitters on tour – outlined his opposition to the ‘rein it in’ brigade.

Jason Day Distance 2

He said: “Do I want the ball to go shorter? No. Why? Isn’t it fun watching Dustin Johnson crush a drive over a lake 300 yards away? No one wants to see someone plod it down the right and not take it on. That’s boring.

“If you push trying to rein it in too far, then people will stop watching golf. People want to see risk.”

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The Aussie added that he believes that course developments, not equipment manufacturers, are to blame for the current set of circumstances.

“The problem is the architects—some of them, anyway—decided that because the ball is going forever, they need to make courses longer to make them harder,” he said. “No, you don’t. Just be a better architect.”

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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