Player unhappy with new technology

The legendary Gary Player has launched a scathing attack on the technological advances in the game, claiming they are going "out of control."

Player has become dismayed at the fact professionals today are making many golf courses "obsolete" due to the equipment at their disposal.

The 69-year-old South African is a throwback to the days when talent rather than technology was the single overriding factor behind tournament success.

Player, a nine-time major winner who has also designed more than 200 courses across the world, is frustrated the golf clubs and balls now available are making a mockery of the sport.

"They've got it completely wrong, and I'm not an old poop," said Player on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"My opinion is in the best interests of golf. The ball now goes 55 yards further than when we played, and the golf courses are becoming obsolete.

"Look at this week's Open at St Andrews, this wonderful venue, the home of golf, and yet some of these fellows are driving the greens.

"Tiger [Woods] hit a drive 397 yards on the 10th the other day.

"What they have to do, and it's almost unanimous among the pros who play golf and understand the game, is they have to cut the ball back.

"For me, there are three kinds of golf: amateur golf, leave all the equipment as it is and let them enjoy it, and then there's pro golf, leave it as it is.

"But then there's a third category which is tournament golf and for that they have to stop all these grooves on the clubs, which in my opinion are completely illegal.

"You also have to change the ball and bring it back 50 yards. It's absolutely out of control."

Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, while sympathetic to Player's views, feels you cannot stop the advances being made.

"Gary's very firmly of this view, as are a number of players of his generation," said Dawson.

"I wouldn't say I totally disagree with him, but I'm not quite as strong as Gary.

"If you look at the British Golf Museum, you will see golf equipment - balls and clubs - have always been in a state of development.

"People have always sought ways to improve their game. Human endeavour doesn't tend to go backwards. There aren't too many examples of that.

"One thing I do completely disagree with Gary on is that there should be any special equipment for elite players or professionals which is different to the equipment amateurs play with.

"That connection between the average man's game and the elite game is a very strong thing in golf and keeps anticipation at the high levels they are at."

One topic Player and Dawson did concur on was the retirement of another legend in Jack Nicklaus, the 18-times Major winner who bowed out in style on Friday with a birdie at the 18th, and to unbridled scenes of adulation from the galleries.

"He's been a great champion, a great gentleman, who has contributed not only to British golf, but to world golf and played an ambassadorial role for his country," commented Player.

"He's had a great, great career, and what more can a man ask for. He's blessed, and with the greatest major championship career - although he's not won the most tournaments!

"So what a champion."

Dawson added: "I can't recall scenes like I saw on Friday.

"The crowds were out in huge numbers to witness the passing of the world's greatest-ever golfer, and it was a privilege to be here."