Augusta National picked as the only golf course in the world that can handle a growing problem for the PGA Tour

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While golf has been a sport we all love since the 15th century but there’s absolutely no doubting that technological advances have changed the sport.

Players now comfortably hit the ball over 300 yards regularly and even the best par fives in the world often see driver and mid-iron as the play to get to the green.

The conversations on limiting certain equipment – such as balls – or extending courses, have long raged and as time ticks by, players only seem to be hitting it longer and longer.

And with golfers getting longer, it will be interesting to see if courses themselves can get longer.

Augusta National tipped to combat golf’s big hitters

Of course, one golf property that has tried to rein in the long-hitters and stay difficult is Augusta National.

Augusta has made subtle changes over the years to preserve many of its qualities.

And according to Trevor Immelman, the Masters venue remains the only place on earth that can keep golf’s big hitters guessing.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Fried Egg Golf podcast, former Masters winner Immelman spoke about the long hitters of the game and admitted that there’s only Augusta National who can handle them.

“These kids crank it. They don’t even need to be that big,” Immelman said. “I mean Luke Clanton is not a big strapping dude but moves it, that dude is legit, It would not surprise me one bit if he wins on Tour by the end of the year. There’s a whole host of them who move the ball that fast.”

“There’s only place in the world that can handle this, and it’s Augusta National. Because amazingly they have the ability to make enhancements to the course to make the shot value the same as it’s always been.

“Think back to 15, and some of the highlights, and some of the shots we’ve seen from Nicklaus and Tiger on top of that hill. Think about how they’ve had to change that hole to keep the shot value, they’re the only place that can do it.”

Driving distances in 2024 show how far the game has moved on

Technology and the athleticism of the modern golfer mean we have seen some hefty driving in recent years and it seems to only be increasing.

Indeed, looking at 2024, we saw drives edging towards the 500 yard mark at times, with the TOUR average coming in at 296 yards.

A comparison back to when records began in 1987 paints a clear picture, with the average distance on tour being 262.9 yards and not a single player averaging over 300.

Compare that to 2023, where 98 players averaged over 300 yards off the tee, and the conclusion is obvious.