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Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« on: April 09, 2003, 04:05:22 AM »
*If you've read Geoff Shackelford's new book he warns about what Ian Woosnam says in this article.  And if you have followed any of the threads about Hank Kuehne's prodigious distance this confirms it when he can carry a driver 345 yards.



Mickelson paints a grim future of nothing but big hitters
2003-04-08 16:13 (New York)

    by Erskine McCullough
    
    AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 8 (AFP) - Long-hitting Phil Mickelson is  desperately seeking more distance off the tee so he can carry on  playing professional golf.
    The world number three, who booms the ball 300 yards, admits that's not far enough if he wants to stay at the top.
    "I can see the game changing," warns Mickelson. "I'm looking 10  years down the road.
    "Look at Hank Kuehne. Hank Kuehne can fly the ball 345 yards.  When he is able to chip and putt as good as anybody in the world he will be unbeatable.
    "Look at how driving distance has changed the last 10 years. I  remember when I came out on the tour, 272 or 274 was leading in distance. And now 272 would be the bottom, the bottom five percent.
    "Three-hundred-yard drives are the norm and it's going to get longer. "So the game is evolving, it's changing. And you have to adapt  or change with it. If I don't keep up, I am going to be out of a  job," he explained.
    "I look at the young guys coming through college and the  
physical strength they have now and the ability to swing the club so much faster than many of us on tour today.
    "I use that as a motivation for me to get in the gym to work out, to get stronger and be able to take advantage of some of the technology now days."
    It is a picture that brings dispair to Welshman Ian Woosnam, the 1991 Masters champion.
    "The game to me is gone. I don't like it anymore. It's not fun,"  is his no-holds barred assessment of the effects of the latest technological advances.
    "These new clubs, the balls, they are great and go a long  
distance, but there doesn't seem to be any shape to them.
    "It's just not enjoyable. It's just hit-and-blast at the  
moment."  "The game has changed. It's just hit it as far as you can. There doesn't seem to be any finesse anymore, cut one against the wind, or hook one against the wind, hit one in low."
    Mickelson, still trying to rid himself of the tag of being the  
best player never to have won a major, knows that he still has the distance to challenge here this week.
    "Because of the course changes, it has allowed a longer hitter an ever greater opportunity to win here, because the shorter player is hitting such a longer club in to those holes now and that's a hugh disadvantage. Not just a little one," Mickelson said.
    However Mickelson's one fear here is his lack of "match" fitness after taking time off when his wife had their third child.  After a four-week layoff, Mickelson he played his first  
competitive round last week at Duluth, Georgia.
    "It was more difficult that I thought to get back into it," he
admitted. Now Mickelson refuses to consider what might happen this week. "I'm really not going to worry about the outcome or the result.  I'm just going to try as best I can," he said.
    If Woods stumbles, that might just be enough for Mickelson to  win the one major he has always insisted plays to his strength.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

John Nixon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2003, 06:49:25 AM »
Last I checked, Tiger is not "desperately seeking more distance" to remain in golf. If Phil would learn to rein his swing in a bit and give his much-vaunted short game a better chance to make birdies and eagles instead of save pars he wouldn't be so desperate. Lots of long hitters out there, be it on the PGA tour or the long hitters competitions. IF they develop a short game, they might start winning.

The tour players all have equal access to the same equipment. Putting aside the issue of the effect of increased length on the game as a whole, hasn't the game always had the potential to be  easier for the longer hitter? I don't see how that's changed.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Steve_L.

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2003, 06:56:45 AM »
Redanman,

I played with the ProV1x last Friday - with similar experiences.  One hole at my club I hit my drive through a fairway on a dogleg right, into a lake - 336 yards from the front tee cut according to my yardage book.  I've never been within 25 yards of the pond before.

Experiencing the first hand absurdity of today's technology has me worried more than ever...

And - what about Ben Crane's drive on 18 at Sugarloaf...  It's all just getting a little silly.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Tim_Weiman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2003, 08:43:34 AM »
Steve L:

More than a little silly......the golf technology arms race is becoming very silly.

The good news about the new ProV1x is that maybe it can help people understand how absurd the situation has become.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
Tim Weiman

ForkaB

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2003, 10:29:56 AM »
I think this is an outrage!  The USGA should be ashamed!  Aux barricades citoyens!

PS--Can anybody tell me where to get some ProV1X's at a discount?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Steve_L.

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2003, 10:50:22 AM »
Rich,

Pro V1x's at a discount..?  There are a couple in the lake left of the green at #13 at my home course - will require a little "sweat equity"...

Tim,

I'm more worried that the ProV1x will create more euphoria amongst the masses than concern...  
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2003, 10:53:41 AM »
Each new wonderball does create its own euphoria, with those from Titleist seeming to get the most "buzz".

As for this ProV1x, a very reliable source who will go un-named (unless he wants to chime in here, he is a semiregular) informed me it's useless for anyone with less than 120mph swing speed.  That being said, I hit the snot out of the few I used, and I sure as hell don't get anywhere near those speeds... In any case, Shivas and I left a few in various odd places at Pasa, Rich.  Some sweat equity involved there also but hey, you can't beat the price!   ;)

TH
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Steve_L.

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2003, 10:55:44 AM »
My swing speed is short of 120 - but there IS something with that ball...  Maybe the planets just aligned right, I'll test the theory again tomorrow...
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Bob_Huntley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2003, 10:57:33 AM »
Rich.

