Gary Player is unquestionably one of the most successful golfers to have ever graced the game.
With 159 worldwide victories to his name, including nine major championships, Player has a golf résumé that most players can only dream of.
He’s also one of the most outspoken figures in the sport.
Player never backs down from sharing his honest opinions concerning each and every topical situation in professional golf.
Throughout the years, Player has shared his takes on a variety of topics including LIV Golf’s battle with the PGA Tour and many, many other newsworthy debates.
He often talks about how much easier the game is in this day and age compared to when he was winning all of his tournaments.
But what is the biggest difference the diminutive South African has noticed about the way in which the game has evolved?
Gary Player on the big difference in modern golf compared to when he played
Player still regularly shoots in the 70s when he plays nowadays – a truly remarkable feat for someone who is 90 years of age.
However, it is undoubtedly easier to get around a golf course in this day and age, due to vastly improved equipment.
Player took to his X account on Wednesday and highlighted just how important the advancement of technology has been in making the game easier to play.
“One of the main differences of the game today compared to my prime is the equipment,“ Player insisted.
“That’s why it is so difficult to compare players of different eras, it’s a different game.
“Equipment advances have improved the game for every golfer, including myself as I would not have been able to play at the level I do today if the equipment had not advanced as it has.
“And for that, I am thankful.“
Gary Player has changed his tune on golf equipment technology
Back in 2005, Player’s opinion on new technology coming into the game of golf could not have been more different from what it is now.
“There’s not even a debate. There must be a premium on driving. New equipment is ruining the game of golf,” Player insisted.
“I play on the Champions Tour now, and there are guys on it who are shooting scores that they could never shoot when they were young men. It just doesn’t make sense, and it’s ruining golf.”
The diminutive South African then took aim at deep grooves on irons and driver faces with trampoline-face technology.
“I just hate to see what’s happening today with golf clubs that I consider to be illegal,“ Player exclaimed.
“I’d stop the grooves being so deep (on the ball), and I’d stop the trampoline effect in the wood.
“The way to solve all the problems is to quit making metal clubs and go back to wood, but I say that with tongue in cheek.
“If you gave Jack Nicklaus the conditions these guys play in now, none of them (modern-day players) could live with him. Also, there’s nobody on the tour today who could hit the ball as well as Lee Trevino or Ben Hogan.“
Now that Gary Player has reached the age of 90, he obviously appreciates the extra help he gets off the tee with the modern drivers!
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