GOLF GAINS
Mark Townsend gets a behind-the-scenes look at the physical prep that underpins elite golf
Modern golf is a power game. For some, that game might be a bit broken due to its one-dimensional nature, but the truth is that for almost every single week on the calendar, length matters and, without it, you’re not going to be a factor.
Anyone who gets paid to hit a golf ball is trying to hit the ball further and the pros are now outgrowing both the equipment and the best courses in the world. Augusta National, home to the Masters, recently purchased land from the adjacent Country Club to extend one of their most iconic holes. At the Old Course in St Andrews, they have had to use tees from other courses to be able to host The Open.
As things stand, we are in the middle of a five-month ‘comment period’ where the debate is over whether the game’s rules makers will be able to limit how far the ball will travel for the professionals.
Along with the big shifts in technology, the modern-day professional has moved with the times. The modern swing needs power and speed. For an easy reference, the number of players 20 years ago capable of driving the ball over 300 yards on the PGA Tour was in single figures; last season we had 99.
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To over-simplify golf and fitness, Gary Player was one of the first to emphasise its importance. Tiger Woods helped make it more mainstream before the game’s other major needle mover, Rory McIlroy, followed suit. Post-lockdown, we witnessed American Bryson DeChambeau embark on a protein shake-centric diet and extreme weight training to move from 23rd on the Driving Distance stats to top of the pile. Along with the additional 50 pounds, he added an extra 20 yards, which brought about a first Major – and the bulk (pun intended) of his peers all doing likewise.
“From a longevity point of view, I didn’t think it was a good idea, but his numbers were incredible,” explains four-time DP World Tour and former US Amateur winner, Richie Ramsay. “Matt Fitzpatrick has done it in a steadier way that has more longevity to it – you need knowledge around you.”
The Scot is one of a revolving number of players who is taking advantage of the European Tour Performance Institute truck ahead of the British Masters at The Belfry. Up-and-coming Aussie Min Woo Lee is working on a speed programme; tournament host and six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo is undergoing a strength test; while Justin Rose, who will be back i