Purely in the interests of science I must breakdown and buy a ball, horrors.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2003, 10:58:00 AM »
I had the same experience, Steve... as did redanman apparently... now the famous redanman may well get up to 120 - he does bring it.  But me, I am most definitely not close... still, I hit some incredibly long drives with this ball, longer than the old ProV1 or ProV1*.  There is something about it all right, I just don't know what.

TH
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Tiger_Bernhardt

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2003, 11:00:29 AM »
I watch alot of guys hit balls yesterday and the big man from N Ireland striking the ball better than anyone including tiger.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2003, 11:01:37 AM »
damn, now you tell me, after I didn't take him in my draft...  ;)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

JSlonis

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2003, 11:08:33 AM »
I won't attest to the scientific aspect, but for me the Pro V1X is 10-20 yards longer with my driver and a 1/2 club longer on the irons compared with the Pro V1* I used last year.  I drove it places on my home course that I've never been before...and it's still a cool wet Spring.

When is enough...enough?  The USGA doesn't seem to know.  

I was honestly surprised at how much further this ball traveled off the driver!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Robert_Walker

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2003, 11:15:33 AM »
The 1st ProV1 was hotter than the 2nd ProV1, but did not have the feel of the 2nd PrvV1. The 3rd ProV1 has distance and feel of 1 and 2.
But....
It does not go farther than the 1st ProV1.
The Top end Driving distance is the same now as it was 2 years ago.

By the way, did anyone see J Nicklaus's commercial for the air bear?
He says that he is hitting the ball 20 yards farther this year.
20 yards farther, what an original number!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #14 on: April 09, 2003, 11:16:17 AM »
Interesting, Jamie... did you get the same "shock value" when you first used the original ProV1?  I sure didn't.. this new one is the first I've found really noticeably longer.

TH
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #15 on: April 09, 2003, 11:17:56 AM »
Robert - this is all quite unscientific, obviously... but I sure THINK the new ProV1x is going farther for me than the original ProV1 or the ProV1*... maybe it's all mental.

TH
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

ForkaB

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #16 on: April 09, 2003, 11:25:51 AM »
Bob

You needn't go to the expense.  Just ask Tom H where he and shivas hit their wayward shots at Pasa, send your valet up there to muck around in the barancas, and before you know it you'll have saved yourself a few quid!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Bryan_Pennington

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #17 on: April 09, 2003, 11:26:10 AM »
Can someone who has actually played the Pro Vx ball give me an idea of their equipment.  Do you gain the 20+ yards with the Pro Vx only in combination with the newest Titleist, Callaway or Taylor Made big boy drivers?  What about the distance with irons?  Thanks
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #18 on: April 09, 2003, 11:28:55 AM »
Bryan - I've had pretty much the same experience as JSlonis - considerably longer off driver, maybe 1/2 club longer off irons.  These days the bag holds Taylor Made 320 driver and Ping I3 blade irons.

TH
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Steve_L.

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #19 on: April 09, 2003, 11:29:42 AM »
The ball I hit into the lake wasn't mental, I've been playing with ProV1's for awhile now...  I'm not THAT long...  The new ProV has a little extra - I'm sure.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Andy Hodson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #20 on: April 09, 2003, 11:31:59 AM »
Had my first experience with the ProV1x this past weekend. It was the second round of a 36 hole day. First round, hit reg. Pro V: 3 iron on par 3 came up 30 feet short of hole (-10yds); second round hit Pro V1x with same 3 iron 10 yards over green (+15 yards). That's a 25 yard difference in similar conditions.

Without a doubt, the most noticeable difference in a ball I've ever seen. It is seriously loooong.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Steve_L.

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #21 on: April 09, 2003, 11:34:20 AM »
Equipment hasn't changed since driver last summer.  

Titleist 975J-VS
Mizuno MP-29 Irons...
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Bryan_Pennington

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #22 on: April 09, 2003, 11:40:46 AM »
TH & SL

What is the trajectory off the driver. I was really trying to avoid using this ball as I have recently (and reluctantly) changed to a Pro V1, but I can not see giving up the distance to my playing partners.  

Do you use a rule of thumb on you yardages with the Pro Vx, say add a half club or do the higher lofted clubs seem to sail more than the lower lofter clubs.  Thanks
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

THuckaby2

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #23 on: April 09, 2003, 11:44:16 AM »
Bryan - I haven't taken it to this kind of depth yet, it's only been a few rounds.  That being said, the extra 1/2 club off the irons occurred more in the low irons than high... I didn't hit a PW much farther, if that makes any sense.

I also saw no noticeable trajectory difference from old ProV1, but then again, I wasn't really paying that much attention and it's been a small sample so far.

I'd advise giving it a try, at least, if you do want to keep up with your opponents.

TH
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Steve_L.

Re: Mickelson paints a grim picture of the future
« Reply #24 on: April 09, 2003, 11:49:22 AM »
Everyone is different - ball flight, spin, etc. - and there is so much variation between shafts which affect how the clubs perform..  

But... to answer your question - I tend to hit the ball high - my driver is 8.5 degrees...

I've only played one round with the new ball - but I'm putting it to the test tomorrow and friday...  Didn't notice a significant difference in ball flight but slightly more distance with irons...

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

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