Nick Faldo had a legendary golf career, winning six majors and reaching number one in the world rankings.
With three Masters titles and three Open Championships, he is often considered one of the greatest European players of all time.
Though he retired from competitive golf years ago, Faldo has stayed connected to the sport through his work as a commentator and analyst.
The Englishman is never shy about voicing his opinions, and recently he stirred up some debate with comments on how today’s game compares to when he played.
Justin Thomas has since responded to those remarks, pointing out what he sees as a major difference between golfers now and then.
Nick Faldo’s take on how modern golf compares to past eras
Speaking to the Sliced Podcast, Faldo suggested that course records from his playing days were harder to achieve than those being set today.
He highlighted Jose Maria Olazabal’s 61 at Firestone as one of the best rounds he has ever witnessed.
Olazabal used several 2- and 3-irons during that round, clubs that many players today do not even carry because of how far they hit the ball with modern equipment.
“I honestly think there should be an asterisk on some of those course records back in the day. One good example was Olazabal shot 61 at Firestone,” Faldo began by saying.
“We were hitting 2 and 3-irons into the par-4s nearly all the time. One of the famous ones was the 9th hole. We used to drive to the top of the hill.
“We had to hit a 3-iron to that green, which was the size of a dinner plate. It was literally a perfectly round green. We were hitting twos- and three-irons to that.
“Then, I was on CBS, and Keegan Bradley whooped his driver down there 350 yards, and he had a gap wedge. I said, ‘That’s not fair.’ It’s not the same golf course, is it?
“If you’ve shot a 62 with a 2-iron in your hand and then suddenly, you’ve shot 62 with wedges all the way, come on. It’s not the same game.”
Justin Thomas addresses Nick Faldo’s comments on changes in golf
Thomas came across a post on Instagram discussing Faldo’s comments and shared his own view in the replies.
He acknowledged that courses might play easier now due to increased driving distances but added that putting surfaces have become much tougher over time.
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Thomas also believes comparing different eras is not helpful, suggesting it is better to respect achievements from any period rather than draw direct comparisons.
“While I agree [with Faldo’s point], greens are much faster and firmer now. Don’t compare generations. Appreciate greatness regardless of when and applaud it,” he stated.
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