Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus both hold strong opinions on how the game of golf has changed over the years, and they do not always see eye to eye with the direction things are heading.
Nicklaus had a remarkable 73 PGA Tour wins, including a record 18 major championships. Player’s career spanned even wider, with 159 professional wins around the world, including nine majors.
Their prime years helped shape countless records across golf’s top tours, and their careers left an enormous mark on the sport.
However, modern professional golf is a completely different landscape compared to what they once ruled over.
And, back in 2018, both Player and Nicklaus did not hold back when asked about one particular trend in today’s game.
Gary Player is critical of one aspect of today’s game
Player has never been shy about voicing his opinions on the modern game, often sharing views that spark debate.
That was certainly the case back in 2018 when he spoke to reporters ahead of The Masters at Augusta National.
At the time, both Player and Nicklaus criticised the use of green-reading books. Those books were banned in 2022, though players can still use their own notes about the subtler breaks on each green.
“I’m flabbergasted. I’m not gonna criticise it, but I find it hard to understand when you have in a tournament, I see these guys bringing out a book when they get on the green to look where to putt,” said Player at the time.
“Really, I find this very hard to understand. Jack and I have played many golf courses and exhibitions that we never played the golf course before we broke the course record. I go to a golf course, you can put me on any golf course in the world, I can read the putt as well as if I played it ten times. I’m a professional golfer, this is something I’ve got to be able to do.
“When I go to a golf tournament and you see guys having three practice rounds, then they play two rounds, that’s five rounds on a golf course,” Player continued. “Now they’re playing in the tournament and they look at the book where to putt.”
Jack Nicklaus thinks green-reading books are ‘absurd’
After Player finished, Nicklaus added his own thoughts on the topic.
“I think you’re absolutely dead right. I think it’s absolutely absurd. You’ve gotta swing coach, a mental coach, a chef, a pilot. You got everything. And now you’ve gotta book to tell you how to do it.”
Over time, it does seem like some of the game’s natural ability has been taken out.
Modern drivers are more forgiving and golf balls fly straighter with less curve.
Lob wedges have also made it easier for players to handle flop shots and tricky bunker plays near tight pins.
Aim Point is another example of how golf has become more mechanical, moving away from the creativity that once defined it.
While green-reading books are now banned in tournaments, players can still make their own notes during practice rounds.
The sport looks very different compared to 20 years ago, with many changes improving certain aspects of the game.
But there is still a sense that some of the old shot-making ability has faded away over time.
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