Lee Westwood/Pete Cowen on Modern Drivers & Balls

St_Hubbins · December 12, 2011, 7:42am

Found the article below via Geoff Shackelford’s blog. Interesting comments from Lee Westwood’s coach, Pete Cowen, about the effect of modern equipment on the driving game in pro golf today.

Also note his comments about a desire to return to persimmon and balata on courses of suitable length. Good to see!!

Link to full article

Not exactly working to Westwood’s advantage, however, is one of the least appealing aspects of modern golf at the top level. One of the finest drivers of this or any other generation, the 38-year-old Englishman’s edge is diminished hugely by the combination of large-headed metal clubs and a ball that all but refuses to move sideways in the air.

“The modern game actually hurts Lee in terms of his driving,” confirms swing coach, Pete Cowen “You used to be able to win tournaments by driving it great like he does. Ian Woosnam did that. So did Nick Price. And Greg Norman. In comparison, the poor drivers couldn’t get round the courses. But the game at the top level isn’t like that any more. Because of the technology, everyone is a decent driver, almost to the point where the art of driving has been lost. So there is even more pressure on the putting.

“I’d love to see these guys out there with persimmon woods and balata balls. Not on 7,500-yard courses mind; no one would get round. But on a 7,000-yard course the superior driver would have the opportunity to separate himself from the rest. In those circumstances Lee would win far more often than he does now.”

LipOut · December 13, 2011, 2:20am

You and I think alike Mr. Hubbins! I wrote something up on this topic and posted some swing video last night over here: http://www.persimmongolftoday.org

St_Hubbins · December 13, 2011, 4:59am

Cheers Lip Out - great minds etc.