Bryson DeChambeau, along with his Gaslighters GC team, has spoken out against a potential rollback of golf equipment regulations. The comments came during a press conference ahead of this week’s LIV Golf event in South Africa.
DeChambeau’s Argument: Athleticism vs. Equipment
DeChambeau argued that drivers from 2009 are “relatively the same” as current models. He attributed the increase in distance to athletic ability and players being more aggressive.
Paul Casey added that players deserve more credit for their athleticism. He also stated that equipment manufacturers are simply “doing what they do” to improve club and ball performance.
Casey also pointed out that architects have pushed out golf courses and built more houses. He did not mention that this was to keep up with equipment technology.
Lahiri Joins the Discussion
Anirban Lahiri stated that some of the hardest golf courses are also among the shortest, using Valderrama as an example. He also noted that being on LIV’s schedule sets a low bar for a test provided by a venue. “It doesn’t even compare to the last 10 U.S. Open venues, but it plays like a U.S. Open.”
Lahiri argued that the focus on equipment is an “unfair argument” and that there are many facets to consider. He said, “So it’s not just about equipment. Like Paul said, there’s so many facets, but everybody only talks about that.”
DeChambeau then questioned the goals of golf’s governing bodies. “What are the bodies of golf trying to accomplish?” Bryson asked. “Are they trying to preserve the traditions and history of the game, or are they tr
Comparing LIV Golf and U.S. Open Scores
The average winning score of the last three U.S. Opens – a 72-hole championship – is -5.67.
The last three winning scores at LIV Golf Andalucia – all 54-hole tournaments – were -8, -5, and -12, for an average winning score of -8.33.
- LIV Golf Andalucia winning scores average: -8.33 (54 holes)
- U.S. Open winning scores average: -5.67 (72 holes)
According to Casey, OEMs aren’t to blame because they’re “doing what they do” to make better-performing clubs and balls.
Lahiri stated Valderrama plays like a U.S. Open, although being on LIV’s schedule sets a low bar for a test provided by a venue.